“oysterMushrooms are one of the most popular food items out there, but most people don’t actually know what makes mushrooms so healthy. For example, do you know why eating more mushrooms may be good for your gut health? Or how eating them can help protect against cancer? Read on to learn about five reasons why you should include more mushrooms in your diet.
1) Boosts Immunity
The antioxidants in mushrooms help protect cells from free radicals, which are thought to promote cancer. They also appear to boost immune function. And some preliminary research suggests that certain compounds found in mushrooms may help inhibit inflammation and fight infection. All these properties make mushrooms an ideal addition to your diet if you’re trying to prevent or control infections such as colds and flu. In fact, a small study published in 2011 found that people who consumed regular doses of mushroom extract had higher levels of antibodies than those who took a placebo.The antioxidants in mushrooms help protect cells from free radicals, which are thought to promote cancer. They also appear to boost immune function. And some preliminary research suggests that certain compounds found in mushrooms may help inhibit inflammation and fight infection. All these properties make mushrooms an ideal addition to your diet if you\’re trying to prevent or control infections such as colds and flu. In fact, a small study published in 2011 found that people who consumed regular doses of mushroom extract had higher levels of antibodies than those who took a placebo.
2) Relieves Stress
Studies show that mushrooms can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that leads to stress and anxiety. Cortisol is important for controlling blood sugar, but high levels can wreak havoc on your body and can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Luckily, several studies have found that consuming mushrooms regularly helps keep cortisol at healthy levels. For example, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that eating just 3 ounces per day led to significant reductions in salivary cortisol—reductions similar to those seen after taking anti-anxiety medication. While it’s unclear exactly how much you need to eat each day for these effects, going easy on morels won’t hurt! And remember: A little bacon never hurt anyone either.
3) Keeps you Slimmer
A 2009 study found that overweight women who ate two servings of mushrooms a day lost significantly more weight than those on a similar diet without mushrooms. The study authors hypothesized that mushrooms are good for you because they’re high in B vitamins and contain protein, fiber, zinc, and antioxidants. But since no one knows for sure what’s causing these effects or why, it’s hard to say whether eating more mushrooms would have any effect on your weight loss efforts. Still, it can’t hurt to give them a try if you like them!
4) Helps with Depression
Consuming mushrooms may help alleviate symptoms of depression, especially when combined with physical activity. Exercising in conjunction with mushroom consumption can improve mood and energy levels more than taking a placebo can. The combination also improves overall health by increasing heart rate variability (HRV), which helps reduce stress and anxiety. When you exercise regularly, your body becomes accustomed to these changes, so it’s important to keep your body guessing by mixing up your routine from time to time. You don’t have to sign up for an intense boot camp or marathon—you just need to make sure you’re doing something different every once in a while! If you normally run on Monday mornings, try going for a bike ride instead on Tuesday; if you usually go swimming on Wednesday nights, go for a hike instead on Thursday. A little bit of variety goes a long way toward keeping your body healthy!
5) Improves Digestion
Research has shown that mushrooms are particularly effective at boosting digestive enzymes, which help break down food as it passes through your gut. These enzymes boost your body’s ability to absorb important nutrients, like vitamin B-12 and potassium. (Potassium is a key component in water balance, muscle control and nerve health.) In fact, some researchers believe that eating mushrooms could be just as beneficial for your digestion as probiotics. But unlike dairy-based probiotics—which may be missing nutrients after pasteurization—mushrooms can’t be damaged by cooking or freezing and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. And if you don’t eat mushrooms often enough? Your body will actually start to crave them!