11 key benefits why you should consume more mushrooms this season.
The transition between
the dry and the rainy seasons is characterized by the up-spring of mushrooms
which are a delicacy in most communities. Despite being a popular delicacy in
most communities, the health and nutritional benefits are not that popular.
Let’s take this time out to meducate ourselves of the health and nutritional
benefits of mushrooms.
There are various types
of mushrooms and unfortunately some are poisonous. So to be on the safe side, I
would suggest you go to the market. If you are in Bamenda, Total Nkwen would be
a favorite destination.
1.
Ergothioneinine is a naturally
occurring antioxidant that protects the body's cells against oxidative stress
which may slow down the aging process. Mushrooms are the richest source of
erogthioneinine. So in the bid to physically cheat nature of your appearance,
increased consumption of mushrooms would be way to stay “forever young”. Looking
at Pharrell Williams, I am sure he has high levels of erogthioneinine.
2.
Mushrooms are good sources of some B vitamins like Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, Pantothenic acid or Vitamin B5, and Niacin or Vitamin B3. These B vitamins play an essential
role in the nervous system and provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate,
fat, and protein.
3.
Mushrooms are also a good
source of some important minerals like selenium, potassium, and copper.
· Selenium, an antioxidant, can keep
the body’s cells healthy and prevent heart disease and cancer. Selenium also
promotes a strong immune system and fertility in men. Mushrooms are the richest
vegetable source of selenium. This is especially good news for vegetarians
since selenium is often found in animal foods.
· Copper
keeps our bones and nerves healthy. Moreover, copper helps make red
blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body.
· Potassium
helps control blood pressure since it helps maintain normal fluid and
mineral balance. It also helps the nerves, the heart, and other muscles
function normally.
4.
Mushrooms are one of the very few foods
which contain Vitamin D. Vitamin D is
important for strong and healthy bones since it helps us absorb the calcium from our diet. Deficiencies in
vitamin D can lead to soft, thin, and brittle bones; a condition called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in
children.
6.
They
have special bioactive compounds called Beta-Glucans that have been known to exhibit anti-tumor
(anti-cancer) activity. Making it a suitable drug candidate against various
forms of cancer
7.
Due to low starch content and
low cholesterol, they suit diabetic patients and patients with heart conditions.
8.
Mushrooms as functional foods
are used as nutrient supplements to enhance immunity in the form of tablets.
Probably due to the high Selenium content.
9.
Anti-microbial effects of a
large number of mushroom varieties and mushroom components on both
gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria have been confirmed via in vitro studies.
A small number of studies in animals have been undertaken and the data suggest
that the anti-microbial effects in vivo may be mediated by
effects of the immune system.
10.
Mushrooms are very helpful to
people suffering of constipation. This is probably due to their high fiber
content.
11.
Mushrooms have hypoglycemic effect making
it a suitable meal for diabetic individuals. Their hypoglycemic effects lower
blood sugar levels.
So I guess with these 11
foolproof benefits of consuming more mushrooms starting today, would go a long
way to enable us live healthier lives. For a healthy life is a happy life.
And remeber, if you have any health concerns do not hesitate to reach out to Dtor SEA
 | |||
| Dr. Susan Enjema Aweh a.k.a Dtor SEA |
Contact Dtor SEA here or Follow her on Facebook @ Dr. SEA Initiative
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