Mushrooms make healthy meal magic (2024)

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Mushrooms make healthy meal magic (1)

Kjersten Nett, RDN, LD

Nutrition

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Mushrooms make healthy meal magic (5)

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Mushrooms make healthy meal magic (6)

Mushrooms can be found in so many dishes, from omelets to stir-fries, that they're often overlooked. But mushrooms not only are versatile, they also provide a variety of health benefits ranging from brain health to cancer prevention. They're naturally low in sodium and fat, two things that can affect heart health by raising blood pressure.

There are more health-related reasons for eating these almost-magical fungi, including:

  • Cancer prevention
    Researchers have found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. How many mushrooms do you need to eat? The recommended amount is as few as two medium per day.
  • Brain health
    Mushrooms also are a natural source of fiber, which promotes gut health by feeding the "good" bacteria in the intestines. These bacteria have been found to make neurotransmitters or chemicals that send messages between nerves. These neurotransmitters promote mood stability, concentration, brain health and mental well-being. One mushroom that's been getting a lot of attention when it comes to brain health is lion's mane, identified by its long, white, fluffy top. Early research shows the lion's mane's potential to protect against neurological damage and promote the growth of nerve tissue, which is important for those with Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.
  • Vitamin D increase
    Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from sunlight or a UV lamp, contain vitamin D, a vital nutrient that can be hard to come by in nature. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, strengthening bones and teeth. Appropriate vitamin D levels also are linked to preventing dementia, Type 2 diabetes and risk of premature death.
  • Micronutrients source
    These tiny amounts of nutrients support a healthy immune system. Mushrooms are one of the best sources of selenium, which helps your body make antioxidants that can reduce cell damage.
  • B vitamins source
    Mushrooms are a good source of vitamins B2, B3, B5 and B9, also known as folate. B vitamins are essential for cell growth and formation. This means that your hair, skin and nails could become more healthy, as well as your brain and heart.
  • Calcium and potassium increase
    A recent study by Mayo Clinic showed that adding more calcium and potassium to your diet may prevent kidney stones from forming and recurring.

How to use mushrooms in meals

The mushroom you may be most familiar with is the common button mushroom. But there are thousands of mushroom varieties in various shapes, sizes and colors. Mushrooms grow in the wild, but safe varieties may be hard to identify, so it's best to stick to the farm-grown varieties found at your supermarket.

Taste and texture vary from one type of mushroom to the next. Button or cremini mushrooms are milder in flavor and have a softer texture than shiitake mushrooms, which are chewier and have an earthier flavor. While canned and fresh mushrooms have health benefits, fresh mushrooms have a different texture.

One distinctive characteristic of mushrooms is they provide umami to dishes. Umami often is considered the fifth basic taste, along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. This brothy, savory taste makes it a good meat alternative. Try replacing one-quarter to one-half of the meat in a recipe with chopped mushrooms. Add mushrooms to dishes across a world of cuisines, including soups, salads, casseroles and pastas.

Before using them raw or prepping to cook, clean mushrooms under gently running water to rinse away any dirt, or brush with a damp paper towel.

If you need a little inspiration as you explore the health benefits and versatility of mushrooms, give these recipes from Mayo Clinic a try.

Kjersten Nett is a dietitian in Nutrition in Albert Lea and Austin, Minnesota.

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Mushrooms make healthy meal magic (2024)

FAQs

Are mushrooms a healthy meal? ›

Mushrooms contain high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium can help prevent cell damage in our bodies, vitamin D helps with cell growth, and vitamin B6 helps our bodies form red blood cells. All of these nutrients in mushrooms help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Do mushrooms actually have health benefits? ›

Edible mushrooms are low in calories, nutritious, anti-inflammatory, and help support immune health. Their consumption has been linked to protection against a number of conditions, including cognitive decline, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

What's the healthiest way to eat mushrooms? ›

The researchers concluded that the best way to cook mushrooms while still preserving their nutritional properties is to grill or microwave them, as the fried and boiled mushrooms showed significantly less antioxidant activity.

Is it good to eat mushrooms every day? ›

You can. Mushrooms are incredibly healthy and contain many of the nutrients our bodies need to function well. So, like most things, mushrooms can be eaten often as part of a balanced diet. However, unlike most things, eating mushrooms every day will come with more good than bad!

Which mushroom is the healthiest? ›

Some of the mushrooms considered best for human health include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, cordyceps and maitake. Often considered vegetables, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. They belong to a unique kingdom of fungi.

Is it healthier to eat mushrooms raw or cooked? ›

The Takeaway. While most store-bought mushrooms are safe to eat raw, cooking is still the safer way to go, because it eliminates the risk of unpleasant digestive issues. Select foraged mushrooms carefully, always cook them, and consume them in small amounts.

Can you eat too many mushrooms? ›

However, while consuming edible varieties of mushrooms is generally considered safe, overindulgence may lead to digestive issues,weight gain due to calorie overload, or mild toxic effects. It's essential to be mindful of the type and amount consumed and to adhere to recommended daily intake guidelines.

Are mushrooms protein or carbs? ›

Mushrooms contain a high amount of protein content with an average value of 23.80 g/100 g dry weight (DW). Mushroom proteins have lately gained acceptance in the food industry in view of their high nutritional value and complete essential amino acids [5–7].

Are mushrooms healthier than meat? ›

Without a doubt, mushrooms are a good meat substitute although they are not packed with protein. However these little miracles surpass meat in many characteristics: they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals for instance selenium, zinc, vitamin B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12.

Is spinach or mushrooms healthier? ›

Spinach is rich in vitamins A and K, iron, and fiber. Mushrooms are a good source of B-vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The healthiness depends on your specific nutritional needs, so incorporating both into your diet can provide a well-rounded set of nutrients.

Should you wash mushrooms? ›

He recommends that mushrooms grown in compost should be quickly rinsed in cold water, drained, sliced immediately, and fully cooked to develop the flavor and reduce the chance of a food-borne illness. Mushrooms should only be cleaned when you are ready to use them.

Are canned mushrooms as healthy as fresh? ›

Canned mushrooms have the same nutritional content as fresh mushrooms. However, the added sodium from the canning brine (saltwater) is something to consider if you are trying to limit how much sodium you have. The phosphorus in canned mushrooms helps red cells deliver oxygen and may give you more energy.

What should not be eaten with mushrooms? ›

For instance, mushrooms can be quite overpowering when combined with some fruits and sweet foods such as ice cream or fruit salad. As a result, it's generally considered poor food pairing etiquette to put mushrooms into these dishes.

Do mushrooms promote hair growth? ›

However, there is evidence that increasing mushroom intake can also help to stimulate healthier, thicker hair. One of the additional reasons for this is because mushrooms have a high amount of selenium in them. This nutrient is critical for the growth of healthy hair structure.

Are mushrooms a superfood? ›

Low in calories, rich in nutrients, fits any meal

Mushrooms are known for adding a delicious flavor to dishes and side dishes. But they also pack a powerful nutrition punch. In fact, they are often touted as a superfood, and for good reason.

Are mushrooms good or bad for weight loss? ›

Providing protein and fiber, mushrooms have also been found to be beneficial for weight loss. Mushrooms have unusually high levels of the essential vitamin, vitamin D. One of the key health benefits that separate mushrooms from most other produce is that they can help to increase vitamin D levels.

Can I eat mushroom in dinner for weight loss? ›

Fiber-Rich Food: Mushrooms are high in fiber content that will not only help in reducing weight but will keep the stomach satiated for a longer duration. Low Calories and Fat: Mushrooms are low in calories and that also makes it one of the ideal foods to include in a weight loss diet.

Is mushroom protein or carb? ›

Mushrooms are low in calories, have virtually no fat and no cholesterol, and are very low in sodium. Three ounces of raw mushrooms, about 1 cup, provide 1 to 2 grams of protein. Mushrooms contain an indigestible carbohydrate called chitin that contributes “bulk” to our diet.

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