A little nutritional info about various mushrooms, remember that mushrooms can be used in most dishes, and are great to use in omelets. What may not be as well known to everyone is that some mushrooms can be used to fight more serious viruses and diseases. Mushrooms are a rich source of various nutrients, including B vitamins, minerals like selenium and potassium, and vitamin D
Lifestyle blogger
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years across Chinese, Japanese, Siberian, and Greek cultures to boost immunity, promote longevity, and treat illnesses. Ancient civilizations prized species like Reishi for immortality, Cordyceps for energy, and Amadou mushroom for wound healing. These ancient remedies laid the foundation for modern studies on immune enhancement and cognitive support.
Yes for thousands of years, eastern healers have exploited the many health benefits of mushrooms, and recently, Western doctors and researchers have also become more aware of their medicinal properties.
For example, did you know that mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps reduce high blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke? A Portobello mushroom actually has more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice.
It is also well known that mushrooms are low in carbohydrates, low in calories, and free of cholesterol and fat. What may not be as well known to everyone is that some mushrooms can be used to fight more serious viruses and diseases.
Mushrooms are also a rich source of riboflavin (also called vitamin B2 and vitamin G), niacin (also known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3), and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that, together with vitamin E, protects cells from free radicals, for example. Male healthcare workers who had twice the selenium intake as normal reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 65 percent.
Note: "Mushrooms contain substances that fight cancer," said researcher Shiuan Chen, of the Beckman Research Institute. Chen's lab experiments showed that mushrooms contain mechanisms that block the growth of prostate cancer cells and breast cancer cells. Other research has found that mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and protects cells in the body.
Oyster mushrooms: Used to strengthen blood vessels and relax tendons. Dried oyster mushrooms contain a lot of iron. This mushroom is also a good source of vitamin B6, protein, zinc, copper and potassium.
Portobello: Contains various types of B-complex vitamins. They are also a good source of riboflavin, Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), nicotinic acid (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, selenium, zinc, copper, iron and manganese.
Chanterelle: Is rich in protein and dietary fiber as well as the B vitamin niacin and the trace elements copper and selenium. It is a good source of beta-carotene, riboflavin, iron and potassium as well.
Porcini mushrooms: Are low in calories and high in fiber. They are also rich in vitamin D, pantothenic acid, niacin and copper, as well as a source of riboflavin.
Morel: contains protein, vitamins D and B, Riboflavin, Niacin, and thiamine which helps the body maintain a healthy metabolism. They are also a good source of copper, selenium and potassium.
Shiitake: Research shows that this mushroom lowers cholesterol. Shiitake also appears to be effective against serious viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B. It is also used to fight cancer.
Reishi: The mushroom, which in Norway is called lacquer-kjuke, is probably the world's most widely used medicinal mushroom.
Reishi has been one of the most respected immune-boosting agents in oriental medicine for centuries. For the Taoists, this is the "mushroom that grants immortality", and it was once eaten only by royalty.
In Japan, the use of reishi is considered a proven treatment for some types of cancer, and it has been used safely and with good effect, often in combination with other medications and radiation therapy. It has been documented that reishi can help reduce the side effects of various chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and at the same time help restore the immune system.
There is reason to believe that reishi can have a lowering effect on both high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. In Asia, the mushroom is also used to strengthen the cardiovascular system. The mushroom is said to be particularly beneficial for people with asthma and respiratory problems.