Mushrooms are one of many foods that are equally known for their unique taste and healing properties. This superfood has a countless range of health benefits. Here are top 8 reasons why mushrooms are good for health and effects of the commonly consumed varieties of mushrooms.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits of mushrooms
Improve immunity
Riboflavin present in the mushrooms helps in proper functioning and maintenance of the red blood cells. They improve the production of anti-viral proteins and repair of body tissues. Mushrooms also help in maturation of immune cells and improve an action of defence mechanism against microbes. Here are some other foods you can eat to improve your immunity.
Keep sugar levels in check
Mushrooms contain the enzymes and compounds that act as natural insulin and help in breakdown of dietary compounds into simple sugars. They also contain compounds that promote proper functioning of a liver, pancreas and other endocrine glands, thereby regulating an action of insulin in the body.
Good for sexual health
Mushrooms are packed with zinc that helps in improving your sexual life by acting on the genital organs, especially in males. The regular consumption of zinc-rich mushrooms is found to improve the sperm count and fertility in men. Here are some food items you can eat to improve your fertility.
Prevent cancer
Linoleic acid present in the mushroom acts as an anti-carcinogenic compound that helps in prevention against the breast cancer by suppressing the harmful effects caused due to an excess estrogen levels in body. These foods also contain beta-glucans which act as anti-tumor agents and help in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells in case of prostate cancer.
Control the blood pressure
Potassium in mushrooms helps in maintaining the normal fluid and mineral balance in the body and thus helps in controlling the blood pressure levels. They also contain copper which enhances the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells.
Improve the brain health
Niacin and copper found in mushrooms promote the function of nervous system and keep the nerves healthy. These foods contain panthothenic acid i.e, vitamin B5 which is essential for production of various hormones that play a very important role in the proper functioning of brain .
Help in weight loss
Mushrooms are very helpful in reducing the weight as they are low in carbohydrate and fat content in addition to being loaded with fibre and proteins. B-Complex vitamins found in these foods helps in increasing the body metabolism and thus, burning body fat to produce energy .
Good for the heart health
Mushrooms are low in fats and high in the lean protein that helps to make it a perfect food for heart health. Selenium, a mineral present in these foods acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects the body cells from damage. They help in balancing the LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in the body thereby preventing the risk of various cardiovascular diseases.
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