10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD EAT MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms are fungi and there are 14,000 species but only 3,000 are edible. 700 are known to have medicinal uses. Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in cooking and as medicine. Many people enjoy picking it in the woods but it's a challenge identifying the nonpoisonous ones. The most commonly consumed is the Agaricus bisporus or the white button mushroom. Agaricus bisporus has two forms, Crimini or the brown mushrooms that has a more earthy flavour and are firmer to touch and the Potabella mushrooms that has the umbrella cap shape and has a meaty flavour. Mushrooms contain very useful nutrients that the body can not do without.

Here are ten useful nutrients found in Mushrooms.

1. Mushrooms are low in Calories. They contain only 100 cal/oz. They are low in fat and 9 to 10% is fibre. This makes mushrooms ideal for people who wants to reduce weight.

2. Mushrooms are excellent source of potassium an important mineral that aids in maintaining normal fluid and mineral balance in the body which helps to control blood pressure and the risk of stroke.

3. Mushrooms contain Selenium which is an important antioxidant that protects the body cells from heart diseases and some types of cancers.

4. Mushrooms are rich in Iron which is responsible for production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells.

5. Mushrooms contain substantial amount of Copper that is essential in making red blood cells.

6. Mushrooms also contain Ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps to protect the body's cells.

7. Mushrooms provides a great source of Dietary fibre that helps in digestion.

8. Mushrooms are a good source of Pantothenic acid (B5) a B vitamin that helps in the production of hormones and plays an important role in the function of the nervous system.

9. Mushrooms contain Niacin(B3) which helps promote healthy skin and ensures the digestive system and the nervous systems function properly.

10. Mushrooms are a good source of Riboflavin (B2) a B vitamin which aids growth and reproduction of hair, skin, nails and alleviates eye fatigue and sore around the mouth.

So you see, mushrooms contain so many minerals and vitamins that the body can not do without.

Mushroom is good for health and adds great texture and flavour to food. You can read more at the sites below.