benefits of mushroom

Mushrooms can be used fordyeingwooland other natural fibers. Thechromophoresofmushroom dyesare organic compounds and produce strong and vivid colors, and all colors of the spectrum can be achieved with mushroom dyes. Before the invention of syntheticdyes, mushrooms were the source of many textile dyes.

Potassiumis an important mineral many people do not get enough of. It aids in the maintenance of normal fluid and mineral balance, which helps control blood pressure. It also plays a role in making sure nerves and muscles, including the heart, function properly2. Mushrooms have 98376 mg of potassium per 84 gram serving, which is 311 percent of the Daily Value.

Betaglucans, found in numerous mushroom species, have shown marked immunitystimulating effects, contribute to resistance against allergies and may also participate in physiological processes related to the metabolism of fats and sugars in the human body. The betaglucans contained in oyster, shiitake and split gill mushrooms are considered to be the most effective..

Umami is the fifth basic taste after sweet, salty, bitter and sour. Derived from the Japanese word umai, meaning anddelicious,andumami (pronounced ooMAHmee) is described as a savory, brothy, rich or meaty taste sensation. Its a satisfying sense of deep, complete flavor, balancing savory flavors and fullbodied taste with distinctive qualities of aroma and mouthfeel.8The more umami present in food, the more flavorful it will be. All mushrooms are a rich source of umami and the darker the mushroom the more umami it contains.

This a simple visual reference and educational tool that reminds Americans how and what to eat to best meet the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Thanks to their nutrientprofile and versatility, mushrooms are uniquely suited to do just that. Fresh mushrooms can be added to everyday dishes to provide an extra serving of vegetables and deliver important nutrients including niacin, selenium, and riboflavin. Mushrooms also have vitamin D, ergothionene, and potassium.

Seleniumis a mineral that works as an antioxidant to protect body cells from damage that might lead to heart disease, some cancers and other diseases of aging2. It also has been found to be important for the immune system and fertility in men3. Many foods of animal origin and grains are good sources of selenium, but mushrooms are among the richest sources of selenium in the produce aisle and provide 822 mcg per serving4. This is good news for vegetarians, whose sources of selenium are limited.

Ergothioneineis a naturally occurring antioxidant that also may help protect the bodys cells. Mushrooms provide 2.84.9 mg of ergothioneine per serving of white, portabella or crimini mushrooms5. Mushrooms are edible fungi with various scientific names, but the family name is andAgaricus

Hyaluronic acid is considered as the bodys internal moisturizer as it plumps up and firms your skin. It reduces agerelated wrinkles and fine lines. Mushroom contains a polysaccharide that is equally beneficial in hydrating and providing a plumping effect to your skin. Skin feels smooth and supple.

Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D .This has healing properties when topically applied to acne lesions. Thus, mushroom extracts are often used in skincare products meant for treating acne. There are approximately 140,000 species of mushroomforming fungi in the world, but science is only familiar with about 10%, while only 100 species or so are being studied for their potential health benefits and medicinal applications. Some of the most wellknown benefits of mushrooms are explained below.

Some mushrooms contain kojic acid which is a natural skin lightener. This acid inhibits melanin production on the surface of the skin. This lightens the new skin cells formed after the dead ones are exfoliated. It is a great alternative to toxic chemical lighteners like hydroquinone that carry the risk of causing skin cancer.