Health Tips

Mushrooms are a very useful source of essential nutrients and could be having a significant effect on your long-term health.

Antioxidants

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and contain an anti-oxidant called ergothioneine that is specific to mushrooms. The latest scientific research suggests that ergothioneine is essential for red blood cell formation. Ergothioneine is 1000 times more potent than vitamin C, vitamin E or lycopene.

A Low GI Food

Mushrooms are very low in calories meaning that you get the benefit of vitamins and minerals without worrying about your waistline. With no fat, a very low Glycaemic Index (GI), and a source of fibre it means that mushrooms are suited to everyone. Scientific research shows that mushrooms satisfy you more than other fruit and vegetables which means less snacking between meals.

Vitamins

Mushrooms are a vitamin heavyweight. They are the number one source of the essential vitamins riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin when compared to vegetables, with a normal 100g serving of mushrooms providing more than a quarter of your needs.

Essential Minerals

Mushrooms also contain a range of essential minerals such as copper, phosphorus, potassium and selenium. Copper is involved in the production of new red blood cells; phosphorus combines with calcium for strong bones; potassium helps keep our blood pressure healthy; and selenium acts as a very important antioxidant to protect body cells from damage. A serving of mushrooms will provide about a quarter of your copper and selenium needs.

Protein, Fat and Carbohydrate

One portion of mushrooms contains over 3 grams of high quality protein so they are a good source for those who choose to or cannot eat meat or meat products. Mushrooms are virtually carbohydrate free and fat free so any one including diabetics can eat them.

Strong Healthy Bones

Recent scientific research suggests that mushrooms have compounds that can reduce natural bone loss that occurs with osteoporosis. With a few minutes light treatment, the mushroom also becomes a source of vitamin D which is essential for calcium uptake and strong healthy bones.

1 of your 5 A Day

One portion (80g) of mushrooms goes towards your 5 a day so helps to keep you healthy on the inside. Mushrooms are very versatile so it is easy to add a portion of mushrooms into any meal.

Fibre

Mushrooms are a source of fibre. The fibre in mushrooms though is particularly healthy and helps to feed the good bacteria in your digestive system.

Beta-glucans & lectins

Mushrooms contain a high concentration of beta-glucans and lectins. These compounds are responsible for its anti-cancer and immunity-enhancing properties. A mushroom based extract is the first line of defence against cancer in Asian hospitals and currently there are three FDA approved chemotherapy pharmaceuticals in use in the USA and Europe.

Statins

Mushrooms have natural compounds called statins that stop the body from absorbing bad cholesterol from food we eat. These compounds also help stop the bad cholesterol from building up in our arteries.