Are Mushrooms Unhealthy

There is a constant debate around mushrooms and whether or not you should add them to your diet. Besides the numerous health benefits they have, some say mushrooms come with a set of side effects you should take into account. But when you think about the fact that there is even a mushroom diet designed, you might wonder which is the truth in the question `are mushrooms unhealthy`. Thus, we took the time to analyze several aspects of a nutritious diet with mushrooms, and come up with the following benefits for human health. Mainly, mushrooms are healthy if consumed responsibly and from sustainable sources. Let’s see up next what’s this all about.

Mushrooms are extraordinary superfoods

Studies reveal that mushrooms are superfoods, as they feature the best nutritional intake you can find in food on the globe. And scientists believe that adding them to your diet can prevent and treat serious health issues.

The nutritional value of mushrooms goes as follows. First of all, these superfoods are low in calories, while they prove to be an essential source of fiber and proteins. Besides, they feed the body several other vital nutrients, such as B vitamins, selenium, potassium, copper, and even vitamin D. And despite their white coloring, mushrooms are rich in beneficial antioxidants for the human body.

What are the health benefits of mushrooms?

#1 They boost the immune system and support its well-functioning

The most notable health benefit that comes from consuming mushrooms is that they support immune health. A couple of studies revealed that eating shiitake mushrooms daily can significantly increase your immune system response. Besides, basic white button mushrooms come with outstanding anti-inflammatory properties, while almost all types of mushrooms can balance gut bacteria.

#2 They boost longevity

An interesting health benefit of mushrooms is that their high antioxidant intake can help you live a longer life. A diet rich in antioxidants shields cells from damage, which in turn aids the body in fighting oxidative stress. The mushrooms with the highest antioxidant intake include porcini, golden oyster, maitake, and shiitake.

#3 They support the digestive processes

Another health benefit of having mushrooms in your diet is that they promote proper digestion. They act as a prebiotic, meaning they pamper the good bacteria in your gut. Besides, scientists believe that mushrooms can balance the microbiome, leading to healthier digestive processes.

#4 They might aid in weight loss

The best part of having mushrooms in your diet is that they feed your body almost all the necessary nutrients with little to no calories or fat. This makes mushrooms a great ally in weight-loss diets, as their high content of dietary fiber, beta-glucans and chitin can boost satiety and diminish appetite.

#5 They fight cancer

One of the most known health benefits of mushrooms is related to their ability to fight cancerous cells. They are rich in proteins named lectins, which can bind to abnormal cells and prompt the immune system to eliminate them. Studies reveal that mushrooms can be an ally in fighting breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, or even acute leukemia.

What is the mushroom diet?

Recently, a new type of diet gained a lot of attention amongst those looking to lose weight. The mushroom diet doesn’t refer to a diet in which you eat only mushrooms. Instead, it focuses on adding as often as possible mushrooms with the purpose of replacing the meat in your meals. Overall, the goal is to add a little meat to your diet and complement your protein intake with mushrooms.

What about the side effects of mushrooms?

Of course, as it is the case with almost anything on this planet, mushrooms too can have some side effects for the human body. Fist of all, it is important to purchase mushrooms only from sustainable sources. The main side effect of mushrooms is food poisoning. This happens due to a bacterium that can occur in mushrooms. So, not cleaning mushrooms correctly or cooking them improperly can lead to bacterial contamination. This can lead to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping. Thus, when purchasing mushrooms, make sure your local grocery store has them packed correctly, and their label reveals any detail about harvesting, processing, and packing methods.

Another common side effect is an allergic reaction in some people. Those that have dust or mold allergies must not consume mushrooms without asking for their medical practitioner's opinion. Mushroom spores can lead to severe allergic reactions that can put one’s health in danger.

The bottom line is that mushrooms can be a healthy option for your meal plan. The secret is to purchase them only from reliable sources, wash and cook them correctly. In this way, you will be able to access all their health benefits and avoid the side effects. Besides, mushrooms are tasty and easy to cook, making them one of the best superfoods on the market.