- Crimini mushrooms are a coffee-colored variety of the world’s most commonly eaten mushroom, commonly called the “button” mushroom. The names “white button,” “crimini” and “portobello” all refer to this same scientific category of mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. Crimini mushrooms are also sometimes referred to simply as “brown mushrooms.” Portobello mushrooms are crimini mushrooms that have been allowed to grow to full maturity.
- Often thought of as a vegetable and prepared like one, mushrooms are actually fungi, a special type of living organism that has no roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds. Technically speaking, mushrooms are not vegetables.
- Mushrooms boast an unusual array of phytonutrients that can be difficult to obtain from other foods. These phytonutrients include special types of carbs (for example, the polysaccharide-like molecules beta-D-glucans or fucogalactans) and special organic compounds called hydrazines and hydrazides. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a unique type of fatty acid also found in mushrooms. Many of the above-mentioned phytonutrients provide support to our immune system and help prevent unwanted inflammation. Mushrooms are an excellent source of many minerals including copper, selenium, and phosphorus. They are also an excellent source of B vitamins including vitamin B2, niacin, and pantothenic acid. In addition, mushrooms are a very good source of potassium, zinc, vitamin B1, and manganese. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, folate, choline, protein, and vitamin B12.
- Mushrooms can help prevent cancer. Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes, green and red peppers, pumpkins, green beans, and zucchini.Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in mushrooms. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.The vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by contributing to the regulation of the cell growth cycle. The folate in mushrooms plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.
- Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of grilled portabella mushrooms and one cup of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms both provide about 3 grams of fiber.
- The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms, which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.Additionally, an intake of 3 grams of beta-glucans per day can lower blood cholesterol levels by 5%.
- Selenium has also been found to improve immune response to infection by stimulating production of killer T-cells. The beta-glucan fibers found in the cell walls of mushrooms stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent tumors from forming.
- Dietary fiber plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin which increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.
We’re farmers and not doctors so none of this should be treated as medical advice for you. We’re only sharing our personal experience and testimony, which may not be relevant to your specific medical condition. Talk to your doctor about your own personal diet and care and please don’t sue us because we’re trying to help people in need and lawyers are super expensive and every dollar we spend on a lawyer can’t be spent helping others grow food. Thanks!!!
