Nutrition

ALL THAT FLAVOR AND GOOD FOR YOU TOO!

People have been enjoying mushrooms for centuries because of the flavor and excitement they contribute to our meals. Now scientists are beginning to discover the health benefits mushrooms contribute as well. Here are ten good reasons to include mushrooms in your healthful diet.

• Without additional ingredients, a serving (5 medium-sized mushrooms) has only about 20 calories, no cholesterol and virtually no fat and sodium.
• Mushrooms are high in riboflavin, a B-vitamin that promotes healthy skin and good vision.
• Niacin, another B vitamin found in mushrooms, ensures that the digestive and nervous systems function as they should.
• Pantothenic acid, also found in mushrooms, is involved in the production of hormones.
• Mushrooms are an important source of potassium; one medium-sized portabella contains more that a banana.
• Selenium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in the immune system, the thyroid system, the male reproductive system and cancer prevention; mushrooms are the only produce item that contains significant amounts.
• Copper, also found in mushrooms, aids iron in its role in making the red blood cells that deliver oxygen to all the cells in the body.
• Scientists are looking into the role that white mushrooms may play in treating and preventing breast cancer.
• Laboratory studies suggest that a mushroom extract may help prevent heart disease by reducing blood lipids and cholesterol levels.
• Researchers are taking a serious look at the medicinal potential of both shiitake and maitake mushroom extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.