Read about the nutrition facts, health benefits, nutritional value and calories found in Mushrooms

Mushrooms Nutrition

Mushroom is a type of edible fungus that grows above the soil. The fungus that grows above the soil as mushroom may or may not be stemmed. Though it is often confused as a plant variety, mushrooms are not plants in the sense that they do not undergo the typical plant process of photosynthesis. Mushrooms usually grow on wet soil and thus, are found cultivating during the rainy season. They occur on the top layer of the soil as a fleshy structure covered with pores. Though mushrooms are edible, you should take special care while picking the mushrooms that you want to consume because there are a number of mushroom species that are poisonous and not fit for human consumption. Though mushroom is a fungus and certain varieties are unfit for consumption, these fleshy structures provide the human body with some of the most essential nutrients when picked with care. Did you know that one mushroom is rich in important vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates that are important for the growth of the human body? Mushroom also forms an important ingredient in the preparation of some medicines that have existed in the world since the beginning of civilization. Read on to know more about mushrooms and the nutritional benefits associated with them.

 

History

Today, mushroom has become one of the most chosen foods of common man. But, it was not long ago that the plant was associated with magic and mystique, with most people voting against the concept of cooking and consuming mushrooms. In Egypt, during the rule of the Pharaohs, mushroom was the preferred food of the rulers, though they did not allow the common Egyptians to even touch this edible fungus. In Rome, too, mushroom was referred to as the “food of the gods”. Therefore, unlike the present times, when we not only select mushroom delicacies while eating out but also cook the same at home, mushroom was a forbidden food for early civilizations. Large scale cultivation of mushrooms began in the early 17th century in Europe, with their popularity as a food item only in the 18th century. France was the first European country to use modern techniques to grow mushrooms on its soil and use the fungus as a food item. From France, the concept of harvesting mushrooms as a food crop spread in England. The English realized that mushroom was such a crop which required very little labor, investment and land for cultivation. Moreover, with the passage of days, several new techniques were discovered for the cultivation of mushrooms, therefore making it easier for English farmers to raise the fungus. It was in the late 19th century that mushroom cultivation entered the United States when William Falconer planted mushrooms on the US soil. However, the US had to largely depend on spawn shipped from England to begin their mushroom cultivation during those days. Today, China is the world’s leading producer of mushrooms, followed by Japan, India, Europe and the United States.

 

Health Benefits of Tila Chhatto (Mushrooms)

 

  • Mushrooms are chiefly known for their medicinal properties. The fungus and its extract have been used in medicines for ages, especially in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicines.

  • With zero cholesterol, fewer fats and very low carbohydrates, mushrooms provide magnificent amounts of lean proteins. The fiber and certain enzymes present in mushrooms burn the cholesterol upon digesting, thereby lowering bad cholesterol.

  • The presence of beta-glucans and conjugated linoleic acid, mushrooms possess anti-carcinogenic effects which help in reducing the estrogen and inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells, thereby lowering the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

  • With no fats, no cholesterol, very low carbohydrates, high proteins, vitamins and minerals, mushrooms helps in breaking down the sugar or starch of the food due to the natural insulin and enzymes content. As such, they make a great food for diabetic people.

  • Mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a powerful and antioxidant which effectively protects against free radicals and boosts the immunity system. Besides, they help in healing ulcers and ulcerous wounds, thereby protecting them form infections.

  • A lean protein diet, containing mushrooms, is ideal for losing fat and building muscle mass. Since a lot of fats are required for digesting proteins, mushrooms help in getting rid of extra fat and cholesterol.

  • Regular consumption of mushrooms is known for lowering the risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis.

  • Mushroom is widely known for its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Mushrooms are an effective antidote, the extracts of which are used for nullifying the toxic effects of poison.

 

Nutritional Value & Calories In Mushrooms

Amount: 1 cup

Total Weight: 96 g

 
Nutrients
Amount

Basic Components

 
Proteins
3 g
Water
88.7 g
Ash
0.8 g
 
 
Calories
 
Total Calories
21
Calories From Carbohydrate
11
Calories From Fat
2.7
Calories From Protein
7.8
 
 
Carbohydrates
 
Total Carbohydrates
3.1 g
Dietary Fiber
0.96 g
Sugar
1.6 g
 
 

Fats & Fatty Acids

 
Total Fat
326 mg
Saturated Fat
41 mg
Polyunsaturated Fat
133 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
133 mg
 
 
Vitamins
 
Vitamin C
2 mg
Vitamin D
17 IU
Vitamin E
9.6 mcg
Thiamin
78 mcg
Riboflavin
386 mcg
Niacin
3.5 mg
Vitamin B6
100 mcg
Folate
16 mcg
Vitamin B12
0.038 mcg
Pantothenic Acid
1.4 mg
Choline
16.6 mg
Betaine
9 mg
 
 
Minerals
 
Calcium
2.9 mg
Iron
480 mcg
Magnesium
8.6 mg
Phosphorus
83 mg
Potassium
305 mg
Sodium
4.8 mg
Zinc
499 mcg
Copper
305 mcg
Manganese
45 mcg
Selenium
8.9 mcg
 

How many calories in mushrooms (per 100 gm)

Mushrooms have about 22 calories per 100 gm of weight.

 

How to Buy Mushrooms

 

  • Whenever you are purchasing mushrooms, make sure that you do so from a reliable store that sells fresh mushrooms.

  • The mushrooms you purchase should be closed and not open. Similarly, they should be round and not flat.

  • Since most of the mushroom purchases are made from grocery stores where packaged mushrooms are available, buy only after you have crosschecked the expiry date.

 

Mushroom Storage Tips

 

  • If you have purchased packaged mushrooms, leave them inside the packet if you do not have plans of cooking them immediately.

  • If you have purchased loose mushrooms, place them in a paper bag and fold the top of the bag to keep the mushrooms covered. You may also place the mushrooms in a glass container, using a towel to cover its mouth instead of the standard lid. In both cases, remember that air circulation is compulsory to keep mushrooms fresh.

  • Store mushrooms in the refrigerator instead of keeping them in room temperature.

  • Though storage of mushrooms is possible and simple, it is advisable that you cook the mushrooms within a week’s time from purchase.

  • Do not use plastic bags or plastic containers for storing mushrooms. Plastic leads to quick decay.

  • Do not wash mushrooms before storing them. Water will lead to the growth of mould on mushrooms.

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