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If you’ve been wondering about the health benefits of mushrooms and the nutritional value of eating mushrooms, then you’re in the right place!
Here’s everything you need to know about mushrooms, including different types, comparison to mushroom powders, a breakdown of the nutritional benefits of eating mushrooms, 10 recipes, and so much more…
There’s not going to be mushroom left in your brain after this!
Yes! Mushrooms are rich in nutrients and have many proven health benefits, ticking all the boxes to be categorised as a superfood.
Keep reading and you’ll soon see that they definitely deserve their place in this category.
You can. Mushrooms are incredibly healthy and contain many of the nutrients our bodies need to function well.
So, like most things, mushrooms can be eaten often as part of a balanced diet.
However, unlike most things, eating mushrooms every day will come with more good than bad!
There are many types of mushrooms—in fact, there are too many to list here!
Here are a few of the most popular mushrooms you might come across in the supermarket:
However, although there are many edible mushrooms, they surprisingly offer very similar nutrients per 96g serving, no matter what their shape, size, or taste.
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrients you’ll find in one 96g serving of mushrooms, including the amount of each that an adult should be consuming each day.
Nutrient | Amount in one 96g cup of mushroom | RDA |
---|---|---|
Energy (kcal) | 21.1 | 1,600 - 3,200 |
Protein | 3.0g | 46g - 56g |
Carbohydrate | 3.1g including 1.9g sugar | 130g |
Calcium | 2.9mg | 1,000mg - 1,300mg |
Iron | 0.5mg | 8mg - 18mg |
Magnesium | 8.6mg | 310mg - 420mg |
Phosphorus | 82.6mg | 700mg - 1,250mg |
Potassium | 305mg | 4,700mg |
Sodium | 4.8mg | 2,300mg |
Zinc | 0.5mg | 8mg - 11mg |
Copper | 305mcg | 890mcg - 900mcg |
Selenium | 8.9mcg | 55mcg |
Vitamin C | 2.0mg | 65mg - 90mg |
Vitamin D | 0.2mg | 15mg |
Folate | 16.3 | 400 |
Choline | 16.6mg | 400mg - 550mg |
Niacin | 3.5mg | 14mg - 16mg |
You might want to think about taking mushroom supplements if you want all the mushroom properties and benefits without the taste or texture.
There are two main types of mushroom supplements that can be taken at any time in the day, including:
Both are equally good, so it all depends on how you’d prefer to absorb the vitamins in mushrooms.
If you love the way mushrooms taste, you may prefer to add them to your meals.
However, if you’re not a fan of the taste or texture of mushrooms, you may prefer to take a mushroom powder or tablet supplement.
One thing worth keeping in mind is that mushroom supplements are often also combined without many other vitamins and nutrients, meaning you can get even more condensed nutrition in your serving of mushroom powder, for example, than your portobello mushrooms.
With powdered supplements, there are so many ways you can bring more mushrooms into your diet.
Mushrooms are divisive.
Even if you know all the goodness of mushrooms, you still might not like the taste or texture.
Finding delicious recipes that either make mushrooms more appetising—or even hiding them among other foods you do like—can help.
Here are 10 mushroom recipes we think you might like…
Mushrooms are filled with antioxidants, important for helping our body to fight free radicals.
Free radicals are toxins created by the body during metabolism and other bodily processes, and over time these can cause oxidative stress, associated with cell deterioration and the signs of ageing.
Key antioxidants often found in mushrooms are:
Mushrooms are high in potassium, a nutrient that has been proven to support the body in regulating blood pressure,1 which in turn may reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Did you know that there’s about as much potassium in 2/3 cup of cooked Portobello mushroom as there is in a medium banana?
Previous studies have shown that people who are deficient in vitamin C are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.2
As mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin C, that means that getting your daily intake of mushrooms may help to reduce this risk.
Beta-glucans are a type of fibre that has been linked to lower blood cholesterol, and fortunately, these same beta-glucans are in the cell walls of many different mushrooms.
For example, studies have shown that the stem of shiitake mushrooms are a good source of beta-glucans.3
Folate, or folic acid supplements, are often recommended to women either before, or during, pregnancy as they can help to support foetal growth and development.
It is so important, in fact, that whereas adults are recommended to get 400mcg of folate each day,4 pregnant women are recommended to intake 600mcg of folate each day.
Mushrooms naturally contain folate, and a cup of raw mushrooms is 16.3mcg of folate.5
Mushrooms are naturally high in B vitamins, including:
B vitamins are important to the body as they help us to turn food into energy, form red blood cells, and are linked to healthy brain performance.
Choline is an important compound that supports our body in a number of ways, and it is also found in mushrooms.
This compound helps our body to create and maintain the structure of cell membranes and nerve impulse transmissions,6 also help our ability to move, learn, and remember.
Vitamin D often comes from animal products, so it can be hard for people who don’t eat meat to get enough in their diet.
However, mushrooms, particularly white button mushrooms, are one of the few non-animal foods containing vitamin D.
This is particularly important during the winter months when a lack of vitamin D can lead to lower moods.7
Copper is important for the production of red blood cells, vital for carrying oxygen around the body.
It also supports other bodily processes, including the maintenance of bones and nerves.
One serving of mushrooms can provide about 1/3 of your daily recommended amount of copper.
Mushrooms have many health benefits, including:
So far, there don’t appear to be any side effects to eating supermarket-bought, in-date mushrooms.
There really are so many nutrients in mushrooms that support a happy and healthy life.
However, eating wild mushrooms can be dangerous, causing a number of side effects, from stomach pain and vomiting to diarrhoea and, in some cases, even death.
Mushrooms are incredibly good for you and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavours, meaning they’re easy to add to a number of dishes.
Even if you don’t like the taste or texture of mushrooms, mushroom supplements can be a good alternative to still bring all the same nutrients into your diet.
Last updated: 27 April 2023
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.