Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been consumed and used as medicine for thousands of years. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can have various health benefits. White button mushrooms, in particular, are low in calories and sugar, making them a healthy addition to any diet. They are also high in protein and vitamin D, and they provide a good source of vitamin B12. With their mild flavor and smooth cap, white button mushrooms can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, either fresh or cooked, without adding significant amounts of fat or calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Low |
| Sugar | Low |
| Protein | High |
| Vitamins | D, B12, B6, C, Folate |
| Minerals | Selenium, Potassium, Zinc |
| Antioxidants | Glutathione, Ergothioneine, Choline, Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Selenium, Vitamin C |
| Medicinal Properties | Cancer-fighting, Anti-inflammatory, Detoxification, Alzheimer's prevention, Heart health, Gut health, Blood sugar control, Cholesterol reduction |
| Nutritional Value | High in bioactive compounds, fibre, nutrients |
| Taste | Savory, Umami |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Button mushrooms are low in calories
Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are low in calories. They are also known as table, common, or champignon mushrooms. They have a small stem, a smooth cap, and a mild flavor that goes well with many dishes.
White mushrooms are low in calories and sugar but high in protein and vitamin D. They are also a source of vitamin B12, making them a beneficial addition to plant-based diets. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits.
Mushrooms are a good source of potassium, which helps to reduce the negative impact of sodium on the body and lower blood pressure. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve immune system efficiency.
Button mushrooms are also rich in glutathione and ergothioneine. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxification agent, helping to eliminate foreign substances from the body. Ergothioneine protects DNA from oxidative damage and may help prevent cellular damage, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
White button mushrooms exposed to sunlight can produce up to 400 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving. Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and supports immune health. Mushrooms are also a source of vitamin B6, which aids in the formation of red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.
Reishi Mushrooms: Friend or Foe to Your Liver?
You may want to see also
They are a good source of vitamin D
White button mushrooms, also known as table, common, or champignon mushrooms, are a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important component for bone and immune health, helping the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, making them an excellent option for those following plant-based diets.
The amount of vitamin D in mushrooms varies depending on their exposure to UV light. Mushrooms that are grown in the sunlight or exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from a UV lamp have higher concentrations of vitamin D. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels can contain up to 1200 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving when exposed to sunlight. Even common button mushrooms, when exposed to sunlight, can produce up to 400 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving.
To increase the vitamin D content of button mushrooms, you can leave them out in direct sunlight for 15-120 minutes before consumption. Studies suggest that this simple act may result in levels of vitamin D2 as high as 10 mcg per 100g of fresh weight. Alternatively, mushrooms treated with UV lamps can produce even higher amounts of vitamin D.
In addition to being a good source of vitamin D, button mushrooms offer other health benefits as well. They are low in calories, sugar, and fat, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. They are also a source of protein, fibre, vitamin B12, and various antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms contribute to their potential cancer-fighting and heart-healthy benefits.
Aldi's Mushroom Inventory: What's Available?
You may want to see also
They are rich in protein and fibre
White button mushrooms, also known as table, common, or champignon mushrooms, are rich in protein and fibre. They have a small stem, a smooth cap, and a mild flavour that pairs well with many dishes.
Button mushrooms are a low-calorie food option, packing a nutritional punch. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. In addition, they are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone and immune health.
The fibre in button mushrooms comes in the form of polysaccharides, specifically a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan. This compound has immune-boosting properties and may help improve gut health. Beta-glucan acts as a prebiotic, fuelling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment.
The protein and fibre content in button mushrooms make them a satisfying and nutritious food choice. They can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or powdered, adding flavour and texture to many dishes.
Mushroom Birds: Myth or Reality?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They contain medicinal properties
White button mushrooms, also known as table, common, or champignon mushrooms, are not fattening. They are low in calories and sugar, and high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Medicinal Properties
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with traditional and folk medicine practitioners recognising their healing and cleansing properties.
Cancer
Mushrooms contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C, which are believed to be behind their potential cancer-fighting properties. These antioxidants help combat the harmful effects of oxidative stress, which leads to cellular damage that can accelerate aging and increase the risk of certain cancers.
A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (about two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are also the only vegan, non-fortified dietary source of vitamin D, which some sources suggest may help prevent or treat certain cancers.
Heart Disease
Mushrooms' content of ergothioneine and beta glucan may help reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Beta glucan also acts as a prebiotic, fuelling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut environment, which is linked to maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Medicinal mushrooms, such as lion's mane and reishi, may be beneficial in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases and potentially Alzheimer's disease. Lion's mane, in particular, has been found to contain two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells.
Gut Health
Mushrooms contain active polysaccharides, including a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can improve gut health by fuelling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a favourable gut environment.
Immune System
Mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, an important component for immune health, and also contain immune-modulating nutrients, such as polysaccharides, which activate parts of the immune system, increasing the body's ability to fight infection.
Mushrooms: Natural Testosterone Boosters?
You may want to see also
They are a good source of potassium
White mushrooms, also known as button mushrooms, are a rich source of potassium. Potassium is a nutrient that helps to reduce the negative impact of sodium in the body. It also helps to relax the blood vessels, which may help to lower blood pressure.
Button mushrooms are a good source of potassium, containing 302mg of potassium per serving. This is in addition to their other nutritional benefits, including being a source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein, and fibre.
Mushrooms are a low-calorie food, making them a healthy addition to a diet. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to combat the harmful effects of oxidative stress and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The health benefits of button mushrooms are extensive. As well as being a rich source of potassium, they also contain ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that can prevent or slow cellular damage. The anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can also improve the efficiency of the immune system.
Button mushrooms are a nutritious food with a mild flavour and smooth cap. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or powdered, and can be eaten cooked or raw.
Mushroom Blooming: Nature's Magical Process
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, button mushrooms are not fattening. They are low in calories, sugar, and fat.
Yes, button mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, protein, fibre, and antioxidants. They also contain vitamin B12, vitamin C, selenium, and glutathione.
An 80g serving of button mushrooms, or approximately 14 mushrooms, counts as one of your five-a-day. One cup of chopped mushrooms is considered the typical serving size.
Button mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be sliced or chopped and added to dishes, or sautéed in a pan with olive oil.
