Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a great, healthy addition to any meal. They are low in calories and fat, and packed with vitamins and micronutrients. Field mushrooms, in particular, are a delicious and nutritious variety of fungi found in pastures and grasslands. They have a rich, earthy flavour and are used in cuisines all over the world. So, how many calories are in a single field mushroom?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in 1 cup of Field Mushrooms | 55 |
| Calories in 1 lb of raw white mushrooms | 100 |
| Calories in raw field mushrooms | 36 |
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What You'll Learn
Field mushrooms are low in calories
Field mushrooms are indeed low in calories. They are a nutritious variety of fungi found in pastures and grasslands, commonly used in dishes worldwide. One cup of field mushrooms, weighing around 250 grams, contains approximately 55 calories. This makes them a perfect addition to any meal, as they add depth and flavour without contributing significantly to calorie intake.
Field mushrooms are also a good source of protein, with 7.7 grams of protein per cup. They are low in fat, with only 0.8 grams per cup, and provide 8.2 grams of carbohydrates. In addition, field mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, B vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and promoting overall well-being.
Compared to other foods, field mushrooms are a low-calorie option. For example, one pound of white mushrooms contains 100 calories. The cooking method can also impact the calorie content of mushrooms. Lower-calorie cooking methods include sautéing, boiling, grilling, and baking, while frying or battering can increase the calorie count.
When considering weight management or calorie-controlled diets, field mushrooms are an excellent choice. They are filling and nutritious while remaining low in calories. This makes them a versatile and healthy addition to various dishes, whether grilled with herbs, stir-fried, or added to a hearty risotto.
In summary, field mushrooms offer a delicious and nutritious option for those conscious of their calorie intake. With their rich, earthy flavour and abundance of essential nutrients, they are a satisfying and healthy addition to any meal without adding excessive calories.
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They're a good source of protein
A field mushroom contains 36 calories. While mushrooms are typically categorised as vegetables, they are technically a type of fungi. They are low in calories, have no fat or cholesterol, and are very low in sodium.
Mushrooms are a good source of protein, with some varieties providing protein values that are higher than or comparable to animal sources such as milk, eggs, meat, and fish. For example, three ounces of raw mushrooms provide 1 to 2 grams of protein. While fresh mushrooms have a lower protein content than animal-based foods, they make up for this with their high protein quality. The quality of a protein is determined by its bioavailability, or the rate at which the body can absorb, digest, and utilise its nutrients. Mushroom protein has a high bioavailability that rivals animal-based sources and other plant-based foods like rice and wheat.
Amanita mushrooms, for instance, have a protein digestibility comparable to egg whites, and a higher bioavailability than wheat and soybean. Additionally, mushrooms contain an insoluble fibre called chitin, which is unique to mushrooms and also found in shrimp and crab shells. This fibre aids digestion and supports bowel movements.
Mushrooms are also a good source of selenium and potassium, as well as vitamin D, especially when exposed to light. They are high in quality, low in cost, and widely available, making them a sustainable alternative to animal proteins.
However, it is important to note that while mushrooms are a good source of protein, a balanced diet should incorporate other sources of protein rather than relying solely on mushrooms.
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Field mushrooms contain vitamins and antioxidants
One field mushroom contains 36 calories.
Field mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which provide several health benefits. They are a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. They also contain ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. This may be especially beneficial for brain health, as Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their positive impact in this area.
Choline, another antioxidant found in mushrooms, has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer in some studies. Mushrooms also contain ascorbic acid, which has been shown to be an effective RS scavenger and can protect biomembranes from peroxidative damage.
The antioxidant properties of mushrooms are attributed to their bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress, which is a key factor in ageing and the development of chronic diseases.
Incorporating mushrooms into your diet can be a healthy choice, as they are low in calories, high in protein, and provide numerous health benefits. They can be prepared in various ways, such as sautéing, boiling, grilling, and baking, to create nutritious and delicious meals.
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They're a type of fungi
Mushrooms, including field mushrooms, are a type of fungi. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning their cells contain membrane-bound organelles and clearly defined nuclei. Fungi were historically classified as plants, but they are now considered a separate kingdom, distinct from both plants and animals. Fungi lack chlorophyll and have unique structural and physiological features, such as chitin in their cell walls, which sets them apart from other kingdoms.
Fungi are abundant worldwide, but most are inconspicuous due to their small size and cryptic lifestyles in soil or on dead matter. They can be free-living in soil or water, or they can form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals. Fungi play an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in the environment. They are also used as a direct source of human food, such as mushrooms and truffles, and in the fermentation of various food products like wine, beer, and soy sauce.
Fungi have a unique mode of growth and nutrient intake compared to other organisms. They grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up their bodies (mycelia) and digest organic matter externally before absorbing it. This process is achieved by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment.
Fungi reproduce by forming and releasing spores, which are typically single cells and the main reproductive units. Spores can be produced asexually or sexually, and they may have flagella that allow them to swim to a suitable location, where they germinate and grow into new fungal individuals.
Field mushrooms, in particular, are a great example of edible fungi. They are low in calories, with approximately 36 calories per 100g of raw mushrooms, and offer various nutritional benefits. They are often used in salads, soups, and other dishes, providing a healthy and tasty addition to meals.
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Cooking methods can affect calorie count
While mushrooms are a low-calorie food, the calorie count does vary depending on the cooking method. Raw mushrooms contain about 15 calories per cup, while cooked mushrooms have a slightly higher calorie content.
Cooking mushrooms can affect their calorie count and nutritional value. For example, frying mushrooms or coating them in batter increases the calorie count compared to healthier cooking methods such as sautéing, boiling, grilling, and baking them. Frying and boiling mushrooms can also reduce their nutritional value by leaching soluble nutrients into the oil or water, resulting in a loss of antioxidants.
Grilling or microwaving mushrooms preserves their nutrients better than frying or boiling. Therefore, it is recommended to cook mushrooms before consumption, as certain varieties of raw mushrooms contain small amounts of toxins that are destroyed through cooking. However, cooking mushrooms may reduce their protein content, with one source stating that cooked mushrooms lose more than half of their protein content compared to raw mushrooms.
Additionally, dried mushrooms tend to have more calories and nutrients than raw mushrooms due to their concentrated form. Rehydrating dried mushrooms before cooking or eating restores their nutritional value to that of raw mushrooms. Canned mushrooms may have slightly higher calories and are significantly higher in sodium due to additives.
Overall, mushrooms are a nutritious and low-calorie food, regardless of the cooking method. They are rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein, making them a versatile and healthy ingredient in various dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a field mushroom depends on its size and weight. One cup of field mushrooms, which is around 250 grams, contains approximately 55 calories.
Yes, field mushrooms are low in calories and fat. They are a nutritious variety of fungi found in pastures and grasslands.
1 lb of raw white mushrooms contains 100 calories.
