Mushroom Lovers: Know Your Carb Count

how manycarbs in 4 medium button mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutritious food that provides essential nutrients typically found in fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains. The amount of carbohydrates in mushrooms varies depending on the species. For instance, a cup of whole white button mushrooms weighing 96 grams contains 3.1 grams of carbohydrates. On the other hand, a single oyster mushroom contains 9.52 grams of total carbohydrates, while a portabella mushroom has 4.26 grams. When it comes to medium-sized mushrooms, four of them make up 46% carbohydrates, which is equivalent to 16 calories.

Characteristics Values
Number of Mushrooms 4
Type of Mushrooms Medium, White, Raw
Carbohydrates 46% of macronutrients
Calories 16
Fat 11% of macronutrients
Protein 43% of macronutrients
Carbohydrates in Different Types of Mushrooms One cup of whole white button mushrooms (96 grams) contains 3.1 grams of carbohydrates. A single oyster mushroom contains 9.52 grams of total carbs, and a single portabella mushroom contains 4.26 grams of total carbs.

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Four medium white mushrooms contain 16 calories, 46% of which are carbs

Four medium white mushrooms contain 16 calories, of which 46% are carbohydrates or carbs. This equates to approximately 7.36 grams of carbohydrates.

Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, providing not only the nutrients typically found in fruits and vegetables but also those found in meats and grains. They are particularly rich in non-nutritive substances such as polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Carbohydrates are one of the three primary macronutrients, along with fat and protein. They play a crucial role in providing energy to the body, as they can be transformed into glucose, which serves as a direct source of energy. Additionally, any excess carbohydrates can be converted into fat and stored in the body for later use.

The amount of carbohydrates in mushrooms varies slightly depending on the species. For example, a cup of whole white button mushrooms (approximately 96 grams) contains 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, while a single oyster mushroom has 9.52 grams, and a portabella mushroom contains 4.26 grams. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of mushroom when assessing its carbohydrate content.

In summary, four medium white mushrooms contribute a modest amount of carbohydrates to one's diet, constituting 46% of the total calories. However, mushrooms also offer a range of other nutritional benefits that make them a valuable component of a healthy and balanced diet.

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Carbohydrates are one of three primary macronutrients, along with fat and protein

Four medium button mushrooms contain 46% carbohydrates, which equates to 7.36 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are one of three primary macronutrients, along with fat and protein. These three macronutrients are the main types of macronutrients in food, providing 90% of the dry weight of the diet and 100% of its energy. They are required in large quantities and provide the body with energy.

Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source, providing energy for the muscles and central nervous system during movement and exercise. They are also the quickest source of energy, with complex carbohydrates providing energy more slowly than simple carbohydrates but still more quickly than protein or fat. Simple carbohydrates include various forms of sugar, such as fructose and sucrose, while complex carbohydrates include starches and fibres found in wheat products, grains, beans, and root vegetables.

Fats are vital for the body as an energy reserve, insulation, and the protection of organs, as well as for the absorption and transport of fat-soluble vitamins. They are the slowest source of energy but the most energy-efficient form, and the body needs them for growth and to synthesise hormones.

Protein is essential for cell building and repair, especially after exercising. It is also important for many other processes in the body. Complete proteins, mostly found in animal sources such as beef, chicken, and fish, contain all nine essential amino acids. While plants contain all the amino acids, they may be low in one or two, and some good plant sources include quinoa, soy, beans, pulses, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.

The ideal ratio of macronutrients depends on individual needs, taking into account factors such as age, weight, activity level, medical history, and health goals. However, it is recommended that 45-65% of daily calories come from carbohydrates, 20-35% from fat, and 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

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Mushrooms are a keto-friendly food

Mushrooms are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal food for those following a keto diet. Common types of mushrooms such as white button, shiitake, oyster, and portobello mushrooms are keto-friendly in their fresh form. For example, 1 cup of raw oyster mushrooms has 2.8 grams of protein and 3 grams of net carbs. Similarly, 0.5 cups of fresh portabella mushrooms have 0.8 grams of net carbs.

While mushrooms are keto-friendly, not all mushroom products are. Canned or packaged mushroom products, such as cream of mushroom soup, tend to be higher in carbohydrates. Therefore, it is important to read the nutrition labels of these products to ensure they fit within the daily keto carb limit.

Mushrooms offer a range of nutritional benefits, including being a source of fiber, protein, B vitamins, selenium, copper, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants like ergothioneine and glutathione, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Additionally, some mushrooms, such as Monterey High Vitamin D mushrooms, provide 50% of the Daily Value of Vitamin D2 per serving, addressing potential vitamin deficiencies.

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Carb intake is not essential for human health

Four medium-sized button mushrooms contain 46% carbohydrates, which equates to 7.36 grams of carbs. This amount of carbohydrates is not essential for human health.

Carbohydrates are considered essential to meet the metabolic demands of the brain and body. However, the human body is adaptable and can utilise alternative sources of energy when carbohydrates are scarce. For example, the brain can obtain glucose, which is its primary source of energy, from gluconeogenesis or the intestinal fermentation of dietary carbohydrates.

While carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for active people, they are not the only source. The body can also utilise fat and protein for energy. In fact, a high-volume, low-energy diet, which typically includes more fat and protein, was likely an important evolutionary advantage for hominins in the Pleistocene period.

Additionally, while dietary fibre, a form of carbohydrate, is beneficial for gut health and overall wellbeing, it is not a requirement for survival. The human body does not digest fibre, but it helps provide satiety and promotes healthy laxation. A diet high in fibre is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases. However, this does not mean that fibre is essential for health, as there are alternative ways to support digestive health and reduce disease risk.

Furthermore, excessive carbohydrate consumption, particularly of refined carbohydrates and added sugars, can have detrimental effects on health. High-carbohydrate diets are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and metabolic disease. Additionally, excessive fructose consumption has been linked to detrimental metabolic effects, and diets high in added sugars are associated with poorer intakes of other essential nutrients. Therefore, while carbohydrates can be a source of energy, they are not essential for human health, and excessive consumption may lead to negative consequences.

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Mushrooms also contain non-nutritive substances with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects

Four medium-sized white button mushrooms contain 16 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 46% carbs, 11% fat, and 43% protein. Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, and they contain modest amounts of fibre and various nutrients. They are also a source of non-nutritive substances with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Mushrooms have been consumed and used as medicine for thousands of years. They are considered a primary source of nutritional food and possess significant therapeutic properties. They are used as supplements, nutraceuticals, and mycotherapy products, in addition to being a part of a regular diet. The medicinal value of mushrooms is attributed to their bioactive substances, which include polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols, carotenoids, and various other chemical compounds. These substances have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to act as antioxidants and their positive effects on the immune system.

The antioxidant properties of mushrooms are well-documented in cell and animal studies. Polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, are believed to be responsible for these antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. For example, the mushroom Coriolus versicolor has been studied extensively, and its extracts have shown strong antioxidant and anticancer effects by stimulating the immune system and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Other mushrooms like Hericium erinaceus exhibit neuroprotective effects and have been shown to suppress tumour growth in mice.

Additionally, mushrooms contain ergothioneine, an amino acid with antioxidant properties that may help prevent the growth of amyloid proteins related to dementia. Certain mushrooms, such as the Reishi mushroom, are known for their strong anticancer activity. Polysaccharides GL-PS and GL-T found in Reishi can inhibit cancer cell growth, exhibit antimetastatic properties, and have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, consuming mushrooms may also provide vitamin D, as they contain ergosterol, a substance that can produce vitamin D2 when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

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Frequently asked questions

4 medium button mushrooms contain approximately 7.36 grams of carbohydrates.

Yes, the amount of carbs in mushrooms varies depending on the species. For example, a single oyster mushroom contains 9.52 grams of carbs, while a portabella mushroom contains 4.26 grams.

Yes, mushrooms contain whole carbs that come primarily through fiber, which is a good source of nutrition for the body.

No, carbohydrates are not an essential nutrient for human health. The body does not require carbs to function, and it can use ketones from fat for energy.

Mushrooms are a good source of copper, niacin, pantothenic acid, selenium, and riboflavin. They also contain non-nutritive plant substances such as polysaccharides, indoles, polyphenols, and carotenoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

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