Michael Davis
White button mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food. They are the most commonly cultivated mushroom variety, constituting about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. White button mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, vitamin B7 (biotin), copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). They also contain important antioxidants that can positively impact immunity, heart health, and metabolic function. White button mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, with UV-exposed mushrooms providing 23.6 mcg of vitamin D. They are low in calories and high in protein, making them a nutritious addition to various dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | Very low in calories, high in protein, rich in vitamins and minerals |
| Medicinal Properties | Cancer-fighting properties, cholesterol-lowering effects, improved heart health, improved gut health |
| Vitamins | Ergothioneine, Vitamin B7 (biotin), copper, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6, Vitamin D |
| Antioxidants | Glutathione, Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Selenium, Vitamin C |
| Nutrivore Score | 1872 |
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What You'll Learn
White button mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining and building strong bones as it helps the body absorb calcium. White button mushrooms, when exposed to UV light or sunlight, can provide a significant amount of vitamin D. For example, slicing three mushrooms and exposing them to sunlight for 15 minutes can provide the recommended daily amount of vitamin D.
In addition to being a good source of vitamin D, white button mushrooms offer other nutritional benefits. They are rich in ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that helps prevent and slow cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. This antioxidant has potential cancer-fighting properties and can help improve overall health.
White button mushrooms also contain other essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B7 (biotin), copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). They are a good source of B vitamins, which are crucial for ensuring proper cell function, energy metabolism, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Furthermore, white button mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of glutathione, another important antioxidant that helps combat free radicals in the body. Overall, white button mushrooms are a nutritious food item that provides various health benefits, including a significant source of vitamin D.
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They are rich in ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant
White button mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, an amino acid that humans cannot produce in their bodies. As an amino acid, ergothioneine helps the body build proteins. It also acts as an antioxidant, scavenging hydroxyl radicals and inhibiting their generation from hydrogen peroxide. This helps to prevent or slow down cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and injury, thereby improving cell survival.
The presence of ergothioneine in white button mushrooms has been linked to potential therapeutic benefits for chronic conditions that involve ongoing oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A retrospective study found that daily consumption of white button mushrooms for 16 weeks was associated with decreased systemic oxidative stress and inflammation in adults with pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
White button mushrooms are an abundant and safe food source of ergothioneine, making them a promising raw material for obtaining ergothioneine-enriched extracts. These extracts have potential applications as food additives and antioxidants to treat or prevent oxidative stress-related diseases.
The ergothioneine content in mushrooms varies depending on the type. White button mushrooms, also known as common mushrooms, are one of the most commonly available varieties and are widely cultivated throughout Europe and North America. They comprise 35-45% of total worldwide edible mushroom consumption.
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They contain important antioxidants that can affect heart health
White button mushrooms are a nutritious food with multiple health benefits. They are rich in ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. This is also known as the "longevity vitamin". They also contain other B vitamins, including vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
White button mushrooms also contain important antioxidants that can affect heart health. Research has shown that mushrooms, including button mushrooms, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can improve health in many ways. They are particularly high in glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps the body combat free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause oxidative stress in the body, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes. By combating these free radicals, glutathione helps to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative stress, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
The main phenolic compounds in white mushrooms are flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have the potential to act as both antioxidants and pro-oxidants. As antioxidants, they help improve cell survival, while as pro-oxidants, they lead to cell death to prevent tumour growth.
White button mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which is unique among produce. When exposed to UV light or sunlight, they can increase their vitamin D content. Consuming vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
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They have anti-inflammatory properties
White button mushrooms are not only versatile in the kitchen but also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. They are rich in ergothioneine, vitamin B7 (biotin), copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). They also provide essential vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
White button mushrooms also have anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can improve health in many ways. They are particularly high in glutathione, an important antioxidant that helps the body combat free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and lead to heart disease and diabetes. Glutathione can also help make DNA, improve immunity, and aid the body in breaking down and assimilating dietary fats.
In addition to glutathione, white button mushrooms contain other antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and polysaccharides, which have been indicated in research regarding cancer treatments. Polysaccharides, one of the main bioactive compounds in white mushrooms, have been found to have potent anticancer effects.
The anti-inflammatory properties of white button mushrooms can also help in the management of metabolic syndrome, a pathology that often progresses to Type 2 diabetes. A healthy lifestyle and diet, including the consumption of these mushrooms, can help slow the progression of this disease.
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They are low in calories and high in protein
White button mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food. They are low in calories and high in protein, making them a healthy addition to any meal. With their mild flavour and soft texture, they can be enjoyed raw or cooked and added to almost any dish.
White button mushrooms are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent or slow cellular damage and may reduce the risk of cancer. In fact, studies have shown that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms per day may lower your cancer risk by up to 45%. White button mushrooms also contain other important antioxidants, such as glutathione, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, which can improve heart health and metabolic function.
In addition to their antioxidant properties, white button mushrooms have anti-inflammatory compounds that can help combat conditions like heart disease and diabetes. They are also a good source of vitamin D, which is unique among produce and can be further increased by exposing the mushrooms to sunlight or UV light. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones.
White button mushrooms are not only nutritious but also have a high protein content. This makes them a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake, especially in vegetarian or vegan diets. With their low-calorie count, white button mushrooms can be a healthy and delicious way to add variety to your meals while still enjoying the benefits of a high-protein food.
Overall, white button mushrooms are a nutrient-dense food with a wide range of health benefits. They are low in calories yet provide a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. By incorporating white button mushrooms into your diet, you can enjoy their delicious flavour while also taking advantage of their potential health-promoting effects.
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Frequently asked questions
White button mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine (the "longevity vitamin"), vitamin B7 (biotin), copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). They also contain vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. They are also believed to have cancer-fighting properties, cholesterol-lowering effects, and improved gut health.
The Nutrivore Score of white button mushrooms is 1872, making them a super nutrient-dense food.
A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (equal to about a 1/8-cup or two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms a week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI.
White button mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried, powdered, cooked, or raw.
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