Sarah Brown
White mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are the most cultivated type of mushroom in the world. They are low in calories and sugar, high in protein, and a source of vitamins B12 and D. They are also rich in glutathione and ergothioneine, which act as antioxidants and help protect DNA from oxidative damage. With a mild flavor and smooth cap, white mushrooms are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or powdered. They are also keto-friendly, with only 1.6 g of net carbs per serving. In addition to their culinary uses, white mushrooms offer a range of medicinal properties, including potential cancer-fighting abilities and benefits for those with diabetes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | White mushrooms are the most cultivated and consumed type of mushroom in the world, constituting about 90% of mushrooms consumed in the United States. |
| Taste | White mushrooms have a mild flavor. |
| Texture | They have a smooth cap. |
| Culinary Uses | They can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, canned, dried, powdered, sautéed, roasted, or stuffed and baked as an appetizer. They are commonly used in stir-fries, pizzas, and soups. |
| Nutrition | White mushrooms are low in calories, sugar, and carbs, but high in protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. They also contain glutathione, ergothioneine, vitamin C, selenium, and polysaccharides. |
| Health Benefits | White mushrooms have multiple health-promoting effects, including improved heart health, potential cancer-fighting properties, and beneficial effects for those following plant-based or keto diets. They may also help lower blood sugar and improve cell insulin response. |
| Storage | White mushrooms should be wrapped in dry paper towels and stored in the refrigerator. They should be used within a few days and are best cooked before eating. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Nutritional value and health benefits
Mushrooms are a good source of several important nutrients, including protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of white mushrooms:
Vitamin D: White mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Some mushroom growers expose their mushrooms to ultraviolet light
Mushrooms: Why are they so Popular?
You may want to see also
Keto-friendly
White mushrooms are keto-friendly because they are low in carbohydrates and sugars. They are packed with fibre and are a source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The ketogenic, or keto, diet is designed to be very low in carbohydrates and high in fat with moderate amounts of protein. Most people who follow a keto diet limit their total carbohydrate intake to fewer than 50 grams per day to achieve and maintain a state of ketosis, where the body uses ketone bodies as its primary source of energy instead of glucose.
Mushrooms, including white button, portobello, raw oyster, and shiitake, are low in carbohydrates and keto-friendly in their natural form. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked in dishes like stir-fries, casseroles, scrambles, soups, or stuffed with low-carb ingredients like cream cheese and bacon.
However, it is important to note that the carbohydrate content of mushrooms can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the method of preparation. For example, canned or packaged mushroom products, such as cream of mushroom soup, tend to be higher in carbs and may not fit within the daily carb limit for keto. Additionally, cooking mushrooms may reduce their water content, resulting in a higher concentration of carbs per gram, but the total carb content remains relatively unchanged.
Overall, white mushrooms are a keto-friendly food that can be incorporated into a ketogenic diet in a variety of ways to add both flavour and nutritional benefits.
Mushroom Hunting: Know Your Poisonous Fungi
You may want to see also
Cancer-fighting properties
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines in East Asia for hundreds of years due to their immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. There are hundreds of different kinds of mushrooms, and they are part of the fungus family. While they cannot cure or prevent cancer, they are often talked about as a treatment for cancer.
In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. There have been more than 2,000 studies focused on mushrooms and cancer in the last 10 years. Most studies show a positive effect on the immune system, but more research is needed. Mushrooms are being studied to find out how they affect the immune system and if they stop or slow the growth of tumors or kill tumor cells. Polysaccharides, in particular, have been found to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.
Some studies show that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer. This was linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, improved physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue.
In Japan, Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in Turkey Tail mushrooms. PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer and can be taken as a tea or in capsule form.
In a Japanese study, 225 patients with benign colorectal tumors were studied. For 12 months, 123 of the patients were given an extract of the mushroom G. lucidum mycelia (MAK), while 102 patients did not receive treatment with MAK. At 12 months, the number and size of the tumors had decreased in the group that received MAK, but not in the group that did not.
In another study, 11 advanced cancer patients were given 3 g per day of the polysaccharide extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) of the Lentinula edodes mushroom for 1 month. Over half had a tumor response, and all showed a 2.5 times increase in natural killer cell activity.
White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) exhibit antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties and inhibit prostate tumor growth in athymic mice. Agaricus blazei Murill has been found to decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and regulate recurrent prostate cancer by decreasing immunosuppressive factors.
The Ultimate Guide: Harvesting Pioppino Mushrooms
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Versatility in cooking
White button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom found in grocery stores. They are also the most popular mushroom in the US, accounting for the majority of mushrooms consumed. Their versatility and meat-like heft and texture make them a popular ingredient worldwide.
White button mushrooms are the youngest of the Agaricus bisporus mushrooms available. They are mild in flavour, which intensifies when cooked. They are also known as baby bella mushrooms, and are the same species as cremini mushrooms, just harvested earlier in the growing process. White button mushrooms are a great option for those who are new to mushrooms, as they have a milder flavour than their more mature counterparts.
White button mushrooms can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They can be grilled, folded into creamy sauces, sautéed in butter and thyme, or paired with a juicy steak. They can also be used in omelettes, stews, stir-fries, and even as a topping for toast. White button mushrooms are a good substitute for other mushrooms in dishes, as they are mild in flavour and versatile.
White button mushrooms are also nutritious. They are low in fat and sodium, high in fibre, and packed with vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy, guilt-free addition to any meal.
White button mushrooms are just one of the many varieties of mushrooms available, and each type has its own unique characteristics and uses. For example, oyster mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular due to their bold and nutty flavour, and their ability to cook quickly. On the other hand, chanterelle mushrooms are known for their delicate apricot flavour and wispy, small appearance. Each type of mushroom brings something different to a dish, and they can be used in a multitude of ways, making them a versatile ingredient.
Caffeine and Shrooms: A Risky Mix?
You may want to see also
Popularity and availability
White mushrooms are the most cultivated mushroom variety worldwide. They are also the most commonly consumed mushroom type in the United States, constituting about 90% of mushroom consumption in the country. White mushrooms are also popular in many other countries.
White mushrooms are native to grasslands in Europe and North America. They are cultivated in more than 70 countries today, with China, the United States, and Poland being the top three producers.
White mushrooms are widely available in grocery stores and farmer's markets. They are also easily found in canned, frozen, and powdered forms. The versatility of white mushrooms in cooking also contributes to their popularity. They are commonly incorporated into stir-fries, pizzas, soups, and various other dishes. They are also keto-friendly, with only 1.6 g of net carbs per serving, making them a versatile ingredient for keto meals.
White mushrooms are also cultivated throughout the year, making them readily available to consumers. They are grown in controlled environments, such as caves or warehouses, where temperature, light, humidity, and nutrients can be adjusted to optimize growth. This controlled cultivation process allows farmers to produce multiple crops each year.
Kosher Mushrooms for Passover: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
White mushrooms are friendly as they are low in calories and sugar, and high in protein and vitamin D. They are also a source of vitamin B12, making them beneficial for those following plant-based diets.
Yes, white mushrooms are one of the most keto-friendly vegetables available. With only 1.6 g of net carbs per serving, they can easily fit into a keto diet.
White mushrooms have multiple health-promoting effects, including improved heart health and potential cancer-fighting properties. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
White mushrooms are low in calories but packed with nutrients. They are a good source of protein, vitamins D and B12, and minerals. They also contain multiple antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C.
White mushrooms are very versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or powdered. They have a mild flavor and a smooth cap, making them easy to incorporate into various dishes such as stir-fries, pizzas, soups, and appetizers.
