Mushrooms commonly known as shrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of certain fungi that have gills, pores or spines rather than being enclosed in a sac or peziza as with many cup fungi. The term shroom typically excludes lichens, water molds, slime molds, and algae, as they are not considered true fungi. There are an estimated number of species of fungi including shrooms, of which only a small fraction have been formally described.
Nutritional Value of Mushrooms
Mushroom are low in calories, fat and sodium. They are cholesterol free and are a good source of riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. Shrooms are also a good source of selenium, potassium and copper. They contain appreciable amounts of vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light. Many varieties of shrooms are highly nutritious with substantial amounts of vitamin B3, B2, potassium and phosphorus. They also contain phytochemicals including statins, sterols and antioxidants. White shrooms specifically contain polysaccharides that provide anti-tumor and immune system support.
Unique Antioxidants in Mushrooms
Shrooms contain antioxidants that are showing promise in supporting cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. Ergothioneine is a unique antioxidant found most abundantly in shrooms that protects cells from oxidative damage. It is found at higher levels in shrooms than in any other food. In addition to ergothioneine, shrooms contain high levels of selenium, glutathione and phenols which have powerful antioxidant properties. Ongoing research shows that shrooms could be protective against various forms of cancer including breast, prostate, lung and stomach cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mushrooms
Shrooms have anti-inflammatory properties due to their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. COX enzymes produce inflammatory prostaglandins in the body from fatty acids. Substances found in shrooms such as ergothioneine and alpha-glucan are able to inhibit these inflammatory enzymes and may be beneficial for reducing inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect of certain shroom compounds supports their role in conditions like cardiovascular disease, arthritis and even neurodegenerative diseases where chronic inflammation is involved.
Improving Gut and Immune Health with Shrooms
The strains found in shrooms help support a healthy balance of gut bacteria which is important for overall health. Shrooms contain prebiotic fibers known as beta-glucans that feed beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Beta-glucans from shrooms have demonstrated immune-boosting effects including increased production of cytokines like interleukins and interferons by macrophages. This enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses and defenses against infection. Research suggests certain shroom varieties support specific stages of immune cell development linking their consumption to reduced risk of infection.
Anti-cancer Properties of Shrooms
Several compounds in shrooms have demonstrated anti-tumor effects via multiple mechanisms including inducing cellular death of cancer cells, blocking tumor angiogenesis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. The polysaccharides and terpenes in shrooms activate natural killer cells, lymphocytes and macrophages that directly target and destroy cancer cells. Ongoing human clinical trials are exploring use of medicinal shrooms like turkey tail, shiitake and reishi as complementary therapies during cancer treatment and prevention of cancer recurrence after surgery or radiation. More research is still needed but early findings indicate promise.
Cardio-Protective Functions of Shrooms
Shroom consumption is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease according to population studies and research on underlying mechanisms. Shrooms are a good source of potassium, which offsets effects of sodium and reducing blood pressure. Additional bioactive compounds in shrooms inhibit oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, which prevents atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in arteries. shroom polysaccharides appear to modify blood lipid profiles by reducing total and LDL-cholesterol while elevating HDL-cholesterol levels. Ongoing studies suggest certain shroom species could favorably impact additional cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, inflammation, coagulation and body weight management.
Effects on Nervous System Health
Research is exploring how culinary and medicinal shrooms may benefit nervous system health. Beta-glucans in shrooms stimulate neuron growth factors in the brain and could impact conditions involving neurodegeneration or neuron communication deficits. Further studies suggest certain shroom species could protect neurons against damage from conditions like strokes by mitigating oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Additional research focuses on whether shrooms may offer symptomatic relief or modify progression of disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. While more investigation is needed, initial findings lend support to traditional use of shrooms for nervine complaints.
Mushrooms offer numerous nutritional and medicinal properties that are being increasingly recognized for their health benefits. Ongoing research links components in shrooms to reducing risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions along with boosting immunity and gut health. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neurological effects also hold promise for disorders involving chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. As use of functional shrooms gains acceptance in Western medicine, more studies will further define their mechanisms and help optimize delivery methods for specific targeted conditions. Overall, traditional usage combined with emerging scientific evidence point to shrooms as a sustainable and nutritive whole food supporting various aspects of health.
Comments
0 comment