Mushrooms occupied a prevalent position throughout history. Some folktales and historical myths depict them as magical plants that provide strength and immortality to the eater. For example, the Ancient Egyptians regarded mushrooms as ‘plants of immortality’ given by Osiris. Some ethnobotanists also theorize that Vikings consumed them before engaging in battles.
Besides their alleged mystical properties, humans have used them for more practical purposes, such as sustenance and medicine. Until today, mushrooms offer plenty of benefits.
In this article, learn five fantastic facts about mushrooms and how they can improve everyday life.
Excellent Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms are excellent sources of vitamins and essential minerals. They contain vitamin B, such as riboflavin and niacin, which aid digestion and maintain the body’s energy supply. Mushrooms also have vitamin D. They grown under UV rays such as sunlight contain higher vitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D strengthens the bones and improves the body’s immune system.
They also contain essential minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. As low-calorie sources of fiber and protein, they help regulate blood sugar and feelings of hunger and build and repair muscles and body tissue.
You can eat them cooked or raw after thorough washing. Incorporating them into your meals, like salads or pizzas, is healthy. Make them as a base for pasta sauces or soups. You can also mix real mushroom extracts into shakes, coffee, and other drinks if you dislike mushrooms’ texture.
Packed with Medicinal Benefits
The medical use of mushrooms dates back thousands of years across several cultures. The Greek physician Hippocrates, considered the Father of Medicine, used amadou mushrooms to cauterize wounds due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chinese alchemist Tao Hongjing also recorded several medical uses for mushrooms.
Today, modern science continues to explore the medical benefits. Mushrooms, such as reishi and chaga, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent diseases worsened by chronic inflammation. They also possess anti-cancer properties. Studies show that daily consumption of them reduces cancer risk by 45%.
Add Flavor to Dishes
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Mushrooms impart a rich, savory flavor to many dishes across the globe. This flavor is called umami, known as the fifth basic taste. The umami flavor of mushrooms comes from their glutamate content, which can be found in other savory foods such as meat, fish, and cheese. Because of its taste, chefs often use them as meat substitutes for vegetarian dishes.
A wide range of recipes that use them are available today. For more straightforward seasoning of dishes, you can create mushroom flavoring at home by pulverizing dried mushrooms using a blender or a food processor. Add salt and other spices to customize your seasoning. Store your seasoning in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature.
Keep Pests Away
Mushrooms offer gardening and farming benefits, and they are useful in getting rid of plant pests. Mushroom species, such as milk cap mushrooms, possess insecticidal properties. They protect plants from insects and other diseases, increasing crop production. But they do not harm other untargeted insects, such as pollinator bees.
Using mushroom-based pesticides also reduces dependence on chemical pesticides and minimizes the risk associated with them. Since they are organic, mushroom-based pesticides biodegrade naturally and negatively impact the environment less than their chemical counterparts.
Protect the Environment
Mushrooms help protect the environment in many ways. One way is by removing environmental pollutants in a process called micro mediation. Some mushroom species, like oyster mushrooms, break down contaminants like heavy metals. Since they feed on organic compounds, they can absorb petroleum-based substances in the soil, cleaning up oil spills and other chemicals.
They can also degrade plastic. Studies show that some common mushroom varieties, such as oysters, can degrade plastic while producing edible parts.
In addition to pollutant removal, mushrooms can serve as raw materials for sustainable manufacturing. Some green products made from them include mushroom leather, low-cost mushroom-based bricks, and compostable packaging.
Takeaway
Mushrooms boast a rich history and offer many benefits, including health and the environment. They improve health through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. They also protect plants from pests and decontaminate the soil. Overall, they can lead to a healthier lifestyle and a greener future.