This small food item offers countless benefits, being both delicious and supportive of health, while helping to prevent various diseases.
Benefits of White Mushrooms
Historically, mushrooms have been recognized for their health-supporting properties. They are also used in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effects, and their ability to boost the immune system.
Among the various types of mushrooms, one that is both tasty and easy to consume, providing numerous health benefits, is the white mushroom.
White mushrooms are available year-round, offering many health and aesthetic benefits.
Mushrooms that Help Fight Cancer and Improve Cardiovascular Health
White mushrooms, also known as Agaricus bisporus or button mushrooms, originate from temperate climates. The organic-rich pastures after rainfall provide an ideal environment for their growth. Due to their superior nutritional content and delicious flavor, white mushrooms are cultivated in over 70 countries worldwide.
Because they thrive in mild climates, white mushrooms are a rich source of essential nutrients for the body. In 100g of white mushrooms, you can find vitamins such as B1, B2, C, D, along with other nutrients like fiber, potassium, copper, zinc, and beneficial amino acids.
According to traditional medicine, the sweet and cool nature of white mushrooms helps to nourish the spleen and boost energy, relieve coughs, and moisten the lungs. They particularly stimulate appetite, treat loss of appetite, body weakness, and aid women with insufficient milk production after childbirth, as well as replenishing blood for those with reduced white blood cells.
White mushrooms, though small, have high nutritional value.
Most notably, white mushrooms contain protein and alanine—components that help maintain the body’s pH and recover muscle tissue.
According to Jillian Kubala, a nutritionist with a private clinic in New York, here are some specific benefits of white mushrooms that you should know:
Cancer Prevention
White mushrooms contain several antioxidants like polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C that help protect the body from the effects of free radicals. They can inhibit the growth and spread of malignant cells in the body, thereby reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and more.
Additionally, active compounds like ergothioneine, lectin, and beta-glucan in white mushrooms function as antioxidants, improving cell vitality and benefiting the immune system. White mushrooms stimulate the production of beneficial cells and prevent breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
White mushrooms can be prepared in many delicious and healthy dishes.
A report in 2014 published in Nutrition Today indicated that white mushrooms contain a type of carbohydrate called polysaccharides, which have cancer-preventing properties. More specifically, these polysaccharides do not directly attack tumors; instead, they enhance the immune system so your body can fight cancer on its own.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Rich in fiber, white mushrooms are very beneficial for cardiovascular health. Specifically, fiber helps reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines, decreasing blood cholesterol levels and preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries. This, in turn, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke.
Moreover, the antioxidants in white mushrooms protect blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels. At this point, the antioxidants in white mushrooms will inhibit the oxidation process and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction.
Regular consumption of white mushrooms helps prevent aging and disease.
Preventing Aging
Due to their rich antioxidant content, white mushrooms can combat the effects of free radicals in the body, helping to prevent cellular oxidation and maintain healthy, youthful skin. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and trigger the aging process.
White mushrooms also provide important nutrients for the skin, such as vitamin D and minerals like selenium and zinc. Vitamin D helps the skin maintain moisture and elasticity, while selenium and zinc protect the skin from environmental effects and aging factors.
The polysaccharides in white mushrooms are also excellent antioxidants that help restore and improve signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and preventing age-related diseases. This type of mushroom can help the body combat aging and maintain lasting youthfulness.
Combine white mushrooms with other foods to enhance health.
Enhancing Brain Function
White mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants like ergosterol, which can convert to vitamin D2 and help develop the central nervous system. This means that white mushrooms can naturally enhance your memory to treat cognitive disorders, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Tips for Choosing White Mushrooms
White mushrooms are available year-round, making them relatively easy to find. However, when purchasing, choose fresh, clean, and firm mushrooms, avoiding those that are discolored, have dark spots, or are dry. Additionally, do not buy wet or slimy white mushrooms.
After purchase, it is best to use white mushrooms immediately and limit refrigeration for too long. When stored properly, white mushrooms will remain fresh for 3-5 days. You can use white mushrooms to make soups, stew with meat, or stir-fry with other foods. Regular consumption helps protect your health.
