The Power of Mushrooms
When it comes to food, color usually matters. Dark leafy greens, shiny red apples, or bright yellow lemons all make excellent dietary choices. Intake of foods without color, such as white rice, white bread, pasta, etc., should usually be limited because their lack of color is typically associated with a similar lack of nutrients. But, there is one brown or white-colored food you should make sure not to skip – mushrooms!
Mushrooms are small, lightweight, and low in calories, but they’re packed with antioxidants and other nutrients your body needs. Continue reading to find out more about how adding mushrooms to your diet may improve your health.
They Have Anti-Aging Qualities
Mushrooms are incredibly rich in two types of antioxidants: ergothioneine and glutathione. When both of these antioxidants are present together, they can help protect your body from developing some of the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
They Might Help Make You Feel Better
According to a 2021 study performed by Penn State that included nearly 25,000 participants, people who regularly ate mushrooms were at a lower risk for depression than their mushroom-avoiding counterparts. Researchers think the lower risk for depression may be due to the amino acid ergothioneine that is present in mushrooms and its ability to reduce oxidative stress and, by extension, some symptoms of depression.
They’re Heart Healthy
When mushrooms are used in place of salt, they can help dishes taste better. The glutamate ribonucleotides that mushrooms contain contribute an umami taste that doesn’t raise your blood pressure or contribute to your risk of heart disease.
Mushrooms can also make a delicious replacement for red meat in many meals, reducing the overall amount of saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol.
They Can Boost Your Overall Energy
Mushrooms are rich in B complex vitamins, including riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), pantothenic acid (B5), thiamine (B1), and niacin (B3). B complex vitamins are crucial in the body’s ability to utilize the energy from the food you consume. Additionally, they play an important part in the creation of red blood cells.
Making Mushrooms Part of Your Diet
Mushrooms are small and unassuming, but they’re packed with a tremendous amount of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function at its peak. That’s why we developed Popadelics™ Crunchy Mushroom Chips, a better-for-you, crispy mushroom snack that makes it easy (and tasty) to add more mushrooms to your diet.
If you’d like to learn more about mushrooms and how they can help you look and feel great, check out our other blogs.
