Because
of its nutritional value, especially the richness in antioxidants and its diverse culinary
techniques, mushrooms have always
been used around the world as the loved ingredient. They belong to the family
of Fungi. The high nutritional components of the mushrooms help them to defend
themselves against their enemies and to survive in the environment. This fact can
support that they have the potential to enhance our body’s defense mechanism for our health and well-being.
Although
not all the classes of mushrooms are edible, they all have their nutrition
content. For instance, all mushrooms contain beta glucans that have been found to help fight inflammation and aid the immune system. Also, they are rich in
antioxidants that protect cell health. Some mushrooms are also having the
potential to fight against breast and
other hormone-related cancers as they
contain an enzyme called aromatase
that inhibits the production of estrogen.
Mushrooms also
support the mental health
of a person. It has been used effectively in Chinese Traditional Medicine (Lion’s Mane) and is still a potent
food for patients with various brain and neurocognitive disorders. It is said that they activate an important peptide
known as ‘Nerve Growth Factors (NGF)’
which is essential for the growth, survival, and maintenance of the brain
neurons.
It
has been observed that eating mushrooms reduces the risk for mild cognitive impairment (M.C.I.), a type of memory impairment
that is often a precursor of Alzheimer’s disease as it has a potential
preventive measure to slow cognitively
decline and neurodegeneration in the elderly. Some other age-related health
conditions such as loss of short-term
memory and visual recognition memory
seem to be supported effectively by adding the mushrooms in their food.
With
the conclusions from various researches on various varieties, it is believed
that an amino acid called ergothioneine
(ET), which has been found in almost all the tested varieties, is associated
with this correlation. ET is a unique antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory compound that
we are unable to synthesize. The level of ET decreases with the age and results
in cognitive dysfunction. Thus, it is
advised to have mushroom intake in your food and thus, delay the onset of
cognitive dysfunctions in later years. Some of the varieties of Mushroom with
health benefits include Lion’s Mane, Shiitake, golden mushrooms, oyster
mushrooms, white button mushrooms, dried mushrooms, and canned
button mushrooms.
