Mushroom Nutritional Facts

It’s a strange thing but it is still possible to encounter people who believe that mushrooms are somehow largely ‘empty’ and contain little of anything.
That explains why for some people, mushrooms are still seen as largely a decorative addition to things such as soups or as a garnish for meat etc.

Of course, this is fundamentally wrong.

Here at Fresh Crop Mushrooms, we are desperately keen to increase public awareness of what we call mushroom nutritional facts.  That’s because this foodstuff is absolutely full of potential nutritional benefit in a number of areas.

In fact, mushrooms are sometimes referred to as a super food - and with good reason.

Let’s consider the facts just for a second. Mushrooms are full of:

• Vitamins;
• Anti-oxidant chemicals;
• Immune system enhancing compounds;
• Natural fibres;
• Dietary Selenium.
Need we say more?
Then there are all the things that mushrooms do not contain (or have in tiny quantities only) and which should be taken into account when considering the basics of mushroom nutritional facts:
• Fats;
• Artificial chemicals, preservatives and colourings;
• Man-made sweeteners such as aspartame;
• High amounts of sodium;
• Cholesterol.

True, you can’t select a foodstuff exclusively based upon what it does or does not contain.  Taste is also a pretty important thing to assess and of course, mushrooms contain their own beautiful flavours which can sometimes be enhanced through sympathetic recipes.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that different types of mushroom may contain different percentages of the beneficial chemicals and minerals needed by the human body.  For example, Shiitake mushrooms are well known for having high levels of dietary Selenium which can help to stimulate the immune system and protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Many people claim to have seen significant health and quality of life improvements by eating more mushrooms and cutting down on things such as red meat etc.
There is evidence that suggests this is far more than just a fad and in fact, by understanding a little more of mushroom nutritional facts and eating more of them, people really can see positive health benefits.

Why not try this type of approach yourself?