Six Benefits of Mushrooms for Health

button mushrooms

Fungi have been used for thousands of years, both as food and herbal medicine. Studies show that fungi can increase the production and activity of white blood cells. And this, according to the director of the Institute of Herbal Medicine Douglas Schar, very good to fight infection. Here are some other benefits of mushrooms:

Lose weight. Mushrooms contain about 80-90 percent water with low calorie content. In addition, fungi also contain very little sodium and fat, and 8-10 per cent of dried mushrooms is a fiber component. Therefore, this food is ideal for those who are following the weight control program or diet to control hypertension.

Source of potassium. Mushroom rich in potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. One medium portabella mushroom has revealed more potassium than a banana or a glass of orange juice. A pint of mushrooms also provide 20-40 percent of your daily copper ajuran. Copper is a mineral that contains a protective component of the heart.

Fight free radicals. Mushrooms are rich in riboflamin, niacin, and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that works with vitamin E to protect cells from free radical damage.

Reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In addition to fighting free radicals, levels of selenium in mushrooms also help prevent prostate cancer. Baltimore who studies aging study found that those who consumed selenium dose twice daily recommended 65 percent lower risk of prostate cancer. Men with the lowest selenium levels of risk four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who have the highest selenium levels in the blood.

Prevent breast cancer. Button mushrooms contain functional components that inhibit the activity of aromatase (an enzyme involved in the production of estrogen) and 5-alpha-reductase (an enzyme that functions convert testosterone into DHT). Recent findings indicate that the button mushrooms can reduce the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Button mushroom extract reduces the multiplication of cells and reduce tumor size. Effects of chemotherapy can be seen with the intake of about 100 grams of mushrooms per day.

Overcome the flu. In China and Japan, shiitake mushrooms have been used for centuries to overcome colds and flu. Lentinan, which was isolated from shiitake mushrooms stems, otherwise stimulate the immune system, helps fight infection, and showed antitumor activity. (IK/OL-5) translate from  Ikarowina Tarigan (media Indonesia)