Nutritional Benefits of 5 Kinds of Mushroom

Mushrooms are reported to fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity

Taiwanese nutritionist Chang Yi-ting says mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides that can help fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and enhance one’s immune functions. They are also low in sodium, high in potassium, and rich in many minerals. Moderate consumption can help stabilize blood pressure.Shutterstock/The Epoch Times

Mushrooms are common fungi that are tasty and nutritionally beneficial. Taiwanese nutritionist Chang Yi-ting said that mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides that can help fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and enhance immune functions. They are also low in sodium, high in potassium, and a plentiful source of various minerals. Moderate consumption of mushrooms can help to keep blood pressure stable.

Common mushrooms include shiitake, French horn, enoki, oyster, and brown beech. Mushrooms’ nutritional values vary considerably; Chang summed up the nutritional content of these five common mushrooms.

Shiitake Mushroom

Vitamin D, polysaccharides, dietary fiber, and selenium are abundant in shiitake mushrooms, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, the polysaccharide lentinan in shiitake mushrooms has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and improve the activity of immune T cells in animal experiments.

French Horn Mushroom

French horn mushrooms are packed with plant-based protein and taste similar to chicken. They are rich in potassium, which helps flush out excess sodium and stabilize blood pressure.

Enoki Mushroom

Enoki mushrooms contain a variety of essential amino acids and are rich in fiber and vitamin B1, all of which are essential for metabolizing nutrients and maintaining physical strength. Studies have shown that the arginine in enoki mushrooms can inhibit tumor formation.

Oyster Mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are full of B group vitamins and zinc, which help improve immune cells’ activities, and are rich in amino acids that can help repair cells and tissues. Studies have shown that the glycoprotein in oyster mushrooms has anti-cancer effects.

Brown Beech Mushroom

Brown beech mushrooms, also known as marmoreal mushrooms, are abundant in selenium, folic acid, and polysaccharides and taste slightly bitter. Selenium is an antioxidant that can significantly inhibit cell oxidation and canceration.

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Chang explained that mushrooms cannot independently produce nutrients because they grow on living things. They are parasitically growing on trees or rotted wood. The most common mushrooms, sold in grocery stores, are usually cultivated artificially. Mushrooms grown in soil are freshest, but you must thoroughly remove dirt and other particles before consuming them. Also, look for discoloration or water leakage, which can indicate staleness.