Mushrooms are the food that transforms nutrients in nature. They can grow in forests, meadows, deserts and rocky areas. There is no specific number of mushroom varieties. There are varieties that can be consumed as well as poisonous varieties. Mushrooms also have therapeutic properties. The mushroom contains more than one vitamin. It also contains; calcium, potassium, phosphorus and copper minerals.
There are one and a half million different species of mushrooms in the world. They are found in every region of the world and grow in areas with high humidity. You should be very careful when consuming mushrooms. People who do not have enough information about the types of mushrooms should be more careful when consuming mushrooms. The poisoning rate of mushrooms is high. Therefore, pregnant women should pay more attention when consuming mushrooms. Pregnant women can consume mushrooms uncooked. Mushrooms that are collected from nature and want to be consumed carry a risk. Therefore, cultivated mushrooms that are safe should be selected.
What are the Health Benefits of Mushrooms?
Mushrooms have a good mineral, fiber and vitamin content. It also contains antioxidants. It has low calorie and low fat content. Therefore, it is very effective in weight loss. Thanks to its high beta-glucan content, the feeling of satiety is quite high and balances the cholesterol level in the blood. We can list the other benefits of mushrooms as follows;
- Mushrooms help protect the digestive system.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- It fights against aging of cells by protecting skin health.
- Helps lower cholesterol.
- Contributes to the support of metabolism.
- Reduces blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
- Accelerates the healing process of wounds.
- Fights against infection and microbial diseases.
- Protects the body against inflammation.
What are the Vitamins Found in Mushrooms?
In mushrooms, there is a carbohydrate called chitin, which is very difficult to digest. Therefore, it takes time to digest. The feeling of hunger, to which fast digestible foods react quickly, slows down when mushrooms are eaten. Mushrooms are rich in protein . Therefore, it is a valuable option that gives flavor for people who want to reduce meat consumption to a minimum level. Mushrooms are also rich in B category vitamins. The B vitamins contained in the mushroom contribute to the regular functioning of the nervous system and to maintain the health of the skin. In addition to these, mushrooms contain vitamins B12, B2, B3 . These vitamins are important for metabolism and cell functions, and also support bone health thanks to the vitamin D it contains.
Mushroom; It also contains rich minerals. Thanks to its potassium content, it provides the water balance of the body. This mineral is also important for the proper functioning of the muscle and nervous system. Phosphorus together with magnesium supports bone and tooth structure. Selenium contributes to the prevention of free radical formation in the body and is also useful for the health of hair, nails and teeth.
How to Use Which Mushroom?
Mushrooms contain more than one different vitamin and protein. These vitamins and minerals are very beneficial for health. The ways of using mushrooms differ according to their varieties. We can list the usage areas of mushrooms as follows;
Button mushroom: It is the most widely used type of mushroom. It is also known as white mushroom. It is quite simple to find in nature. These mushrooms are generally used in fast food, street food, pizza ingredients and soup making. They can be diced and sautéed with olive oil and white wine for a delicious flavor.
Culture mushroom: It has a fleshy structure and a large cap. Also known as Portabello mushroom. This type of mushroom is consumed with different foods, especially with meat. It is also used in soup making and grilling.
Shiitake mushroom: It is preferred in dishes in Asian cuisine. Shiitake mushrooms can be sautéed with vegetable products, served with rice, and added to salads and pasta.
Poplar mushroom The color tones of the poplar mushroom, which is rarer than other types of mushrooms, can be brown or gray. It is also known as Pleurotus. It is preferred in sea foods, meat dishes and creamy sauces.
What is Mushroom Good for?
Mushrooms contain more than one vitamin and minerals. Thanks to the vitamin B it contains, it has beneficial effects on the nervous system, protein and immune system. It also prevents anemia thanks to the iron it contains. It is useful in protecting bones with its calcium content. It fights against different diseases. It is also rich in potassium. In this way, it benefits the circulatory system and contributes to the protection of the heart. It supports cognitive functions by regulating blood pressure. In addition, mushrooms contain natural insulin and enzymes that help the body to break down sugars and starch in food, supporting liver and pancreas function. They also contain antioxidants that slow down cellular aging.
How should mushrooms be consumed?
Mushrooms are foods with a high risk of allergic reactions and poisoning. In addition, mushrooms are very difficult to digest, so excessive and continuous consumption should be avoided.
If a person does not have sufficient knowledge about mushroom varieties, consuming mushrooms collected from nature can be harmful. It should be known that not only mushrooms containing poison, but also mushrooms that are not cooked properly can cause allergic reactions. This can lead to stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
What are the Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning?
As well as the benefits of mushrooms, there are also harms to human health as a result of excessive and improper consumption. People who do not have information about mushroom varieties should be more careful when consuming mushrooms. We can list the symptoms of mushroom poisoning as follows;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Red spotting on the skin
In severe cases, delusions, high blood pressure, headaches, liver damage and death can occur.