.svg)
There are lots of reasons to love mushrooms—and not just because they’re “fungi-s.” (Sorry, we had to.) Shrooms aren't a veggie, fruit, or animal; they find themselves in a completely separate category. Plants gather energy from the sun, animals eat other organisms for food, and mushrooms…well, they march to the beat of their own drum. They get their nutrition from absorbing non-living organic matter. AKA, eating dead things!
Now that we got the science part down pat, let’s dive into the power of mushrooms. There are tons of varieties out there, each delivering their own nutrients and umami deliciousness.
What Are the Health Benefits of Mushrooms?
Overall, some mushroom varieties have been said to support your immune system, stimulate gut health, improve cognitive function, and lower cholesterol. We’ll get into the shroom specifics in just a second!
Does Mushroom Type Matter?
There are many mushrooms on the market, and each carry their own nutrients. Got a favorite fungi? Here are a few superstar shrooms:
- Shiitake Mushroom Health Benefits
Shiitake mushrooms have high amounts of natural copper, which can help with immune support, your bones, and blood vessels. They contain a compound called eritadenine that’s known to lower cholesterol levels. Shiitake also have beta-glucans, and you beta-believe that these soluble fibers can help reduce inflammation!
- Portobello Mushroom Health Benefits
The very popular portobello is the perfect mushroom to add to your plate. Their B-Vitamin levels are pretty impressive, which can keep your skin and hair looking beautiful. These vitamins can also keep your metabolism and nervous system in check. Portobellos have potassium as well, which can aid in nerve and muscle function. Their phosphorus levels are up there, too, which is a necessary nutrient in building strong bones. (...Are portobellos the new pre-workout?!)
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Health Benefits
This savory delicacy definitely rocks a head of hair. The lion’s mane mushroom has a fuzzy-like appearance, but a fantastically meaty interior when cooked. Its seafood-like flavor has made it a popular protein substitute in stir frys, soups, and pastas. Lion’s mane tea has also become a standard due to recent studies on its health benefits. Research shows that this shroom could alleviate mild symptoms of depression, improve brain function, manage diabetes symptoms, and decrease the risk of heart disease. That’s one mighty mushroom!
- Oyster Mushroom Health Benefits
Oyster mushrooms don’t taste like the shellfish, but they sure do look like them! They’re filled with fiber, antioxidants, and beta-glucans. This means a serving a day can benefit heart health, reduce cellular damage, and support your immune system. The world is your oyster with this mushroom by your side!
How Can We Include Them in Our Diet?
You can easily slip shrooms into every meal! Dice up shitakkes for your morning frittata, stir fry some cremini or button mushrooms with veggies and soy sauce, or enjoy portobellos for dinner in our Oven-Glazed Chicken Marsala. While particular mushrooms pair well with different meals, you really can’t go wrong with adding them to any dish. If you sauté any type with garlic and butter, you’re in for a treat.
Have you been missing out on mushrooms? No worries—shiitake happens. If your weekly schedule is too crammed to cook meals with shrooms, we can deliver done-for-you dishes to your door. Check out our fungi faves, including Creamy Mushroom Risotto, Miso-Glazed Beef Bowl, and Chicken Cordon Bleu!
.png)
