The Nutrition Magic of Mushrooms

These newly discovered health benefits might move mushrooms to the
top of your grocery list.

By Janis Graham
From Reader's Digest
Advertisement
 
Mushroom Health Benefits
Matt Armendariz/FoodPix/Jupiter Images
One medium portobello mushroom supplies as much potassium as a medium-size banana.
Image
It's spring, and mushrooms are popping up all over, including in your local produce aisle. You don't have to be a top chef to prize the lush, earthy flavor of exotic mushrooms. But whether you pick smoky morels or the familiar buttons, you'll get some newly discovered health benefits:

They safeguard against cancer. Mushrooms are rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals, and eating them regularly has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in studies of Chinese and Korean women. Mushrooms also prevent prostate cancer cells from multiplying in mice -- and might do the same in men.

They supply hard-to-get nutrients. One medium portobello mushroom supplies 21 percent of the recommended daily intake of selenium and one third your need of copper; it also has as much potassium as a medium-size banana. Other varieties are just as rich in minerals, a recent analysis found. What's more, mushrooms retain their nutrients when stir-fried, grilled, or microwaved.

They help you cut calories. When ground beef was swapped out for mushrooms in lasagna, sloppy joes, and chili, adults consumed 400 fewer calories per day, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study. Researchers estimate that if you sub mushrooms for ground meat in one meal every week, you can lose five pounds in a year. Just don't sabotage this fringe benefit by preparing mushrooms with loads of butter. Instead, toss them into a nonstick pan that's been lightly sprayed with oil, then sauté on low heat until they soften.

3 Recipes to Try
From Reader's Digest - April 2009
 
Must Read Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Share Your Comments
Post a Comment
 
Remaining Character Count:
 
Very correct in that mushrooms are very nutritious and retain versatility in cooking. You really don't want to sweat mushrooms though, sauteing is done at a higher heat with oil that can withstand the heat. Nonsticks are also more trouble than they are worth, cast iron or stainless will last far longer and take a much larger beating. Just use a dab of clarified butter or some (regular) olive oil on medium high until they begin to brown and soften. So savory!

By a, on 10/05/2009
Very nice site!

By Pharmk628, on 08/01/2009
Very nice site! cheap cialis http://ypxoiea.com/ovyrrxv/4.html

By Pharmc347, on 08/01/2009
See All Comments

Advertisement
 
Related Links

Advertisement

Digg

Popular stories from the source site rd.com sorted by diggs
Powered by Digg's Users