Take Advantage of Mushroom Season

By: Mary Chen LAc

mushroomIt's all about the mushrooms this year. Whether you like white button, portabello, chanterelle, or porcini mushrooms, here are the top 5 reasons to start eating them this season:

1.) Mushrooms are the only vegetable with high levels of vitamin D. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin.

2.) Mushrooms are a great source of vitamin B which helps process carbohydrates and metabolize fats and proteins. This means mushrooms can help aid in weight loss!

3.) Another important mineral found in mushrooms is selenium. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.

4.) Mushrooms are heart healthy. The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to strengthening the cardiovascular system. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure.

5.) Mushrooms are considered a superfood because they are high in antioxidants. They help the cells in our body ward off damage from dangerous oxygen molecules called free radicals. Free radicals may play a role in serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

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