Mushrooms in different cuisines have drawn a lot of attention over the years and made the edible fungi one of the most palatable dishes among food lovers keen to experiment for enriching their culinary experience. Mushrooms have the unique ability to add flavors to various cuisines popular among different cultures. Although the taste of mushrooms might not be attractive to many, its high nutritional value and medicinal qualities offer a wide range of health benefits that drive more people towards it. A case in point is the turkey tail capsules by Stay Wyld Organics that are popular among even those who are not fans of mushroom flavor.
Although not all types of mushrooms are edible, the medicinal qualities are inherent in most varieties. Researchers have shown that even the magic mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic effects, have therapeutic qualities worth exploring. Buying mushrooms from reliable sources is the only way to ensure their good quality that provides a host of nutritional and health benefits.
Source of vitamin D
Mushrooms are among the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. Since mushrooms usually grow in the wild in tropical climates, it receives plenty of sunlight which helps to produce vitamin D. During mushroom cultivation, the use of UV lights exposes mushrooms to UV radiation and increase the concentration of vitamin D. To increase the level of vitamin D in mushrooms, you can leave it under sunlight at home for about 15 minutes to 2 hours. The little effort that you take can increase the level of vitamin D up to 10mcg for every 100gm of fresh mushroom.
Support for the immune system
The active polysaccharides in mushrooms, also known as beta-glucan, is a type of soluble fiber. This compound acts on the part of the immune system and activates it, including the immune cells and macrophages. The activation of the immune cells, also known as killer cells, enhances the body’s ability to fight infection and prevent the growth of tumors. Moreover, mushrooms contain the powerful antioxidant selenium and vitamin B, which prevent cell and tissue damages while supporting the immune system.
Good for heart health
The therapeutic properties of some mushrooms can help lower cholesterol levels, especially for obese people. The presence of some nutrients and plant compounds in mushrooms may prevent plaque build-up on the walls of the blood vessels by preventing cells from adhering to the walls. By preventing the narrowing of the blood vessels, mushrooms help the body to maintain proper blood circulation and healthy blood pressure.
Better abdominal health
Mushrooms help to maintain a healthy gut due to prebiotics present in the fungi. Beta-glucan is a prebiotic found in mushrooms that facilitate the growth of good bacteria in the gut that helps in better functioning of the digestive system. A healthy gut helps to maintain a robust immune system by ensuring proper food digestion.
Manage neurodegenerative conditions well
Some type of medicinal mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane has high medicinal properties and are effective in the management and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Capsules made from medicinal mushrooms ease the consumption even for those who might not like to eat them.
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