4 Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms may be among the most underrated superfoods, but make no mistake, they possess a veritable boatload of vital nutrients and properties guaranteed to enrich your heart, spirit and overall health. Whether they are cultivated or obtained in the wild (such as the yellowfoot mushrooms illustrated above), listed below are 5 reasons why I avidly endorse the consumption of these edible delicacies on a daily basis.

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse: Edible mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants such as polyphenols (e.g., flavanoids), polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glycan) and vitamins (e.g., C and E) that help to neutralize free radicals from promoting cell damage, cancers and age-related diseases of the heart and brain. Consumption of edible mushrooms as part of a healthy lifestyle prescription may help to maintain and improve quality of life.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure: Eritadenine is a compound isolated from shitake and other mushrooms that inhibits ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme). ACE inhibitors are medications that are commonly used to treat elevated blood pressure.  in addition, mushrooms are a good source of dietary potassium, thereby providing another avenue to help reduce high blood pressure.
3. May Reduce Weight: Have you heard of the mushroom diet?  If you are looking to shed some weight, try substituting portobello mushrooms for red meat and you may lose 5-10 pounds!
4. Reduces Depression and Anxiety: Consuming the edible mushroom, “Lion’s Mane” has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.  This should not be confused with psilocybin, another compound isolated from mushrooms that may elicit hallucinogenic behavior and result in panic attacks.
5. Michael Miller, MD is a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland USA.  His book, “Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease” focuses on proven methods to manage stress and improve cardiovascular health.