The season has changed from Summer to Autumn and we can now enjoy the best of the new season produce.
Top of our list of favourite Autumn treats is the humble mushroom. Loved by many but loathed by some, the mushroom contains a host of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre which all boost your immune system – vital as the months become colder and we become prone to colds and flu! However you feel about them, they’re packed full of goodness!
Here are some of the reasons why we love marvellous mushrooms:
- Did you know that mushrooms are the only known fruit or vegetable which have a source of the essential vitamin, Vitamin D? This is known as a super vitamin because it is linked to preventing certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity and some studies even show a link between Vitamin D consumption and the prevention of multiple sclerosis. Plus, Vitamin aids in maintaining bone strength.
- Boost your metabolism by including mushrooms in your diet! B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin).
- Antioxidants are the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body. Just as oxidation causes a bicycle to rust over time, this process damages not only cell membranes, but also proteins, lipids and DNA (and damage to DNA can trigger cancer). The by-products of this oxidation process are free radicals. Mushrooms contain the same amount of antioxidants (the good guys) as many colourful vegetables such as red peppers.
- Boost your immune system: white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells-called dendritic cells-from bone marrow. According to the researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defence systems against invading microbes.
Convinced that including mushrooms in your diet can only be beneficial to your health? We’ve got some lovely recipes to help you to do so here.
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