Benefits of Eating Mushrooms

Mushrooms are not plants, nor shrubs, nor vegetables. These organisms form their own species because, instead of having seeds, fungi or mushrooms release millions of microscopic spores that join together to form a cap or umbrella. This characteristic gives them their peculiar shape.You can also read: Everything you need to know about fungi and mushrooms Are mushrooms dangerous?In the world of fungi, there are more than a million of them; however, not all are edible or have great taste. Therefore, keep reading to find out which types of mushrooms you can eat and what their benefits are.According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, the mushrooms that should be consumed are those sold in established supermarkets; one should avoid those sold in informal markets, as they may not be edible and could cause poisoning and allergies.Among the most popular mushrooms for human consumption are: 1. Portobello: can be completely brown or white with brown touches. Its cap is large, and its stem is small.2. Porcini: characterized by a brown cap with thick white stems.3. Shiitake: of Chinese origin, it is white with brown spots that look like stains on the cap.4. Oyster: commonly referred to as mushrooms, they are ivory or beige in color and have very noticeable gills.5. Chanterelle: they look very similar to others but have a yellow hue and gills that are upward from the cap.6. Enoki: these are white and come in clusters, with a tiny cap and a very elongated stem.7. Morel: either white or brown, resembling coral due to its design. They can reach the size of a palm.See more: Mushrooms and fungi, what is the difference?Benefits of mushroomsAll fungi have important nutrients that allow for proper nutrition. These are some of the minerals they contain: iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, selenium, calcium, potassium, and zinc; regarding vitamins, mushrooms are rich in A and B, as well as C and D.For all these reasons, here are some of their benefits:Mushrooms have more potassium than bananas. Therefore, for bone, dental, and cardiovascular health, mushrooms are a great option.Mushrooms can replace meat. Due to their consistency and flavor, some mushrooms are used to replace red meats. Additionally, thanks to their protein content and zero fats, they are a very healthy option.Mushrooms provide significant amounts of fiber. While some mushrooms are soft and easy to digest, others are more fibrous, and it is these latter ones that improve intestinal transit.Due to their versatility in world cuisine, their unique flavor, and the benefits of their nutrients, mushrooms are a great option for the whole family, as they are part of sauces, creams, soups, and can even be the main dish or a pleasant accompaniment to chicken, duck, or red meat.Continue reading: Eating mushrooms could be the best way to prevent diseases like Alzheimer's