Superfood #3: Mushrooms

There is a wide range of mushroom species: button, portobello, shiitake, crimini, oyster, and many, many more! Each type boasting different nutritional content and each type proving why mushrooms are on the superfood list.

Mushrooms boast a wide range of different minerals and vitamins, ‘including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc and a number of B vitamins such as folate. Mushrooms are also high in antioxidants like selenium and glutathione, or GSH, substances believed to protect cells from damage and reduce chronic disease and inflammation.’

With regular mushroom intake, you can boost your immune system creating a better defense system against invading microbes. Because mushrooms are rich in vitamin B, they will also help kick up your metabolism. Vitamin B is vital for turning carbohydrates into glucose, in other words turning food into fuel, and mushrooms are packed full of them! Mushrooms are also great for your bladder because of their high levels of selenium. Some studies deduce that the higher your selenium intake the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Several mushroom types boast this mineral, such as raw crimini (100 grams has about 47% of your daily need) and cooked shiitakes (which has about 45% of your daily need).

Baked, fried, or added to a soup, mushrooms are a great addition to your meal!