The lowly mushroom is often misunderstood but did you know it is one of the most nutritious foods in the world? Healthcare providers emphasize eating our vegetables and the more colorful, the better. But the mushroom is neither a vegetable (it’s a fungus), nor is it colorful. So what gives?

Mushrooms are considered adaptogens in that they help the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.  They are natural substances that help increase the body’s resistance to stress and fatigue.³

We should be incorporating more in our diet as they are high in antioxidants. They are also high in selenium, a mineral that helps boost immunity and protect the body against oxidative damage. Mushrooms also contain vitamin D, folate, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and heart healthy beta-glucans¹ which are a dietary fiber found in the stem of the mushroom.²

What are some types of mushrooms and their benefits?

The following mushrooms are used in select products by PURE. Many of these have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

• Moomiyo, also found in GPS Adapt, properties helps the body recover faster from both mental (emotional) and physical stresses and fatigue. It can help increase training and workloads, increasing lean muscle mass. It has natural detox properties to help rid the body of harmful toxins.
• Codonopsis, found in GPS Adapt, helps stimulate the immune system. It may also help increase endurance as well as promote circulation.
• Cordyceps, found in GPS Adapt, is a fungus that lives on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. It is high in polysaccharides and might improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. It also may help improve energy, appetite, stamina, endurance and sleeping.
• Reishi, found in Greens and GPS Adapt, contains water-soluble polysaccharides, triterpenoids, proteins and amino acids. Reishi is an important adaptogenic mushroom.
• Maitake, found in Greens, contains potassium, B vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and beta glucans.

Other types of edible mushrooms.

Here are the more common mushrooms, the kind you are likely to add to your salad or stir fry.

White button mushrooms contain nutrients our bodies need to generate energy and repair cells — including digestive enzymes, B vitamins, protein, and vitamin D2.

Cremini mushrooms are high in vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B5. B vitamins are necessary for the proper function of red blood cells. You can find these in the grocery store. They are similar to the white button mushrooms but are higher in nutrients.

Portobello mushrooms contain antioxidants which help slow down the aging process by fighting free radicals. These mushrooms are large and meaty, making them healthy alternatives to the hamburger when grilled and marinated.

Shitake mushrooms also have a meaty cap and are available fresh or dried. They have a slightly smoky flavor are high in B vitamins. They contains the same amount of amino acids as meat. ² This kind of mushroom is found in Greens.

Oyster mushrooms are more delicate than others and have a slightly peppery flavor.

Make room for more mushrooms in your diet.

Mushrooms are versatile and add unique flavors to your dishes. Add them to a stir fry with other vegetables. They are a great addition to rice dishes. Fill mushroom caps with grated cheese, tomatoes, and spices and bake. You can even add mushrooms to soups.

Mushrooms are also low in sodium, fat, cholesterol and calories. What are you waiting for? How will you incorporate mushrooms into your diet?

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25346611/

² http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0367326X10001358

³ http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=47339