Did you know September is National Mushroom Month? I didn’t either until I saw a sign in the supermarket yesterday encouraging shoppers to “Celebrate the Mushroom.” At first I thought it was a ploy to get customers to buy mushrooms. But when I got home I did some research and learned that this month is indeed National Mushroom Month. I also discovered that the formidable fungi offer many health benefits.
In fact, several Eastern cultures have long revered mushrooms as both food and medicine. But it wasn’t until just recently that researchers have been able to back up those claims with scientific studies that prove mushrooms or substances found in them aid in the treatment of certain types of cancer, boost the immune system and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Much of the research was done in Asia and focused on shiitake and maitake mushrooms. However, in the last five years U.S. researchers have been testing properties found in ordinary white mushrooms and discovered that they may have a role in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
That’s great news for those at risk or suffering from the insidious disease. But, the news is also good for anyone who consumes mushrooms. Researchers have found that mushrooms contain substances classified as beta glucans (lentinan, LEM, D-fraction), which appear to boost a person’s immune system. Beta glucans help fight infection and slow cancer cell growth. In addition, some studies have even shown they help inhibit tumor growth. Doctors say lentinan also boosts the effect of chemotherapy. Mushrooms also contain eritadenin, which reduces cholesterol.
If that doesn’t make you want to dive into a bowl a mushroom soup, perhaps this will: Recent studies prove that mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, which prevents and treats cancer, heart disease and diabetes; potassium, which lowers blood pressure, preventing heart attack and stroke; and copper, which boosts the immune system. Nutritionists also recommend adding mushrooms to your diet because the fungi contain riboflavin needed for healthy skin and eyes. Mushrooms are also a good source of niacin, which aids digestion and the nervous system.
The information inspired me to go back to the market today and pick up two containers of button mushrooms and a bag of shiitake mushrooms. I added the buttons to the spaghetti sauce we had for dinner and I plan to use the shiitakes in a stir-fry I will prepare next week.
If you are looking for additional ways to add mushrooms to your diet take a look at the recipes in our FOOD blog.
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