Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Once thought to have little nutritional value, mushrooms contain many vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to generate energy and repair cells. They are one of the most formidable ingredients for a healthy immune system.

Mushrooms are low in carbohydrates, calories, and sodium. They are also cholesterol and fat free. High in fiber and protein, mushrooms are also rich in B Vitamins to help maintain a healthy metabolism.

Studies are also being conducted to see how exactly the mushroom may help prevent breast and prostate cancer as well as other diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol.

Mushroom extracts have even been proven to stop migraine headaches as well as helping people suffering from mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Certain food elements can interfere with the development of cancer. PSK, an extract of a well known medicinal mushroom, is widely prescribed for cancers of the digestive organs. Lentinan (Shiitake) embodies a class of HDP (Host Defense Potentiators) that improve the physiological makeup of those affected by cancer and various kinds of infections.

Chemotherapy not only kills cancerous cells in patients, but it also weakens the immune system of the person fighting the cancer.

Regular ingestion of mushrooms over long periods of time is proven to decreases the amount of cancerous cells in the body. They not only fight and reduce cancerous cells and tumors, but they help prevent more of those cells from forming in the body.

Lentinan, or Shiitake extract, has also shown the ability to fight AIDS. Lentinan, along with AZT, overpowers the rapid reproduction of the AIDS virus.

Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by eastern cultures and only recently by western cultures in advanced medicine. Mushrooms provide our bodies with the nutrients, proteins, minerals, and vitamins it needs to fight off things harmful to us. They have been used to cure or improve eyesight, hearing, circulation, impotency, tumors, influenza, and even cancer.

Besides being delicious as a side dish or even a main course, they are an inexpensive, effective and excellent source of nutrition to help us maintain our health or even improve it.

Oyster

Used to strengthen veins and relax tendons. “Tendon-easing powder” is effective treatment for numbed limbs as well as tendon and blood vessel discomfort. Dried Oyster Mushrooms are high in iron which makes them a good blood builder.

Portabella

Portabellas contain a wide variety of B complex vitamins. They are also a great source of riboflavin, panthothenic acid, niacin and a good source of thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, selenium, lysine, protein, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron.

Morels

Morels contain protein, vitamin D and B, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine that help the body maintain a healthy metabolism. They also have copper, selenium, and potassium. They are low in carbs, very low in calories and are fat free, not to mention, they contain very little sodium.

Porcini

Just like Morels, Porcini mushrooms contain copper, selenium, potassium, and protein.

Dan is Woodland Food's Northeast Regional Account Manager. He brings 20 years experience in the hospitality industry and gourmet food sales. His background ranges from a Chef, Food and Beverage Director at a 5 star resort, to selling caviar, seafood and Hors d'oeuvres to many of our country's top chefs. His passion for exceptional quality foods drives him both professionally and personally. Dan lives on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts with his wife Wendy and two girls Mia and Lucy. You might run into Dan on the beach in search of Striped Bass, foraging for clams or anything else he can get his hands on that might turn into dinner! Dan is working on a cookbook entitled "A Gourmet Predator's Guide to the Waters of Martha's Vineyard." It's a how-to guide, focusing on how to catch it and how to turn it into a wonderful dinner. His food philosophy is rather simple: If you can't understand what the ingredients on the label are, you should probably stay away from them. Make whatever you can yourself, it just has to be better! Dan is also a strong supporter of the Slow Food Movement. In his spare time he also enjoys vegetable gardening, cooking, and live music.