What is portobello mushroom, what are its benefits?

Portobello mushroom is one of the most consumed mushrooms in the world. Among many other types of mushrooms, especially the so-called “medicinal mushroom,” portobello is known as a natural cancer fighter and protector of the immune system.

Portobello mushrooms are widely available in most grocery stores and are generally low-cost compared to the more expensive and sometimes hard-to-find mushrooms. If you follow a plant-based diet; For those who follow a low-carb diet, vegan diet or similar diets, you have many reasons to include portobello mushrooms on your plate.

Along with disease-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients; It is known to contain plant-derived protein and many important nutrients. The benefits of portobello mushrooms include its ability to combat many vital problems, from fighting cancer to preventing inflammation.

What Are Portobello Mushrooms?

Portobello mushroom is from the mushroom family, also known as the white button mushroom. Portobello mushroom is a good source of phytochemicals such as L-ergothionine and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has anti-cancer properties and other anti-aging effects. Fungi species; They grow by cleaning organic matter, that is, by absorbing nutrients from the ground. This ensures that the nutrients it contains are very concentrated, and when eaten by humans, the nutrients help flush out toxins from the body and scavenge free radicals that contribute to disease. Portobello mushrooms are normally sold fresh, but they can look different depending on their maturity, size, smell and color.

Portobello Mushroom May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

It is believed that the anti-cancer, cell death, growth and proliferation of healthy cells, lipid metabolism and immune system properties of the mushroom extract are the phytochemicals in the mushroom. Portobello mushrooms contain CLA, which has been proven to inhibit bad cell formation and proliferation. Portobello mushrooms are one of the only plant- or meat-free sources of CLA, which is essential and valuable, especially in vegetarian diets.

A study comparing the effects of mushroom extract in mice found that mice treated with the extract had reductions in prostate tumor size and tumor cell proliferation compared to mice not treated with the extract. The researchers involved in the study found that the mushroom extract containing CLA caused significant changes in gene expression in mice fed the fungus.

This CLA content may be one reason why portobello mushrooms, and mushroom species in general, are considered some of the best cancer-fighting foods on the planet.

Portobello Mushrooms Contain Natural Anti-Inflammatories and Antioxidants

In general, mushrooms are one of the best food sources of L-ergothionine (ERGO). Studies have found that low ERGO levels imply a higher risk for many chronic inflammatory diseases that specifically affect red blood cells (hemoglobin).

According to researchers at Penn State University, mushrooms are the best and perhaps the only way to deliver ERGO content to humans and animals. In recent years, ERGO has been explored in part for its potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of red blood cell diseases caused by oxidative damage. Studies also show it as a very stable antioxidant with unique abilities; It shows that it may be beneficial in countering mitochondrial DNA damage and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease.

Portobello Mushrooms Can Be A Perfect Alternative For Meat Eaters

Many people on a vegan or vegetarian diet are looking for an alternative to meat that provides essential nutrients. Mushroom; It is a popular alternative for people who do not consume meat, animal protein, fat and dairy.

If you’re on a vegetarian or vegan diet, try portobello mushrooms, veggie burgers, fajitas, etc. it is one of the best foods to add to meals; because it has a meat-like texture and taste. It is also generally easy to digest. There is a fact that most people do not know; mushrooms for those who cannot consume meat; relatively high in protein. Most mushroom species contain about 20% protein, depending on their weight and size.

Even if you don’t follow a plant-based diet, if you want to reduce the amount of meat you eat, try using portobello mushrooms instead of processed seeds or frozen veggie burgers.

Portobello Mushroom is a Vitamin B Store

Portobello mushrooms are extremely high in B vitamins, including niacin (vitamin B3) and riboflavin (vitamin B2). So, what are the health benefits of consuming foods high in B vitamins? B vitamins are essential for raising overall energy, maintaining cognitive health, and helping the body recover from stress. Niacin can boost metabolism, helping to support the cardiovascular system and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check.

Riboflavin helps prevent or treat headaches and migraines, reduce menstrual symptoms, protect the eyes from diseases such as glaucoma, and prevent anemia. B vitamins also support healthy skin, help prevent diabetes by helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels, and may help counter fatigue, joint pain and arthritis.

Portobello Mushroom Provides Copper and Selenium Support

Copper found in Portobello mushrooms is a trace mineral that plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, supports a healthy metabolism and is essential for growth, development and ongoing connective tissue repair. The body uses copper as part of various enzyme reactions and maintains hormonal balance. Finally, copper helps prevent fatigue because ATP (energy); Molecular oxygen, which is part of the chemical reaction, acts as a catalyst in reducing water when it is created in cells to feed the body’s processes.

Selenium is a stimulant for the production of active thyroid hormones and supports the activities of the thyroid gland, helps fight inflammation, is beneficial for circulatory and reproductive health, and may help lower the risk of developing cancer.

One serving of portobello mushrooms supplies more than 30% of your daily requirement of selenium and is in fact unique in this regard, because foods containing naturally selenium are so hard to find, often taken as a supplement.

Portobello Mushrooms Are a Low-Carb Source of Fiber

If you are on a low-carb diet, portobello mushrooms; It can be a really useful way to eat fiber without sugar or too many carbs. One serving of portobello mushrooms has about 5.9 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. To eat very few calories, feel more satiated and get electrolytes such as potassium; You can add portobello mushrooms to omelets, salads, soups or pot dishes.