Monday, May 25, 2009
Veggie of the Day - Shiitake Mushrooms
Did you know that shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese and Japanese for thousands of years?Today, we understand more about some of the reasons why. Shiitake mushrooms contain unique phytonutrients including lentinan and eritadenine. Among lentinan's many health benefits is its ability to boost the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease. Lentinan provides anti-cancer protection by attracting immune cells that fragment and destroy cancer cells, and has also been shown to be more effective than prescription drugs when it comes to fighting influenza and other viruses. Eritadenine has been found to lower cholesterol levels, regardless of the type of fat in the diet. Preliminary animal research also suggests that it may help prevent the development of atherosclerotic plaques on arterial walls.
Shiitake mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. They make a great addition to stir-fried vegetables seasoned with ginger and soy sauce. If you are not familiar with the wonderful smoky flavor and meaty texture of shiitake mushrooms, try an easy to prepare recipe using shiitake mushrooms.
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Labels: eating healthy, healing with food, healthy food, mushrooms, phytonutrients, shiitake mushrooms, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Monday, March 30, 2009
Food of the Week . . . Crimini Mushrooms
So nice...I'm posting twice!Did you know that a 5-ounce serving of crimini mushrooms contains only 31 calories and is a great source of all of the B vitamins?
B vitamins are essential for reducing cholesterol levels, helping to prevent Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, and for energy production. Crimini mushrooms are an excellent source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin, as well as a very good source of thiamin and vitamin B6, and a good source of folate, all of which are B vitamins necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays at least two important roles in the body's production of energy. It is part of a molecule that allows oxygen-based energy production to occur. It is also necessary for the recycling of glutathione, an internally produced antioxidant that protects our energy-producing mitochondria from oxidative damage. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) also plays an important role in the prevention of fatigue since it supports the function of the adrenal glands, particularly in times of stress. Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the conversion of the body's proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy. Although most of us enjoy mushrooms as a tasty addition to many recipes, we seldom recognize them as a powerhouse of nutrients. So, enjoy crimini mushrooms as a part of your Healthiest Way of Eating, not only for their great flavor, but also for their energy-boosting nutrients!
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Labels: adrenal glands, b-vitamins, crimini mushrooms, eating healthy, healthy diet, healthy food, mushrooms, stress
Monday, December 01, 2008
Did You Know....Crimini Mushrooms Were So Good?
Did you know that a 5-ounce serving of crimini mushrooms contains only 31 calories and is a great source of all of the B vitamins?B vitamins are essential for reducing cholesterol levels, helping to prevent Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease, and for energy production. Crimini mushrooms are an excellent source of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin, as well as a very good source of thiamin and vitamin B6, and a good source of folate, all of which are B vitamins necessary for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) plays at least two important roles in the body's production of energy. It is part of a molecule that allows oxygen-based energy production to occur. It is also necessary for the recycling of glutathione, an internally produced antioxidant that protects our energy-producing mitochondria from oxidative damage. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) also plays an important role in the prevention of fatigue since it supports the function of the adrenal glands, particularly in times of stress. Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the conversion of the body's proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into usable energy. Although most of us enjoy mushrooms as a tasty addition to many recipes, we seldom recognize them as a powerhouse of nutrients. So, enjoy crimini mushrooms as a part of your Healthiest Way of Eating, not only for their great flavor, but also for their energy-boosting nutrients!
Source
Labels: adrenal glands, b-vitamins, crimini mushrooms, eating healthy, mushrooms, niacin, riboflavin, stress
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Eat Your Mushrooms!
Not only are mushrooms a low calorie food, containing only 18 calories per cup, but they are also 90 percent water. Most importantly, all varieties of 'shrooms contain large amounts of an antioxidant called L-ergothioneine, which is only found in fungi. This is a powerful antioxidant that fortunately is not destroyed when mushrooms are cooked.
A variety of animal studies have also found that compounds found in mushrooms may bolster the immune system as well as work to prevent both breast and prostate cancers. Mushrooms are also high in the mineral potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. In fact, five white button mushrooms have as much potassium as an orange.
A variety of animal studies have also found that compounds found in mushrooms may bolster the immune system as well as work to prevent both breast and prostate cancers. Mushrooms are also high in the mineral potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. In fact, five white button mushrooms have as much potassium as an orange.
Labels: health food, mushrooms
