Mushroom benefits and side effects you should know

This article on mushroom benefits and side effects are based the positive aspects of mushrooms and drawbacks to mushrooms. Mushrooms are very much appreciated for their whitish appearance and flavor.

They are quite rich in vitamins B_1, B₂, folates and niacin as well as minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron and other trace elements. However, mushrooms are not easily digested and with difficulty because they contain chitin and also because of the nature of their proteins.

This paragraph above shows a brief explanation regarding mushroom benefits and side effects.

Although, they are particularly useful in terms of dietary therapy because of their anti-diabetic action but it is important to note that mushrooms contain nucleoproteins that form uric acid.

Here are some mushroom benefits and side effects

Let’s take a look at what mushrooms provide

Mushrooms provide water which is between 80% and 92% of their weight. They provide protein that are greater than that of potatoes and most vegetables. Another mushrooms benefits here is that their proteins are of biologically high quality.

They provide fiber which is more than many vegetables and fruits. Regarding mushrooms benefits and sides effects, mushrooms contain vitamins, particularly, B₁, B₂, niacin and folates, however, mushrooms contain little or no calcium, provitamin A, vitamin B₁₂, and C.

Mushroom Benefits or Positive Aspects of Mushrooms

We have discussed some of the nutritional value of mushrooms but if you must see a detailed nutritional value, I already made a post regarding mushroom soup benefits. Check the link for more information.

Below are some of the benefits of mushrooms

1. Flavor: They contain aromatic substances that give them a pleasant flavor.
2. Medicinal Effects: There are some mushrooms that contribute therapeutically, for example – champignon (they are anti-diabetic).
3. Another species of mushrooms called shiitake mushrooms are capable of boosting immunity and they are anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, reduce cholesterol and quite tonic in general.
4. Weight loss diets: Regarding mushroom benefits and side effects, it is important to avoid fried mushroom so as to counter side effects. Cooked, baked or broiled mushrooms are recommended for weight loss diet.

          This is because they contain very little fat. They also contain a significant amount of nutritional proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but with the advantage that they are very low in calories.

5. Mushrooms also contain fiber that provides sensation of satiety.

One thing to note here in terms of mushroom benefits and side effects is that the obese may eat mushrooms as well as the diabetics because they provide the feeling of satiety and quite low in calories but they will show side effects when fried.

Therefore, it is important to not fry mushrooms to avoid side effects. However, well prepared mushrooms reduce the need for insulin. This is the reason why it highly recommended for diabetics. They hardly increase the glucose level in the blood.

Drawbacks to Mushrooms

When we discuss mushroom benefits and side effects, we are supposed to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mushrooms. Earlier, and above, we have discussed several mushroom benefits and now is the time to discuss the side effects.

The following are some of the drawbacks to mushrooms

1. Indigestion
2. Uric acid
3. Allergies
4. Poisoning
5. Radioactive contamination

Indigestion

One of the side effects of mushrooms is that they are not easily digested and should be eaten moderately so as to avoid digestive disorders. As a matter of fact, fried mushrooms are particularly indigestible. They are much better tolerated boiled or roasted.

Uric Acid

As stated earlier, mushrooms contain nucleoproteins that form uric acid. Therefore, it is advised that those suffering from gout and excess uric acid should avoid them.

Allergies

It is important to note the species of mushrooms that produce allergic reaction because certain species do produce allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.

However, there are people who tolerate them well. For individuals who are not sure whether or not they may produce allergic reactions on them, it is better to eat only small amount of any of the edible species.

Poisoning

Some certain wild mushrooms confuse edible mushrooms with poisonous ones. Each year, there is always a case of mushroom poisoning and some seem fatal.

Poisoning may be prevented by positively identifying each species of wild mushroom harvested and must be discarded if in doubt.

Remember that there are 160 species of mushrooms and some are harmless but can cause death after consuming only a small portion. For example; Amanita phalloides.

Radioactive contamination

It is not advisable to eat mushrooms from anywhere there has been any type of radiation release because mushrooms also concentrate radioactive elements that may be available in the environment.