2018年5月8日星期二

All About Mushrooms

1.  There are so many types of mushrooms - at least 14000 - though only about half are OK to eat.  But almost all the mushrooms we eat are the white button variety.  Why not branch out?  Other common types include cremini, portabella, maitake (also called hen of the woods), shiitake, enoki, and oyster.  Each has its own unique shape, flavor and texture.






Cremini (小褐菇)








portabella (双孢菇)











maitake (舞茸)







shiitake (香菇)







enoki ()











oyster (鲍鱼菇)











2.  If you are looking for an all-natural multivitamin, skip the supplement aisle and pick up some mushrooms.  Among their many nutrients: B vitamins - including B5 (pantothenic acid), B3 (niacin) and B2 (riboflavin) - plus copper and selenium.  Mushrooms also have protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin D, calcium and more.  Not bad for a food that's more than 90% water. 

3.  Mushrooms may do a lot more for your health than fuel your body.  They have antibacterial properties.  They can help lower cholesterol.  They're good for your immune system.  They may even help prevent or treat Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure and cancer. (Maria et al (2015) 'Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life' International Journal of Microbiology, doi: 10.1155/2015/376387)

4.  It is important for your heart, muscles and nerves.  When you think of foods that have a lot of it, bananas or potatoes might come to mind.  But mushrooms are right up there in potassium content.  For example:  2/3 cup of grilled, sliced portabellas has as much potassium as a medium banana.  

5.  You have been hearing for years that fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants.  Mushrooms are the highest food source of two: ergothioneine and glutathione.  Porcini mushrooms are packed with these antioxidants which may have anti-aging powers.  Researchers think that in the future, ergothioneine and glutathione may be studied in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.  (Kalaras et al (2017) 'Mushrooms: A Rich Source of the Antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione' Food Chem, doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.109)

6.  There are about 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms.  Most will just make you sick, bus a few can kill you.  These include death caps, deadly dapperlings, destroying angels, autumn skullcaps and fly agaric.


Death cap (Amanita phalloides)









Deadly dapperlings (Lepoita aspera)







Destroying angels (Amanita bisporigera)







Autumn skullcaps (Galerina vittiformis)








Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria)










7.  Typical mushroom poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea within 4 hours.  In most cases, if you drink plenty of water, you will recover just fine at home.  But because some mushrooms can be so toxic, it is best to call your doctor if you have signs of mushroom poisoning. 

8.  Mushrooms can help you shed some pounds because they make a tasty, nearly calorie-free substitute for meat in lots of dishes.  

9.  High-heat cooking (searing or roasting) is the best way to bring out mushrooms' meaty, savory quality.  But they aren't the best way to preserve their antioxidant content.  A 2017 study found microwaving and grilling are the best ways to cook mushrooms without slashing their antioxidant power.  (Irene et al (2017) 'Effect of different cooking methods on nutritional value and antioxidant activity of cultivated mushrooms' International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Vol 68, pp 287-297)

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