The saying you are what you eat, is often times so very true. Food can affect your attitude, emotions, and your body in many different ways. In fact, so many scientific studies have been done solely based on what you eat and put into your bodies. Many really give little thought to mushroom nutritional benefits. Often times mushrooms are added to give that unique flavor to your food dishes. That is why mushrooms are a popular pizza topping!
A scientific study was done to show that Asian Mushrooms can help:
One of the biggest and prominent mushroom nutritional benefits is that they can help you reduce your body weight and keep the weight off. One scientific study had 2 groups of people. One group replaced all their meat with one cup of mushrooms and the control group continued with their normal diets. At the end of this 12 month study, the people who ate mushrooms regularly lost an average of 7lbs and had significantly trimmed their waistlines while the other group had no significant weight loss. Not only that, the group who had eaten mushrooms kept the weight off.
The reasoning behind mushrooms reducing body weight is that it is thought that plant type glucose can aid in balancing and maintaining normal glucose levels in humans. By maintaining normal glucose levels we balance our hormones and can lose the added weight.
Some types of mushrooms actually kill viruses and bacteria that can make a person sick. This is one way that mushroom nutritional benefits help our immune system. Some actually can fight cancer cells. It has been said that over a hundred varieties of mushrooms have nutritional benefits. This is why it is a good idea to incorporate mushrooms into your diet.
Obesity can be a result of weight gain, inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis. Several different mushrooms can actually aid in reducing the inflammation caused by obesity. Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom found China and Japan. These mushroom nutritional benefits actually help reduce inflammation by triggering the growth of good bacteria that will balance out the gut microbes that irritate your body.
The mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, also aids in reducing insulin resistance. There was a scientific study that had two groups of mice on a high fat-diet. One group of these mice also had a daily dose of the mushroom extract from Ganoderma lucidum. The group that had this dose displayed significant reductions in inflammation reduction and lowered insulin resistance, while remaining the same weight. Those without the mushroom extract develop high levels of inflammation, insulin resistance, develop a fatty liver and gained weight. So, it’s safe to say that this mushroom can combat insulin resistance.
Many of us know, you can get Vitamin D from the sun. Yet did you know that you can find it in some mushrooms, as well? Researcher have found that some mushrooms have as much Vitamin D as taking a supplement. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones and teeth. It also plays a key role in weight loss, fighting depression and combating cancer cells. The nutritional benefits of mushrooms are really quite remarkable. Mushrooms contain ergosterol, and when it gets into contact with UV light, it converts to Vitamin D. Cut up mushrooms and leave them in the sun for 10-15 minutes, and they will increase their Vitamin D content by 10 times, which is adequate daily intake of vitamin D.
The same mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, helps regulate your metabolism. Your thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism and aids in weight control. The nutrients, antioxidants and iodine in mushrooms actually promote healthy thyroid function. Studies have shown that eating mushrooms can actually help you get off thyroid regulating medicines. This is a great alternative medicine to stop metabolic dysfunction.
Adrenal fatigue is a broad spectrum of no-specific yet often debilitating symptoms. The primary function of your adrenal gland is to enable the body to deal with stress, regulate blood glucose levels and maintain your energy levels. Since mushrooms have antioxidants nutrients and aid in insulin resistance, eating mushrooms may help reduce the stress induced symptoms of adrenal fatigue. They may also help to regulate your blood sugar.
As stated above, the adrenal gland helps your body deal with stress. When you are under stress, and have adrenal fatigue, your body can’t manage stress very well and you start experiencing all types of symptoms such as:
Stress takes a huge toll on your body and your overall health. Eating mushrooms can help alleviate some of the symptoms you experience with stress and adrenal fatigue. Mushrooms reduce weight gain, help maintain blood glucose levels, aid in insulin resistance, and have good antioxidant properties. So, don’t discount them as a good nutritional source in your diet.
As always, please consult with a professional before dramatically changing your diet. If you have certain issues such as diabetes, or high glucose levels, some diets can actually harm you. It’s important to get the facts and see a nutritional coach in order to plan out your nutritional needs and diet plans.
Mushrooms are a great source of protein. However, this can make them difficult to digest as well. If you are in advanced adrenal fatigue, your digestive tract may not be up to the task of breaking down mushrooms. If so, mushrooms can be taken in supplement form as well.
In conclusion, mushrooms are extremely beneficial for those suffering with diabetes, obesity or adrenal fatigue. Mushrooms also are a great source of Vitamin D, that is good for your bones and teeth, helps reduce stress, and can give you renewed energy. So don’t discount the medicinal value of eating mushrooms routinely.
© Copyright 2017 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
