For better health bring on the mushrooms, and it doesn't even have to be a fancy variety.
For
many people, the cold and often dreary days of winter can translate into
seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the "winter blues." But one way
to help you and your family to avoid the winter blues and stay healthy and happy
this winter is to eat plenty of mushrooms.
Though initially it may sound
strange, eating mushrooms can do a lot more for your health than you might
think. The vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in mushrooms will help you maintain
vibrant health, keep off the excess weight, boost energy levels, and liven up
the flavor of foods, not to mention help you avoid getting cancer.
Part
of the "winter blues" includes extremely limited exposure to natural sunlight.
Sunlight has been shown not only to make people happier, but it also triggers
the human body to produce vitamin D, a necessary component of good health. And mushrooms are
loaded with vitamin D, being the only item in the produce aisle that contains
it.
Mushrooms are also rich in selenium and ergothioneine, two
antioxidants that have been shown to boost immune function and help ward off
disease. Selenium is also known specifically to fight cancer, prevent heart
disease, and even rid the body of toxic mercury.
If you choose
not to eat meat, mushrooms make a great meat substitute because they are both
hearty and filling. They also add great flavor to foods since they are rich in
umami, also known as the savory "fifth taste." Together with the fact that they
are rich in potassium and energy-producing B vitamins, mushrooms are a great
addition to any heart-healthy meal.
"Button mushrooms have been a healthy
food sources since the prehistoric era," explain Michael Murray, N.D., and
Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., in their book
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. "Ancient Egyptians
believed mushrooms to possess keys to immortality ... [C]ommon thought in many
nations through the world hailed mushrooms as conferring superhuman
power."
Sources for this story include:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele... 
