Hey guys!
First of all, I hope you enjoyed the picture of the man eating a mushroom!
Secondly, It is indeed time for another food to be featured on here at Fiber Guardian. The choice this week is a food I used to think of as gross and quite tasteless. Indeed, one time at dinner I ate them and decided that they tasted like nothing.
However, I currently eat this food weekly, and it has indeed become a staple in my diet. This food?
Mushrooms!
Mushrooms are delicious, and nutritious indeed. This powerful part of the fungi kingdom is neither a plant nor a vegetable. Its discolored hue might have you looking elsewhere for a nutritious meal, but don’t let that fool you!
In this case, don’t judge a book by its color. Mushrooms are packed full of nutrients and this fungus is just begging to be added to your diet.
Let us learn more about mushrooms!
The Health Benefits of Eating Mushrooms
As I said above, mushrooms are technically a fungus, but in the food world mushrooms are considered vegetables.
Tomato or tomahhhto, however you say it, mushrooms pack a nice punch in the fun (but difficult) game of a living healthy life.
Here are some of their best benefits:
- The selenium that is found in most mushrooms has the ability to detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body.
- Due its high fiber content, mushrooms will help to fight off heart disease, control weight, and stave off diabetes.
- Eating mushrooms strengthens your immune system and helps you fight off disease and other ailments.
- Mushrooms are high in B vitamins riboflavin, folate, thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin which will help you keep strong and energized throughout the day!
- Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory properties which can help you to deal with arthritis and other muscle related injuries.
I Thought Fungus was a Bad Thing?
While some mushrooms are poisonous and should be avoided, most are extremely good for you! The fact that it is a fungus is not a big deal, and should not turn you away from eating them.
Ringworm is a fungus and it is BAD.
Mushrooms are fungi and are GOOD.
Kapeesh?
Types of Mushrooms
The major mushroom varieties include:
- Chanterelle- These mushrooms come in brown, orange, or yellow and have a fruity aroma.
- White- Definitely the most common type, these are found in pretty much every grocery store.
- Oyster- Comes in gray, reddish, or brown, and has a slight peppery flavor.
- Portobello- Big mushrooms with a steak like taste.
- Shiitake- This fungus has a smoky taste, but you should cook them for maximum flavor efficiency.
- Cremini- Very similar to white mushrooms, but with a deeper flavor.
To learn more about these types of mushrooms (and pictures!) check out this article from Real Simple.
The Mushroom Fun Fact Card
The Origin of Mushrooms
Historially, mushrooms were treated as a delicacy for royalty in ancient Egypt, but they have been found growing all over the world. Nowadays, mushrooms can be bought and even grown!
HOWEVER, do not go into the woods and start eating mushrooms. You will probably die, and no one wants that!
The mushroom in the picture to the right was found outside of the First Lady’s first home. It may look appetizing, but again, do not eat!
How to Grow Your Own Mushrooms
The easiest way to grow your own mushrooms is with a mushroom growing kit. This will get you started and ready to go! It is not hard to do, as much of the work is explained with the kit.
Within a matter of weeks you could have your very own mushrooms, ready to eat!
Mushroom Fiber Content and Nutrition Facts
Mushrooms have 2.1 grams of fiber per cup. This will stay roughly the same across mushroom varieties.
See the chart below for a quick look at the nutritional value of mushrooms!
Mushroom Nutrition Facts (1 Cup)
| Fiber | 2.1 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0.8 |
| Sugar | 0.6 |
| Total Fat | 0.3 |
| Total Carbs | 3.7 |
| Calories | 21 |
How I Eat Mushrooms
I love to eat my mushrooms on a pizza, in a salad, or cooked up in and put on top of a bed of pasta or rice. Mushrooms are uber versatile and you can have them in just about any type of food you want. Except for cereal, I definitely would not put them in a bowl of cereal if I were you!
10 Awesome Mushroom Recipes with Links!
Here are some excellent recipes that feature mushrooms as the star! If you are looking to start eating mushrooms, I strongly encourage you try some of these out!
- Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic and Lemon Pan Sauce
- Best Beef Stew Ever (don’t worry, the mushrooms are all up in this stews business).
- Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine
- Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
- Best Ever Mushroom Soup
- Soy Sauce Butter Pasta with Shrimp and Shiitakes
- Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
- Best Ever Vegan Mushroom Gravy
- Roasted Portobello Fajitas
- Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms
Final thoughts on Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an excellent addition to your diet. As you can see by the variety of recipes I listed above, you can put them in just about anything! Mushrooms are versatile and are a superfood because they are low in calories, low in sugar, but significantly high in vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting powers.
Once again, thanks for reading this weeks addition of Fiber Focus Friday, and be sure to come back for more next week!
-Jordan, your Fiber Guardian
Great article! I really love mushrooms as well and haven’t seen an article that is as complete as yours. I like how you included recipes along with many useful facts about mushrooms.
Glad you found it helpful Steve! Thanks for stopping by 🙂