Benefits of Portobello Mushrooms

Good news for the vegans! Don’t fret about how to fulfill the protein needs of your body. If you are looking for options, you have come to the right place. Today, we are talking about the best protein-rich alternative to animal sources and that is portobello mushrooms.  Mushrooms especially Portobello mushrooms are natural cancer-fighting agents as well as boost the immune system.

Mushrooms are grown and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are poisonous and toxic while the majority are healthy and safe. Let’s delve into details: 

Types of mushrooms

The most common types of mushrooms that are available in grocery stores are:

1. Shitake
2. Portobello
3. Cremini
4. Button or white mushrooms
5. Oyster
6. Enoki
7. Beech
8. Maitake

All the above-mentioned mushrooms have different shapes and tastes. The health of mushrooms can be identified by checking whether they are mold-free.

Let us see what Portobello mushrooms are before glancing at their amazing benefits.

What are Portobello mushrooms?

Portobello mushrooms are mature, white button mushrooms. They are a type of fungus. These mushrooms are an astounding substitute for meat as well as a good source of phytochemical i-e L-ergothioneine and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) that are profound cancer-preventing agents and also have other anti-aging benefits.

These mushrooms absorb all the nutrients from the ground because Portobello mushrooms are the type of fungi. By absorbing nutrients, they become nutrient-dense mushrooms and when people eat and consume them, these nutrients eliminate toxins from the bodies and block free radicals that In turn does not allow any disease to affect our bodies or organs.

Nutritional facts of Portobello mushrooms

The below mentioned nutritional facts are for 1 whole Portobello Mushrooms:

Health benefits of Portobello mushrooms

Following are the few beneficial reasons why we should consume Portobello mushrooms and should be added to our vegan diets:

1. Cancer Risks: These mushrooms are found to have anti-cancer properties because they have phytochemicals that have a positive effect on the death and growth of cells, lipid metabolism as well as the immune system. These mushrooms contain CLA that inhibits cell proliferation and causes the death of abnormal or cancerous cells. Portobello mushrooms are unique in the way that they are the only source of plant-based proteins and CLA and because of this stupefying quality, these mushrooms should be added to our diets. Due to this CLA content and phytonutrients, Portobello mushrooms are counted as supreme cancer-fighting foods.
2. Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Low levels of L-ergothioneine (ERGO) are related to a high risk of any chronic disease especially diseases associated with RBC. Researchers at Penn State University found that Portobello mushrooms are rich in ERGO because these are the type of fungi and only fungi biosynthesize ERGO. Thus Portobello has been found an effective treatment of any RBC disorders as well as anti-inflammatory abilities that protect against neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson’s. 
3. Meat Substitute: Often people do not eat meat at all and follow strict vegetarian diets. They consume large amounts of cooked or raw vegetables to gain nutrients from them. Mushrooms are considered the best as a substitute for meat as mushrooms are beneficial because they have low calories, fat, sodium and are free from dairy, nuts, or soy. Portobellos are commonly used in vegan diets. Portobello mushrooms have the same texture and mouthful taste as that of meat and they are easily digested. A study has found that portobellos are a high source of proteins as compared to meat. Even if you are not on a vegan diet, you should include Portobello mushrooms as a substitute for meat or any processed foods like tofu, frozen veggie burgers, legumes, or beans that are normally difficult to digest.  
4. Supreme Source of Vitamin B2 and B3: These portobello mushrooms have a high level of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin). These vitamins are vital for maintaining energy levels, cognitive health, and stress recovery within the body. Vitamin B2 supports the cardiovascular system and metabolism which in return keeps the heart healthy and cholesterol levels balanced. Similarly, vitamin B3 treats headaches and migraines, reduces PMS symptoms, gives protection to the eyes against certain diseases, and above all prevents anemia. Portobello mushrooms contain both these vitamins, so they are the perfect choice for the maintenance of several body functions. 
5. Source of Copper and Selenium: Portobellos are an amazingly good source of trace minerals like copper and selenium. Copper plays an important part in hemoglobin production and RBC as well as being compulsory for the growth, development, and repairing of connective tissues. Portobellos also provide another trace nutrient “Selenium” that supports the activities of thyroid glands as selenium plays a role of catalyst in the production of thyroid hormones, fights inflammation as well as lowers the risk of cancer.

Side effects

Although Portobello mushrooms normally do not cause any health problems to anyone as portobellos contain Purines that break down to form uric acid, this uric acid can accumulate within the body and may cause health conditions like gout or kidney dysfunction. Anyone facing such problems should avoid mushrooms and consult a doctor.

Final verdict

Portobello mushrooms are an edible type of fungus that have astounding health benefits because they have a high content of vitamins, antioxidants, phytonutrients, selenium, copper, potassium, protein, and phosphorus.