Contents
Mushrooms are a unique product, so scientists have been studying their positive and negative properties for several years. Doctors after a series of studies decided to talk about the benefits of mushrooms.
The benefits of mushrooms according to doctors
The uniqueness of mushrooms lies primarily in their balanced composition. They contain useful substances, minerals and vitamins. The energy value of most species is from 35 to 45 kilocalories per 100 grams. Unfortunately, some types of mushrooms are poisonous and toxic, so they can seriously harm human health.
Doctors conducted several studies and found that a natural product contains 2 times more protein than chicken eggs and meat products. Also, many types of mushrooms contain amino acids that help strengthen the immune system. Domestic doctors noted that the use of fruiting bodies in small quantities rejuvenates cells, eliminates the lack of vitamins and improves memory.
Scientists have proven that natural food prevents the development of tumors, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the brain. It was found that mushrooms help in the treatment of tuberculosis and allergic reactions. Food has a positive effect on the work of the stomach.
Pectin, iron, potassium and magnesium, which are part of a valuable product, significantly affect the liver and heart, stabilize pressure in the arteries. Doctors advised people to cut off the legs of the fruiting bodies to avoid a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. For better absorption of a natural product, it must be boiled in salted water. Doctors do not recommend giving mushrooms to children under 12 years old, since the children’s body does not absorb this product well.
The results of numerous studies once again prove that the fruiting bodies are very useful. They have the following positive effects: antimicrobial and immunomodulatory, antidiabetic and antioxidant. Some types of a valuable product have an antitumor effect.
Mushrooms help fight cancer
In modern medicine, a caterpillar fungus or cordyceps is widely used. This natural product slows down the growth of tumors. Scientists attribute this fact to the fact that it contains a compound that affects gene synthesis (it reduces inflammation, slows down cellular reactions in injured tissues). This conclusion was made by a group of scientists from the University of Nottingham.
The researchers also found that the use of a caterpillar fungus or its juice normalizes the functioning of the kidneys and liver. Cordyceps is an antidepressant, normalizes blood circulation in the body, normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Ordinary champignons are also considered medicinal, since scientists attribute antitumor effects to them. This scientific fact was proven by American researchers who conducted their tests and analyzes at Tufts University. They found that champignons have a positive effect on dendritic cells, which are produced by the immune system to fight malignant neoplasms. Doctors advise to periodically eat medicinal fruiting bodies in order to prevent and treat oncology.
Such a variety of mushrooms as chanterelles boasts a similar antitumor effect. The effect is due to the fact that the natural product contains polyosellin (a substance that helps a person cope with cancer in the early stages of the disease).
Japanese experts have studied the properties of a fruiting body called a breast. Scientists extracted polysaccharides from it and began to introduce it into the body of rodents. During the experiment, it turned out to prove that this component inhibits the growth of sarcoma. Also in China, doctors analyzed the positive properties of the tinder fungus sanghwan. It is effectively used in Chinese medicine to treat various forms of cancer, in particular leukemia.
The benefits of mushrooms for brain activity
In Malaysia, a group of scientists have proven that certain types of mushrooms are effective in combating neurodegenerative diseases and Alzheimer’s disease. Experts have found that the biologically active components that make up a valuable product enhance the production of a substance that protects neurons in the brain.
With neurodegenerative diseases, it is worth eating the following types of mushrooms:
- trutovik;
- curly vulture;
- rainbow;
- tree fungus;
- hedgehog comb.
In many pharmacies, you can buy the juice of these products (it is sold in the form of tinctures and capsules). The researchers also noted that useful components are stored in hats and legs after drying.
Mushroom damage
Although a valuable product has many positive effects, it is not completely harmless. Different types of fungi are poorly digested in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) due to chitin. The process of secretion of gastric juice also slows down, as a result of which other food is slowly absorbed. Because of these factors alone, some scientists say that mushrooms, chanterelles, tinder fungi and other species are heavy foods.
The researchers found that the highest concentration of chitin is in the legs of a valuable product. Therefore, before cooking, you need to either cut them off completely or remove the top layer. The disadvantage of fruiting bodies is their ability to accumulate harmful substances from the environment.
In ninety percent of cases, botulism is caused by the use of canned mushrooms. With improper harvesting and storage conditions, even the most expensive mushrooms can turn out to be a deadly poison. Sometimes a person develops an individual intolerance to such food. If, after eating mushroom dishes, indigestion begins (nausea, vomiting, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach), you should immediately consult a doctor.
Despite the negative properties of the product, in small quantities it will not be able to harm human health. By adding a few caps to salads, casseroles and soups, you can not only enrich your diet, but also help the body cope with various diseases.