Estimates suggest that there are 140,000 different species of fungi capable of producing mushrooms. Mycologists only know about less than 10% of these fungi. These organisms are able to extract nutrients from animal and plant decay. Mushrooms are unique in their properties and characteristics. The size, shape, colour, and texture of mushrooms vary.
Currently, only 100 species of mushrooms are being evaluated for their health and medicinal benefits. Research suggests that mushrooms can have a powerful physiological and psychological effect on our health.
Consuming mushrooms can reduce hypertension, improve your gastrointestinal health, combat cancer and reverse diabetes. Mushrooms have been a part of the popular culture, as well as folklore and legend. How many pictures have you seen of a fairy seated on a mushroom before? You’ll see them in the Alice in Wonderland animated classic.
We have not yet discovered all the benefits of mushrooms. Here are 12 surprising health benefits that you might find interesting.
1. Reduce Systemic Inflammation
Inflammation affects our bodies in different ways. After we finish working out in the gym, our muscles become inflamed due to stress caused by exercise. Degenerative bone disease causes inflammation in our joints and cartilage. When we consume refined carbohydrates, our gastrointestinal system becomes inflamed. Inflammation in the body is the main cause of disease and health disorders.
Eating mushrooms can reduce inflammation in the body. The trillions of micro-organisms that live in our gut assimilate vitamins, micronutrients and nutrients from food. When the GI tract becomes inflamed, biomes are unable to function efficiently.
Shitake mushrooms can reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal wall. This Asian staple food reduces intestinal inflammation. The mushrooms release bioactive compounds that are potent and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. They also provide the biomes the environment needed to thrive. These mushrooms also contain vitamin D which is a rare nutrient in the diet and requires external supplementation.
