Supermarket mushrooms are often thought of as “vegetables,” but they are obviously not green. Leafy green vegetables need the sun to grow—unlike mushrooms, which are more cozy in the dark and do not need the sun to produce nutrients. Mushrooms don’t have chlorophyll (the green pigment that colors veggies). What mushrooms do have is lots of good vitamins and minerals for a super healthy diet.

FunGuy fans enjoy a long list of vitamins and minerals by eating mushrooms:

  • Vitamin D is good for healthy muscles and bones. Vitamin D assists the body’s absorption of calcium and is also essential for brain activity and strengthens immunity.
  • Vitamin C is good for fighting cold symptoms. Vitamin C is known as a cold fighter but ascorbic acid also builds healing producing collagen and acts as an antioxidant-fighting free radicals. Vitamin C is good for healthy glowing skin, too. (National Institutes of Health)
  • Potassium is good for heart and kidney function. Patients taking diuretics can eat white button mushrooms to help replace the potassium eliminated by the medication. White button mushrooms have more potassium than bananas!
  • Folate is good for prenatal care helps to prevent birth defects.  The synthetic form of folate, folic acid, is found in many supplements. Consuming white button mushrooms is a great way to get the water-soluble B vitamin naturally.
  • Selenium, when coupled with proteins, acts as an antioxidant and is good for decreasing the risks of heart disease and cancer. Mushrooms are the only vegetable that provides a significant source of selenium, which is most often found in foods produced by animals.
  • Fiber is good for digestive health. A fiber-rich diet will help ward off colon cancer.
  • Protein is good for growth and healing properties. Proteins are central to all living cells and are indispensible to a body functioning properly.
  • Thiamin, also defined as Vitamin B1, is good for breaking down the body’s sugar intake. (Tip: The process of cooking breaks down the properties of Thiamin, so eat raw mushrooms for the best effect.)
  • Riboflavin is a member of the B vitamin group, also known as B2, and is a great energy producer.
  • B6 is water-soluble, improves heart health, fights fatigue, and wards off depression. It’s also recommended for women who battle PMS and other hormone related issues. 
  • Phosphorus is good for strong bones and teeth. It is also vital to blood, brain, kidney and heart function.
  • Pantothenic acid is good for people suffering from asthma or other respiratory disorders.  Also known as B5, pantothenic acid helps the body cope with anxiety.
  • Copper is good for producing energy and also has anti-aging properties.
  • Niacin is good for releasing energy into the body’s cells by converting carbs, proteins and fats. It will also help to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and to raise good cholesterol levels (HDL).

FunGuy Mushrooms are good for you!! So have a fun meal! 

Sources:
A Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America
Self Nutrition Data
United States Department of Agriculture