THIS mushroom food is what you need to beat depression, boost immunity

New Delhi: Whether it’s weight loss or overall well-being, diet makes all the difference. What we eat literally defines who we are and how our bodies will function. While eating the right foods promotes wellness, eating the wrong diet can trigger inflammation, increasing the risk of obesity and subsequent chronic disease. To dodge their disease risks, people often rely on diet fads like the Mediterranean routine or the ketogenic diet or even intermittent fasting. However, some foods are endowed with the ability to deliver many benefits in just one serving. One of those superfoods is mushrooms.

The mushroom-based superfood that promotes well-being

Whether it’s the distinct flavor or the smooth texture, the nutritional profile or the low calorie content – we have many reasons to love mushrooms. Often enjoyed in soups, pizzas, vegetable curries, and even pasta, mushrooms are known as a superfood for the many health benefits they have to offer.

Along with fiber, B vitamins, vitamin D, antioxidants, and prebiotics, mushrooms are among the healthiest foods around. And for weight watchers, mushrooms may be a staple for their incredibly low calorie content – four calories in an 18-gram serving.

Take a look at the top 5 health benefits of mushrooms.

1. Less risk of depression: Food is rarely linked to a lower risk of mental health disorders like depression. However, according to research, bioactive compounds in fungi like vitamin B12 and antioxidants may help reduce the risk of depression in people.
2. Better immunity: In an age when the world is grappling with a deadly infection like the coronavirus, everyone needs an immunity boost in the same way. And if you are a mushroom lover, this is a win-win situation for you. The medicinal properties of mushrooms like bioactives and beta-glucans are the reason they have been used for a long time. The compounds in mushrooms activate your body’s immune activity, thereby boosting the healing and recovery process, and also preventing the risk of influenza infections.
3. Better gut health: A healthy gut is a combination of good and bad bacteria, and is also essential for overall health. It turns out that mushrooms can be your savior in this regard as well. With a high fiber and prebiotic content, fungi can help balance good and bad bacteria and can aid digestion as well.
4. Blood sugar management: Studies have shown that a particular variety of fungi, shiitake mushrooms, favorably modify gut bacteria and instruct the pancreas to release insulin, thereby improving blood sugar control.
5. Your daily dose of vitamin D: Mushrooms are also rich in the sunshine vitamin, the nutrient that strengthens bones, teeth, and muscles. According to a recent study in Australia, it has been shown that mushrooms can provide 50-10% of your daily vitamin D requirement.

Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before starting a fitness program or making any changes to your diet.