There are about 1,600 mushroom species, but only 100 are recognized as edible. Consuming these safe-to-eat mushrooms is linked to a number of health benefits, including improved gut health, better brain health, diabetes prevention.\n<\/p>\n
Mushrooms are ranked as one of the top anti-inflammatory foods. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to autoimmune conditions and chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer\u2019s.\n<\/p>\n
Several bioactive compounds found in mushrooms have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which may protect against a number of illnesses. These include beta-glucans, which regulate pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines linked to systemic long-term inflammation.\n<\/p>\n
Mushrooms are low in calories and have a low glycemic index, a measure of how quickly blood sugar rises after consuming a food. While research is limited, some studies show natural compounds in mushrooms help reduce blood sugar levels by inhibiting the absorption of glucose (sugar) from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. They may also improve both pancreatic function and insulin release.\n<\/p>\n
Mushrooms can also be a significant source of vitamin D. Research shows a link between low vitamin D intakes and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when cells don\u2019t respond well to insulin, which prevents sugar from being cleared from the blood properly. This can lead to type 2 diabetes.\n<\/p>\n
Mushrooms may help combat obesity. A review of research found this may be partly due to mushrooms\u2019 anti-inflammatory effects.\n<\/p>\n
Mushrooms have several features that positively impact weight management. They\u2019re low in calories, take more time to chew, and their fluid and fiber contents are filling. They also slow stomach emptying and boost feelings of satiety.\n<\/p>\n
Additionally, mushrooms have been shown to shift the makeup of gut microbes and increase levels of anti-obesogenic (obesity-causing) gut bacteria.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
High blood pressure<\/a>, or hypertension, is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A recent research review states mushrooms contain bioactive compounds known to help reduce blood pressure. Some of these compounds relax blood vessels, which opens up circulation.\n<\/p>\n Mushrooms may also contribute to blood pressure control due to their vitamin D<\/a> content, as low blood vitamin D levels are tied to increased hypertension risk.\n<\/p>\n Major depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses in the United States. Approximately 21 million U.S. adults (8.3% of the population) have had at least one major depressive episode.\n<\/p>\n Research shows mushrooms contain numerous bioactive compounds that may be associated with anxiety reduction, including vitamin B12<\/a>, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.\n<\/p>\n The research is based on data from the 2005\u20132016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which is representative of all U.S. adults.\n<\/p>\n Among the almost 25,000 participants, people with a moderate mushroom consumption had decreased odds of depression compared to participants with the lowest mushroom intakes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Mushrooms are also the highest dietary source of an amino acid called ergothioneine. Ergothioneine acts as an antioxidant and other studies have linked it to mental health benefits, including depression<\/a> prevention.\n<\/p>\n