Edible mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to dishes but also a treasure trove of bioactive compounds that support health on many levels. They contain polysaccharides, triterpenoids and proteins, which have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It is worth incorporating mushrooms into your diet, not only for their flavor but also for their health benefits, as regular consumption can improve immunity, protect against diseases and support regenerative processes in the body.
Nutritional value of edible mushrooms
Edible mushrooms are low-calorie foods that contain no cholesterol, fat or sodium, making them an ideal choice for people concerned with heart health.
Moreover, they are rich in valuable nutrients such as B and D vitamins, minerals (including selenium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium), protein, and fiber. This makes them an excellent alternative to meat products in the diet, offering high nutritional value with low calorie content. They are also one of the best sources of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals responsible for aging cells and the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Mushrooms as natural medicine
Many species of edible mushrooms have well-documented medicinal properties. A prime example is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which has been valued for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), on the other hand, contains lentinan—a polysaccharide that not only strengthens our immune system but also has antibacterial properties, lowers cholesterol, and supports cell regeneration. Mushrooms like Maitake and Cordyceps are widely used in the treatment of heart diseases, assist in managing diabetes, and support liver health. Their versatile actions make them increasingly popular in dietary supplements and therapies supporting the treatment of chronic diseases.
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Bioactive compounds found in mushrooms
Edible mushrooms contain valuable bioactive compounds that support our health on many levels. β-glucans are among the most important substances, showing strong immunomodulatory properties, meaning they help strengthen our immune system and protect the body from infections.
Mushrooms like Agaricus bisporus (common mushroom) and Shiitake also contain triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular health-supporting properties. Meanwhile, Reishi contains compounds like ganoderic acid, which protect the liver from damage by improving its detoxification abilities and supporting vascular health. These bioactive compounds are not only beneficial for health but also assist in regenerative processes in the body, making mushrooms a valuable part of the diet during recovery periods.
The future of mushrooms in medicine
Edible mushrooms are not just a valuable food source, but their medicinal properties make them increasingly popular in modern medicine. The bioactive substances contained in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, hold great potential in treating chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and also assist in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Mushrooms are also used in treating liver diseases, supporting its regeneration and detoxification. Thanks to increasingly advanced extraction methods, it is now possible to obtain concentrated bioactive substances from mushrooms, which can be used in dietary supplements or therapeutic extracts.
Mushrooms as an ecological solution
Edible mushrooms also have potential in the ecological remediation of the environment. Thanks to their ability to decompose organic materials, they can be used to clean the environment from pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or toxic substances. The use of mushrooms in bioremediation is becoming more popular because it is a natural, eco-friendly, and efficient process.
In summary, edible mushrooms are a true superfood that not only provides valuable nutrients but also exhibits a range of medicinal properties. With their content of bioactive compounds like β-glucans, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and vitamins, mushrooms can support heart health, boost the immune system, and assist in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The use of mushrooms in medicine and ecology is just the beginning of their potential, which in the future may significantly impact the improvement of quality of life and health worldwide.
Source: Sahoo, S., Gayakwad, T., & Shahi, S. (2022). Medicinal value of edible mushrooms: A review. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S2), 8760–8767.
