Although mushrooms aren’t as colorful as other vegetables are but the unique umami flavor makes them a great addition to the food! This low-calorie, high-fiber fleshy fungi serve to be the best substitute for meat and is an all-time favorite food of many of us.
When it comes to craving mushrooms, one can hardly resist. They make up a great addition to pasta, soups, salads, and pizzas.
Mushrooms are known to improve heart health, BP regulation and also exhibit cancer-preventing properties. 100 grams of mushrooms have about 22 calories. Hence, they can be included in the weight loss diet as well. Furthermore, there are many other benefits of eating mushrooms.
Table of Content
Why Are People Craving Mushrooms?
There could be several reasons for craving mushrooms but the major cause can be its “Umami” taste. This flavor belongs to the category of savories which might evoke the craving. The actual taste is due to the presence of a subunit of proteins called glutamate. It brings savory flavor to the food which is detected by the taste buds.
Sometimes your brain insists you to try food that has nutrients that your body is lacking. For example, if your body needs energy urgently, then you’ll crave sweets. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins and minerals such as ascorbic acid, vitamin B complex, copper, and zinc. So, craving might be because of the deficiency of such nutrients in the body.
For those who switch from a meaty diet to completely vegetarian food, mushrooms serve as a great substitute for meat. It contains some amino acids as that of meat and the umami flavor enhances the taste of vegetarian dishes.
Craving Mushrooms Effects
Consumption of mushrooms might lead to several effects depending upon the type. Usually, effects are observed within 30 minutes of the intake. They can last for a minimum of 30 minutes and extend till hours after the intake. Some common and short-term effects include:
Craving Mushrooms While Pregnant
Many pregnant ladies crave this fleshy fungus during the whole nine months period. The good news is, it is totally safe to eat mushrooms during pregnancy. However, selecting the right type of mushrooms is mandatory!
Here I’ll share with you a list of those mushrooms which you can consume while being pregnant:
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Porcini mushrooms
- Morel mushrooms
- White button mushrooms
- Chestnut mushrooms
During pregnancy, your body needs an excessive amount of vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are storehouses of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Initially, pregnant women suffer from abdominal problems such as constipation which can be improved by adding mushrooms to the diet due to high fiber content.
Cravings Raw Mushrooms in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, there is always a sudden urge to satisfy food cravings. However, consuming raw mushrooms in pregnancy is a big no! This is because the uncooked form of fungus might be carcinogenic.
Hence, this might lead to adverse effects on the health of the unborn baby along with the mother. So, it’s better to consume properly cooked or boiled mushrooms.
Mushrooms are so clever. They produce Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light, but they don’t need any to grow!
What Happens if You Eat Too Many Mushrooms?
Sometimes to satisfy the food cravings, we unintentionally overeat. This leads to adverse effects on our bodies. Although mushrooms are a great source of vitamins and minerals. In fact, we can call them a packet of nutrients but excess of anything is bad. Hence, 5 mushrooms a day should be your limit!
If you’re a fan of mushrooms then you must be wondering what happens if you eat too many mushrooms? Well, the overconsumption might lead to uncomfortable symptoms which include:
- Anxiety
- Psychiatric problems
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fits
- Bloating
If you overconsume mushrooms, then you exceed the daily limit of several nutrients, this makes it obvious that you’ll go through symptoms such as constipation, gas, and abdominal pain. Such symptoms are mainly due to excess fiber consumption.
Mushrooms are well-known for managing anxiety and for enhancing the immune response but overdose won’t do any good to you! When it comes to Psychedelic shrooms, they produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Hence, these shrooms can lead to severe physical problems which include psychosis.
What Are the Health Benefits of Mushrooms?
When it comes to plant-based proteins, mushrooms are the primary sources of it. Not only this, they are rich sources of fiber as well. Don’t be confused with their small size, they are storehouses of nutrients. The health benefits of mushrooms are enlisted below.
Improve the Immune System
These edible fungi are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Being richly supplied by selenium, glutathione, and ergothioneine, they protect the body from free radicals and improve the immune system.
Prevents Neurological Problems
When it comes to neurological illness, mushrooms can be the savior. Some species of these edible fungi are famous for promoting nerve growth. Moreover, they also prevent the death of neurons. They protect the human brain against several diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Impact on Blood Pressure
Potassium is vital to combat the amount of sodium when it comes to blood pressure regulation. Mushrooms consist of a high proportion of potassium which helps in reducing vascular tension and controls BP.
Vitamin B Complex
Mushrooms are fully packed with some vitamins from the B complex including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B9. Riboflavin is good for erythrocytes whereas B3 helps in improving brain health. Moreover, some vitamins from the B complex improve nervous coordination too.
Vitamin D
Ergosterol present in mushrooms when exposed to sunlight gets converted into vitamin D. Moreover, they also increase their amount of exposure to sunlight. Hence, mushrooms are one of the greatest plant sources of vitamin D which improves bone health.
Potassium
The edible fungus is a good source of potassium which not only helps in BP regulation but also improves heart health. Hence, a good amount might save you from several cardiovascular problems.
Copper
Bing a rich source of copper, these fleshy fungi help in the transportation of oxygen in the blood. Copper helps in the absorption of iron, thereby contributing to hemoglobin formation. It also works well for bone health and nerves in the body.
Improvement in Heart Health
Mushrooms have a very little amount of sodium and are well known for preventing the building up of plaques in the vessels. The presence of vitamins and other nutrients helps in the regulation of blood pressure and the improvement of heart health.
Role in Weight Loss
Some experts and studies reveal that these edible fungi are linked to weight loss. A planned routine with proper exercise can lead to the loss of fat. Moreover, patients have also observed improvement in their body mass index.
Anti-aging Properties
Mushrooms are known to exhibit several anti-aging properties due to the presence of anti-oxidants. Hence, they can help you look younger by preventing oxidative stress. Reishi mushrooms are quite famous when it comes to hydrating skin.
Beta Glucan
Mushrooms are one of the primary sources of beta-glucan (fiber). Beta-glucan is well-known for regulating the levels of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) in the body. Hence, they maintain heart health and prevent cardiac diseases.
Final Words
All in all, mushrooms are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and amino acids. If you’re craving mushrooms then it might be because of the “umami” taste. However, such food cravings are common during pregnancy and are also beneficial for the fetus. This is because mushrooms are richly supplied by the nutrients that are needed by the body.
They not only boost your immune system but also prevent aging. The beta-glucans regulate the level of cholesterol while potassium helps in BP regulation. However, overconsumption might lead to uncomfortable consequences. So, it’s better for you to avoid overeating and enjoy its nutritional benefits.
FAQs
Which mushroom is the healthiest?
Shiitake is considered the healthiest mushroom because of the presence of the same amino acids as in meat. The unique umami flavor combined with a full dose of meaty proteins helps them top the list in the vegan diet. Other than these, oysters, portobello, porcini, and reishi mushrooms are also considered healthy.
What should not be eaten with mushrooms?
Sometimes rare food combinations ending up on the same plate might cause trouble! Mushrooms must not be eaten with buttermilk, rabbit meat, and prawns. Moreover, it’s better to avoid eating more mushrooms and alcohol because the combination can lead to abdominal discomfort.
What is the most popular mushroom?
If we talk about edible mushrooms, then white button mushrooms are the most popular ones. Easy cultivation and a mild meaty flavor are the two valid reasons for its worldwide popularity. These are commonly used in pizzas, pasta, and soups.
Are mushrooms good for weight loss?
Aside from BP regulation, cancer prevention, and anti-aging properties, fungi are known for promoting weight loss. Particularly for vegetarians, mushrooms are a blessing as they help in substituting meat. Daily exercises and a proper lifestyle might lead to weight loss.
Are mushrooms good for your ears?
This might sound strange but the shape of half-sliced mushrooms is linked to the improvement of hearing. Due to the presence of vitamin D, people believe that it can aid in improving hearing ability.
Is it OK to eat mushrooms everyday?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine to eat mushrooms every day as they are full of fiber and low-calorie food. However, overeating might lead to sickness. Experts recommend eating 5 button mushrooms on daily basis to help prevent neurological and bones related disorders.
Which mushrooms are high in vitamin D?
Mushrooms are famous for enhancing the levels of vitamin D in the human body. Shiitake, chanterelle, oyster, and maitake mushrooms are naturally the storehouses when it comes to vitamin D. On exposure to sunlight, approximately all types of mushrooms enhance the levels of vitamin D.
Are portobello mushrooms bad for you?
Portobello mushrooms are fully packed with vitamins B2, B3, and B5. However, portobello mushrooms contain a carcinogenic toxin called “Hydrazine” which is also found in other types of mushrooms.
