Mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are edible and toxic, depending on the variety. Many people are afraid to search for wild mushrooms because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between edibles and toxic mushrooms. I was lucky to grow up in the field, so I know a delicious edible when I see it and I enthusiastically choose to use it in an omelette, as the taste of a fresh mushroom is somewhat different from what we buy at the local supermarket . .
My mother disparagingly spoke of mushrooms believing they had little nutritional content, however she was very wrong. Mushrooms are sources of minerals like copper, potassium, selenium, and ergotionine, which have antioxidant properties and can help protect against cancer. Copper is necessary in our diets because it aids in the production of healthy red blood cells and is essential for healthy nerves and bones. Potassium helps control and normalize blood pressure, thus helping the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart.
Mushrooms also contain the vitamin “D” from the sun, which some of us lack if we hardly ever go out in the sun. Believe it or not, a Pakistani friend of mine has been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency that has contributed to joint problems as she hides from the strong sunlight we have in Pakistan. Mushrooms are difficult to find here, since we live in a city.
In addition to vitamin D, these Wild Mushrooms Vancouver are also rich in B vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyroxidine). These are essential for a healthy central nervous system, our blood and our general well-being. Vitamin B5 aids in the production of hormones, making it a necessary part of our diets.
Believe it or not, mushrooms are also good sources of dietary fiber, and therefore can help fight constipation and its associated problems, such as hemorrhoids and even colon cancer.
In addition to all of these benefits, mushrooms are low in calories, so they can aid in a weight loss diet, and contain no cholesterol or fat, so if you add them to soups and stews, you are not adding too many calories. to a plate.
I love chanterelles and morels, and I’m told they grow in the mountains of Kashmir, but it’s a long way to pick mushrooms! I have to be content with the occasional package of canned or white mushrooms that don’t taste the same as fresh ones. So think of me when you pass the mushrooms on the supermarket shelf, and go back and put some in your basket. They are really tasty and good for your health.
