Mostly funky looking, sometimes even cute, it’s worth getting friendly with fungus if you want to seriously up your wellness game. Sure, there are some that are toxic, deadly, and even psychedelic varieties, but there are a whole host of mushrooms that are renowned for seemingly magical health benefits. The benefits are so magical in fact that you may just start believing in gnomes too. There are so many mushrooms to explore, so let’s get started with the health benefits, how to add it into your daily life, and some resources and recipes to get you started.
#1 – The portobello mushroom; large and in charge, tasty, and is great for a meat replacement. It’s the mushroom that is common as it is to see, but it should be strutting its stuff with the health benefits this fungus showcases. The portobello mushroom is mineral-dense; with selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper! Each of these minerals has unique and amazing benefits themselves, but the portobello is a host for them all. Not to mention, portobellos are high in fiber, reduce the risk of heart disease, and are said to help with digestive issues (hemorrhoids and constipation). They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, and riboflavin – what a powerhouse!
How do you cook or use the portobello?
I often use portobellos as a burger patty replacement. Or I chop it densely and add it into my Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup along with an assortment of other mushrooms.
#2 Which leads me to crimini mushrooms. Crimini also has similar health benefits, but have slightly different bonuses as well. Crimini also has selenium like the portobello (which is said to improve fertility as well as thyroid function). The Crimini also is a high source of fiber, has riboflavin, has powerful antioxidants, contains copper, zinc, is a rich source of vitamin B, vitamin D, and niacin.
How do you use Crimini mushrooms?
I like to use Crimini mushrooms chopped on top of homemade grain-free pizza, in soup, as a salad add, or even in my Herbed Mushroom-Stuffed Cabbage recipe.
#3 Shiitake Mushrooms. Elegant and chewy, Shiitake is a wonderful add to your diet. Studies show it reduces inflammation, improves immune function, inhibit cancer cell growth as well as administers apoptosis (i.e. programmed cell death).
How do you use Shiitake mushrooms?
I love shiitake in stir-fry with an assortment of other vegetables or in Asian-style soups with seaweed.
#4 Lion’s Mane. This mushroom is a little more exotic in that you don’t necessarily see it sitting next to the button mushrooms at the grocery store. Lion’s Mane is truly the lion of the jungle when it comes to the mushroom family.
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