This is an archive article published on August 3, 2023

Nutrition alert: Here’s what a 100-gram serving of mushrooms contains

Mushrooms offer a combination of low calories with beneficial fibres, proteins and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Mushrooms contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals.Mushrooms contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals. (Source: Getty Images/ Thinkstock)

Although considered a vegetable, mushrooms are neither plants nor animal foods but rather belong to the fungus group. These fleshy vegetables are a low-calorie food, yet they pack a nutritious punch.

Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, a dietician and clinical nutritionist at Mumbai’s Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said that mushrooms offer a combination of low calories with beneficial fibres, proteins and a range of vitamins and minerals.

“Particularly, if they have been exposed to sunlight, their Vitamin D content can increase,” she added.

The monsoon season often leads to an increase in mushroom growth. However, sourcing them from reliable suppliers is crucial to ensuring they are safe for consumption, Dr Sisodia said.

Nutritional profile of mushrooms

Here is a general nutritional profile of white, raw mushrooms per 100 g, according to Dr Sisodia.

Calories – 22 kcal
Total fat – 0.3 g
Saturated fat – 0.1 g
Sodium – 5 mg
Total carbohydrates -3.3 g
Dietary fibres -1 g
Sugars – 2 g
Protein – 3.1 g
Vitamin D – 0.2 µg (varies with sun exposure)
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 0.4 mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 3.6 mg
Pantothenic Acid -1.5 mg
Potassium – 318 mg
Selenium – 9.3 µg
Phosphorus – 86 mg
Magnesium – 9 mg
Iron – 0.5 mg

The nutritional profile can vary based on the variety and growing conditions of mushrooms, Dr Sisodia said.

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mushrooms Beta-glucans in them can enhance immune function. (Source: Unsplash)

Health benefits of mushrooms

According to Dr Sisodia, some of the reasons why you should incorporate mushrooms in your diet are:

– Mushrooms contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals.
– Their low sodium and saturated fat content support heart health.
– Mushrooms that have had sun exposure can contribute to bone health due to Vitamin D.
– Beta-glucans in them can enhance immune function.

Can diabetics eat mushrooms?

Mushrooms are suitable for people who want to control their blood sugar, Dr Sisodia said. “Their low carbohydrate content ensures blood sugar levels remain stable.”

Are they beneficial for pregnant women?

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For those who are pregnant, mushrooms can be a nutritional addition to the diet, Dr Sisodia said. However, she warned that it is essential to eat them clean and well cooked.

pregnant For those who are pregnant, mushrooms can be a nutritional addition to the diet. (Source: Unsplash)

“It is also wise to consult a healthcare professional about dietary changes during pregnancy,” she added.

Things to keep in mind while eating mushrooms

Here are some points to keep in mind before adding mushrooms to your diet, as per Dr Sisodia:

– Introduce mushrooms gradually if you have not consumed them regularly.
– It is critical to be cautious with wild mushrooms; some can be harmful.
– Mushrooms have negligible sugar content.

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Myths about mushrooms that should be debunked

According to Dr Sisodia, these myths about mushrooms need to be debunked:

– It is a misconception that all wild mushrooms are safe. Some of them are highly toxic.
– Contrary to some beliefs, mushrooms are rich in nutrients.
– While mushrooms do contain a form of Vitamin B12, it is not always efficiently absorbed by the human body.

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