Did you know you can help prevent flu just by eating more mushrooms? You may be surprised to learn that the lowly fungus is a powerful immune system booster. Read on to discover the health benefits of mushrooms.
The Flu Bug Just Doesn't Have A Chance
Most people are aware that shiitake, maitake, and reishi are all varieties of medicinal mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine. But what you may not know is that the plain old white button mushrooms found in your local grocery store will work just as well. If you want to get a little fancier, try some portabellas. They'll soon become a favorite at your house, with their meaty flavor and texture.
If you're looking for a superfood with antibacterial, antiviral, and even antifungal properties, look no farther. These tasty little morsels are a great addition to your diet if you're interested in fighting the flu this year.
Health Benefits Of Mushrooms
The fungus found in the produce aisle is loaded with vitamin D. It's the only plant-based food that contains this vitamin. And why do we need lots of this vitamin, especially in the winter months?
Sunshine can be hard to come by in winter. Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin." The short cloudy winter days, and our tendency to hole up inside when it's cold out, can deplete our supplies of this vital nutrient. Low levels can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the "winter blues."
Feeling blue can also depress your immune system. And we all know what happens when your immune system falters. A flu bug is just lying in wait, waiting to attack, and lay you low.
Portabellas and buttons are also a great source of selenium and ergothioneine. Why should you care? These two super-strong antioxidants help to protect and strengthen your immune system.
Eating more fungus also helps your body to produce cytokines. These hormone-like proteins are essential in your body's ongoing fight against viral invaders.
Need more B vitamins? Just about everybody does. Riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid, all found in edible fungus, will boost your energy levels during those low-light winter days.
When you have more energy, you're more likely to get out for a daily walk. Why is this good? Because people who walk daily for at least a half hour are half as likely to get sick as people who hibernate in the house all the time.
It's amazing how everything fits together, isn't it? The good effects of eating more mushrooms just go on and on. So add plenty of this heart-healthy, low-cholesterol superfood to your diet this flu season for a tasty way to fight the flu.
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