Mushrooms- Tasty and healthy

09-Feb-2010

Tags: Mushrooms , Mushroom , Health , Helathy , Diet Mushrooms , Mushroom , Health , Helathy , Diet , Eat , Cook , Salad , Viamins , Minreals , Benefit more less

Do you know Mushrooms are actually the "fruits" of fungus called mycelium, growing in soil, wood, or decaying matters. There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms, ranging in size , shape, texture, and color. Some more popular types include black trumpet, chanterelles, cloud ears, lobsters, morels and the list goes on. Not all edible mushrooms are used for cooking, some are used for medicinal benefits and are sold in supplement form.

In Ancient Egypt, mushrooms were so highly regarded that the pharaohs decreed that they could only be eaten by royalty and no commoner could even touch them, giving the royal family the entire available supply! So why not use that one, next time your kids, don't eat their mushrooms.

Nutritional facts

Good source of B vitamin such as riboflavin and pantothenic acid. High in fiber and protein They are also cholesterol and fat free Mushrooms are low in carbohydrates, calories, and sodium White, crimini, and portobella mushroom are excellent source of potassium. White button mushrooms start out as a good source of Vitamin D however if exposed to ultraviolet light for just five minutes after harvesting , a single serving will contain a power house punch of 869% of the daily value of vitamin D!

• Polyphenols are the main contributor to the antioxidants activity of mushrooms.
• Another antioxidant called ergothioneine, known for its anticancer properties, reaches its greatest value in fungi.

Mushroom- a Lifesaver

• Breast Cancer: A research study revealed that of seven vegetable extracts tested, white mushroom extract was the most effective in inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme associated with breast cancer growth.
• Prostate Cancer: White button mushroom extract suppressed the growth of androgen independent prostate cancer cells and decreased tumor size in dose dependent manner in vivo and in vitro studies.
• Immune System Enhancement: Mushroom contains beta glucans and other substance that may help the immune system recognize and devour abnormal cells that cause disease.
• Migraines: Psilocybin, originally an extract of certain psychedelic mushrooms, is being intensely studied for migraine headache as well as for illness like obsessive compulsive disorder.

How to use Mushroom

Wild mushroom are available seasonally. You may find morels in the spring, chanterelles in midsummer and porcini in the fall. For common mushroom, choose those with a firm texture and even color with tightly closed caps. Store Mushroom partially covered in your refrigerator crisper. Use them within three days. Store dried mushroom in an airtight container.

 

Preparation and serving tips

• Dried mushrooms should be soaked in hot water or part of the recipe cooking liquid for about an hour before using. The liquid may be used for added flavor.
• Gently wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove occasional peat moss particles. Or, rinse with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Mushrooms can be fried, saute or stir- fried on their own and eaten as a side dish, or used to top an entr?e.
• Mushrooms can be used in salads, soups, sauces, stir fries, meat dishes and other main courses.

Try a hearty Mushroom salad, serves 6 and only takes 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces fresh mushrooms, trimmed, washed, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup lemon juice, about 2 to 3 lemons
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried leaf tarragon
• 1/2 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
• 2 ounce jar diced pimiento, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• fresh mixed salad greens

Method

1. Place sliced mushrooms in a large bowl; toss with lemon juice, chives, parsley, and tarragon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine Italian dressing, pimiento, salt, pepper, sugar, and mustard; whisk together. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.
3. To serve, toss mushrooms with the salad dressing mixture; arrange on mixed salad greens on a serving platter or individual salad plates.

Mushroom besides being delicious as a side dish or even a main course, they are an inexpensive, effective and excellent source of nutrition to help us maintain our health or even improve it.

(Sources: greatfood.com, southernfood.about.com, safealternativemedicine.co.uk)

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