Luke Graham - Foraging: How to Find, Identify, Harvest and Use Wild Mushrooms, Wild Edible and Medical Herbs!

Mushrooms are actually types of fungi that grow in the wild. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a lot of health benefits. It is a well-known fact that if you consume fruits and vegetables, you will stand a good chance of reducing the risk of several health conditions that are lifestyle related.

It has been substantiated by several clinical studies that increase in the consumption of natural foods such as mushrooms can decrease the risk of suffering from obesity and its related diseases like diabetes and coronary disease.

Here are some of the medicinal and health related benefits of consuming mushrooms.

It is Beneficial for Cancer Patients

Mushrooms are known to contain very high amounts of antioxidants like carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, green beans, pumpkins, and zucchini.

Selenium is a rare mineral that is usually not found in common fruits and vegetables but are found in wild mushrooms. It plays the important role in maintaining proper function of the liver enzyme, and it helps to detoxify some of the carcinogenic compounds. It is also additionally known to prevent inflammation and decrease the growth rate of tumors.

Vitamin D found in mushrooms also helps to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by regulating the cells growth cycle. The folate of mushrooms plays a role in synthesis and repair of DNA, this helping to prevent the mutations in the cells that lead to it becoming cancerous.

It Helps Control the Symptoms of Diabetes

Studies have proven that the genetically caused type 1 diabetes patients who consume foods with a high fiber content have generally lower levels of glucose in the blood. This effect is also seen in some type 2 diabetes patients who have better blood sugar levels and lipid profile. We can obtain three grams of fiber by grilling a cup of portabella and stir frying a cup of shitake, both of which are types of wild mushrooms.

It is Good for the Heart

The potassium, the fiber and the vitamin C contained in mushrooms contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system. K+ and Na+ ions help regulate the blood pressure. Consuming them helps in lowering blood pressure and reduced the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

It also helps regulate the cholesterol content and it can lower it by 5% as they are rich in beta-glucans.

It Increases the Immunity

Selenium is also proven to improve the response of our immune system to infections by helping to stimulate the production of T-cells. Mushrooms are rich in beta-glucan fibers which are found in their cell walls. These fibers helps fight cancerous cells and prevents the formation of tumors.

It Helps in Weight Management and Keeps us Satiated

One of the important role of dietary fiber is that it helps in weight management. It absorbs water and increases in volume thereby acting as a bulking agent in our digestive system. Mushrooms are known to contain two major types of fibers in the cell walls.

These are known as beta-glucan and chitin which both act as an incredible bulking agent and keeps us full and satiated. This helps reduce appetite making us feel full for longer hours which eventually leads to lower overall calories throughout the day.