Health Benefits of Mushrooms For Moms To-Be & Kids

Do you know that you can practically eat fungi? Some mushrooms book their place in the recipes of various chefs and home cooks because of their quality of being eaten as fungi while reserving various nutritional benefits. From evening snacks to full-course, they are used in all. But the question arises since when was it easy to attain mushrooms at the nearest store? 

Mushrooms have been a preferred food item for several thousand years. Unlike plants, they were not cultivated but only collected by people. They chose the edible mushroom species based on their knowledge. 

Today, umbrella-shaped mushrooms are available in various types and tastes. Let’s have a look at their health benefits.

Nutritional portfolio of Mushroom

Many types of edible mushrooms are available and most of them provide us with the same nutritional benefits. According to Medical News Today, below is the nutritional value of raw 96-g cup (1 cup) of whole mushrooms.

1. Energy (calories): 21.1
2. Protein: 3.0g
3. Carbohydrates: 3.1g including 1.9g sugar
4. Calcium: 2.9mg
5. Iron: 0.5mg
6. Magnesium: 8.6mg
7. Phosphorous: 82.6mg
8. Potassium: 305mg
9. Sodium: 4.8mg
10. Zinc: 0.5mg
11. Copper: 305mcg
12. Selenium: 8.9mcg
13. Vitamin C: 2.0mg
14. Vitamin D: 0.2mg
15. Folate: 16.4mcg
16. Choline: 16.6mg
17. Niacin: 3.6mg

Apart from these, Mushrooms also tend to have Vitamin B comprising thiamine, riboflavin, B-6, and B-12.

The many health benefits of Mushrooms for Kids and Adults

The fungi cum vegetable can be of great use for your body and growth. Though mushrooms are available in the wild, it is advised to buy them from stores because they store edible ones. Besides, if you consume mushrooms, you will get the intake of vitamins. 

This vegetable has vitamin D which helps in muscle growth while keeping bones healthy. Although it is beneficial for adults, even kids can attain maximum vitamin through mushrooms when not exposed to enough sunlight. Moreover, vitamin B12 will serve the purpose of enhancing metabolism while keeping nerve and blood cells happy. 

Mushrooms also contain iron which is an important component of red blood cells and helps in forming new cells while keeping the flow of oxygen in the body.

This vegetable will help in building a good immune system, give a rich source of calcium, and copper too. Besides, it is considered good for the bladder, eyesight, and liver. 

Wait, that’s not all! Experts also say that fibre, potassium, and vitamin C are beneficial for our heart. 

Mushrooms are favourite vegetables for many, but can they be eaten by pregnant women? Let’s dive into it. 

Benefits of eating Mushrooms during pregnancy

Whatever a to-be mother eats directly affects the fetus. Therefore, it is very essential to follow a healthy diet for a mother. The three types of mushrooms like Oyster, Cremini, and Button are considered safe to eat. Besides, as we discussed above, even Shiitake mushrooms are reliable to consume. Packaged mushrooms well within their expiry date can be eaten as well. Mushrooms can make your food tasty and provide you with the necessary nurturing nutrients for the baby. Let’s have a look at the benefits it has for us.

1. Metabolism and better development- Mushrooms have Riboflavin (B2), Thiamine (B1), Niacin (B3), and Pantothenic acid (B5) which contain a lot of health benefits for the mother and baby. For nerve and bone development, and better eyesight and skin, it is ideal to consume riboflavin (B2). Whereas, for the heart’s good health and blood circulation, niacin (B3) is helpful. Thiamine (B1) assists with the baby’s brain development and decreases fatigue for moms. Further, Pantothenic acid (B5) assists in maintaining metabolism. 
2. Muscle strength and digestion: Mushrooms are known to aid with maintaining muscle strength and a healthy digestion process. Mushrooms being a source of protein can help with the growth of placenta and fetus support systems in the womb of its mother. It is told that when you have digestion issues, eat fibre-rich foods. Mushrooms are one of them. They help with maintaining regular motions, blood sugar adoption, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. 
3. Antioxidant: If you wish to have a strong immune system and be disease-free, then mushrooms in your diet can help you with it. With the zinc and potassium present in this vegetable, your baby will receive aid with his/her development. 

Risks of consuming Mushrooms during pregnancy

Mushrooms are good to go for you and your baby only when you know how mushrooms can turn out to be unsafe. Let’s get to know that.

• Raw mushrooms and magic mushrooms are considered unhealthy for you and your baby. 

• If you want to eat mushrooms, it is very necessary to cook them well so that they are edible enough and don’t cause indigestion. The carcinogenic toxins can be easily removed through them when they get cooked. 

• Magic mushrooms are grown in the wild and can be mistaken for edible mushrooms. They have Psilocybin which causes hallucinations, muscle weakness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. 

• Moreover, the harsh truth about them is that unsafe/toxic mushrooms can also lead to deaths. Therefore, it is advisable to just consume mushrooms available at stores and keep wild and magic mushrooms at bay during pregnancy. 

Always remember to bring in fresh and edible mushrooms. Further, wash them and cook them properly. If you are doubtful about eating them, wait for a while and if you get any side effects. It is best to monitor your diet and health during pregnancy.

Tasty ways to include Mushroom in your diet

There’s always a nicer way to consume a vegetable. You can use mushrooms and make dishes like mushroom soup, omelette, salad, and toast during pregnancy. 

The mushrooms will make you, your baby, and your taste buds happy. All the kids and women can benefit from the nutritional value of mushrooms. Happy eating!

Fun Facts on Mushroom you didn’t know about

Mushrooms are widely seen in restaurants because of their taste and health benefits. Let’s have a look at their fun facts.

1. Mushrooms are also known as toadstools
2. Mushrooms can create energy for themselves without sunlight
3. During middle age, people thought that mushrooms grew on the soil at night where the witches held their meetings
4. Laetiporus is a genus of mushrooms that tastes like fried chicken
5. Humans and animals like reindeer can get intoxicated by the magic mushrooms

Mushrooms are nutritious and healthy. You can easily find them in stores. Next time you visit the local departmental store, pick up a few packets. You wont regret it!