Most people categorize mushrooms like Portobello mushrooms as vegetables, but the truth is they belong to the fungi family. Although they don’t contain healthy organisms like chlorophyll that you will find in plants, they’re packed with nutrients which is why you should include them in your diet. That’s why you must understand the Portobello mushroom benefits and side effects before making them part of your diet.
Portobello mushroom is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms used worldwide. It’s known for protecting your immune system and as a natural cancer fighter. You will easily find this mushroom in grocery stores and is very affordable. You can include Portobello mushrooms in your diet whether you’re on a low carb diet, vegan diet, or a plant-based diet. They will provide you with plant-based protein and essential nutrients, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. This mushroom will not only help in fighting against inflammation and cancer, but it will also provide your body with important vitamins and minerals to boost your health.
What is a Portobello mushroom?
Table of Contents
Portobello mushrooms are white mature button mushrooms that have a meaty texture with an intense flavor. They’re very low in calories and rich in carbs, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and a good source of phytochemicals like conjugated linoleic acid and L-ergothioneine that can help in preventing cancer and other anti-aging effects.
These mushrooms are a type of fungi that means they grow and get their nutrients from the ground and decaying matter and this makes them very nutrient-dense, so when you eat the mushrooms these nutrients help in removing toxins in your body and prevent damage caused by free radicals. They also contain vitamins A, E, D, K, B6, and B12.
Portobello mushroom benefits
Portobellos mushrooms have amazing health benefits that can contribute to the overall health of your body.
Lower your risk of cancer
Mushroom extracts contain phytochemicals that have anti-cancer properties that prevent the growth of cancer cells while boosting the growth of healthy cells and boosting your immune response and lipid metabolism. In women, mushrooms can help in reducing the levels of estrogen in your body which will help in preventing breast cancer.
Improve your heart health
Portobello mushrooms are also good in preventing heart-related problems because they contain lavastatin which helps to lower the cholesterol levels in your blood and liver and also has anti-cancer properties. This compound will help to reduce your cholesterol and help in preventing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Rich source of protein
Mushrooms are a great alternative to meat and also come with added benefits because they’re low in calories, sodium, and fat, and are free of soy, nuts, and dairy. If you’re vegetarian or on a vegan diet, you can include these mushrooms in your salad, casseroles, stir-fry, and even veggie burgers and still give you that similar texture and mouthfeel of meat. Mushrooms are very high in protein and other nutrients like carbs, fat, vitamins, and sugars.
Low in carbs but rich in dietary fiber
If you’re on a low carb diet or a low carb keto diet, mushrooms re a very good inclusion in your meals as they add fiber, nutrients, and flavor to your diet adding sugars or too many carbs. You can add portobellos to your soup, omelet, or stir-fry to add some fiber and electrolytes like potassium and help you feel fuller.
Has anti-diabetic properties
Portobellos are rich in nutrients that include various types of vitamins like A, B complex, D, and dietary fiber. Regular consumption of mushrooms can help in reducing and controlling diabetes and lowering your cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Great source of B vitamins
Portobellos are exceptional veggies because they contain high levels of B vitamins that include riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3). B vitamins help in boosting your energy levels, cognitive health, and help your body to recover from stress. Riboflavin can help in preventing and treating migraines and headaches, protect your eyes from eye diseases, lower your PMS symptoms, and prevent anemia.
Niacin helps in maintaining your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting your cardiovascular system, and ensuring you have a healthy metabolism. B vitamins help to prevent diabetes, support healthy skin, maintain your blood sugar levels, and reduce fatigue, arthritis, and joint pains.
Boost your immunity
Portobellos can help to enhance your immune system and also increase the maturation of the dendritic cells which play an important role in your body’s immune response.
Improve your memory
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin you will find in portobellos that help in the development of your central nervous system. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause serious psychiatric and neurological problems. Consuming Portobello mushrooms can help in keeping your central nervous system healthy.
Provides your body with copper and selenium
Copper is a trace mineral found in portobellos that are important in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, growth, development, and repair of your connective tissue, and supporting a healthy metabolism. Your body uses copper in maintaining your hormonal balance and enzyme reactions and will help in reducing fatigue. Portobellos have high amounts of selenium which help in fighting inflammation, reproduction and circulation health, production of active thyroid hormones, and reduce your risk of cancer.
Potential side effects
- Portobello mushrooms contain purines which can cause serious health issues for some people although it’s not a very common problem. They breakdown to form uric acid which if it accumulates in your body it can cause kidney stones, gout, or kidney dysfunction. If you suffer from kidney-related issues avoid eating mushrooms or eat in moderation.
- The spores found in portobellos may cause skin allergy or respiratory allergies especially if you’re allergic to fungi.
- Always talk to your doctor before you start using any type of mushroom in the treatment of any health ailment or conditions.
Final thoughts
Portobello mushrooms are a healthy and edible type of fungi that you can include in your meals to provide your body with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are important to your body. Eating portobellos is a great way of getting more nutrients and preventing a host of diseases and deficiencies no matter the type of diet you’re on.
