The Miraculous World of Mushrooms
Oftentimes, mushrooms are mistaken as vegetables. But nothing could be further from the truth. After all, they’re more closely related to animals than plants. However, mushrooms belong to their own kingdom altogether…The fungi kingdom.
Fungi are incredibly versatile creatures. Not only do they decompose and recycle all organic matter, but they’ve brought us beer, wine, cheese, bread, and the advent of penicillin. Yet we’ve only scratched the surface. These miraculous creatures have the potential to help us deal with some of our modern-day problems of pest control, pollution, and mental health, to name a few. As a Dietitian, it is my obligation to share the nutritious components of fungi, the fruiting bodies known as mushrooms.
Mushrooms have been consumed and used for medicine for thousands of years. There are dozens of varieties. Some of which contain apoptogenic properties. Adaptogens, simply meaning they help balance the bodies physiological processes. Adaptogens are especially helpful for combating fatigue, sharpening the mind, and providing overall wellness. Nutrients gained include, Vitamin D, Potassium, Copper, and several B vitamins. Listed below are a few common adaptogen mushrooms:
Shiitake: Contains all the essential amino acids and offers an umami-rich, meat-like texture.
Maitake: The “dancing mushroom” in Japan as people danced with happiness upon initial discovery.
Lion’s Mane: Discovered in Japan around 1993. Tastes like lobster or shrimp when you cook it.
Reishi: The mushroom of immortality with the claim to fame of boosting immunity.
When it comes to consumption, it’s best to sauté mushrooms quickly over high heat, or simmer over low heat, to preserve the nutrients. You can add mushrooms to omelets, salads, stir-fries, pasta sauces, or soups. Moreover, mushrooms are a great replacement for meat because of their umami-rich flavor. Therefore, I encourage you to venture out to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and experiment with mushrooms, share the experience with friends and family, and tag your favorite recipe in the comment section below.
Here is a link to my favorite mushroom recipe:https://rainbowplantlife.com/creamy-vegan-mushroom-stroganoff/
Bon Appetit!
