Let’s jut say the Mario Brothers were onto something when hunting for those growth-stimulating mushrooms. Though always in the background, obscure and minding its own business, the symbology and importance of mushrooms are found in many traditions and religions and it’s no wonder why. Its reverence extends to its nutritional capacity and more people are noticing its valuable health benefits.
It is a source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D (also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”) is best attained from sunlight and the outdoors. For this reason, mushrooms are remarkable, as it contains this essential vitamin. The benefits of ingesting enough Vitamin D includes the proper absorption of calcium and phosphorous. A lack of Vitamin D may also lead to depression and anxiety.
It Assists in Weight Loss
If you want to experience the real power of a superfood, look no further than the mushroom. Due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels through it’s antioxidant and photosynthetic nature, it’s a great food source to turn to when your aim is to lose weight or if you are a diabetic; plus, it’s low in calories.
Dried Whole Shiitake Mushrooms Oaklands Dried King Oyster Mushrooms
Available for R49 Available for R43
It Improves Skin
Not only does the vitamin D, selenium and antioxidants properties of mushrooms protect skin against discoloration and wrinkles but adding mushrooms to your diet could also mean clearer skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory make-up, eating mushrooms may help prevent acne, rosacea and eczema.
It Maintains Healthy Hair
Mushrooms contain three essential vitamins and nutrients required for keeping your hair strong and healthy. This includes selenium, iron and copper. The iron, which is especially lacking in people suffering from anaemia, prevents hair loss through its role in forming red blood cells. The copper is needed for the absorption of this iron. And lastly, the selenium in mushrooms strengthens the hair and immune system by fighting off free radicals with its antioxidant properties.
Medi Mushrooms Lion’s Mane Capsules Organic Mushroom Powder SuperFoods Wildcrafted Chaga Mushrooms
Available for R219 Available for R170 Available for R195
Try Jamie Oliver‘s Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe (Only 148 Calories)
Ingredients:
- 600 g mixed mushrooms
- 1 onion
- 2 sticks of celery
- 3 cloves of garlic
- a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- a few sprigs of fresh thyme
- olive oil
- 1.5 litres organic chicken or vegetable stock
- 75 ml single cream
- 6 slices of ciabatta
- extra virgin olive oil
Method
- Brush the mushrooms clean, then finely slice.
- Peel and finely slice the onion, celery and garlic, then pick the parsley, finely chopping the stalks. Pick the thyme leaves.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the onion, celery, garlic, parsley stalks, thyme leaves and mushrooms, pop the lid on and cook gently until softened.
- Spoon out 4 tablespoons of mushrooms, and keep for later.
- Pour the stock into the pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, then whiz with a stick blender until smooth.
- Pour in the cream, bring just back to the boil, then turn off the heat.
- Toast the ciabatta on a hot griddle pan, then top with most of the reserved mushrooms and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
- Spoon the soup into bowls, garnish with the chopped parsley and remaining mushrooms, and serve with the ciabatta crostini on the side.
Shiitake Mushrooms 120G Exotic Mushrooms Shimeji Mushrooms
Available for R29.99 Available for R59.99 Available for R29.99
From Shitake to Portobello, mushrooms may vary in shapes and sizes, but their benefits to our health remain constant. Enjoy!