All-Star of the Day: Mushrooms
The term “fungus” does not necessarily make one think of nutrition and wellness, but a healthy eater knows not to judge food by its name.
A four-ounce portabella cap provides 42 calories along with 3 grams of fiber, 31% of our daily selenium needs, and 18% of the potassium and phosphorus we should be getting each day.
Selenium is one mineral — and antioxidant — you want to make sure your body is getting, since it works alongside vitamin E to cut down on cell damage caused by free radicals.
If you prefer shiitake mushrooms, consider that one cup of these cooked veggies contains a mere 81 calories and also provides 3 grams of fiber, 13% of our recommended daily intake of zinc, and half a day’s worth of selenium.
So, don’t fear fungus. Add it to salads, stir fries, or even as a topping on a whole-food-based vegetarian burger (add some pesto, grilled onions and grilled peppers, too — you’ll thank me later.)
Anonymous said on October 9th, 2007
This has nothing to do with mushrooms but when eating at a Chinese restraunt, is garlic sauce or oyster sauce a better option?
Anonymous said on October 9th, 2007
This has nothing to do with mushrooms but when eating at a Chinese restraunt, is garlic sauce or oyster sauce a better option?
A said on July 29th, 2010
This post makes me happy because i love mushrooms of most types. I like the texture and the flavor, and I particularly like the white button type (since it is not as bitter as some of the other types). I remember someone (who probably doesn’t know much about nutrition anyway) had told me mushrooms have no nutritional value whatsoever.. that made me sad, but I still ate them anyway!