Recently, a new study published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition has shown that adding one serving of mushrooms into the daily diet can provide essential nutrients, which can significantly improve health in multiple ways.
Prior to the investigation, it was already known that mushrooms are a good source of micronutrients that are missing from the diets of the majority of people.
Now, the recent research adds further to evidence for the benefits of mushrooms. At the same time, it also shows that the addition of mushrooms comes with no negative effects and does not make a big difference in caloric intake.
Secondly, mushrooms are versatile and can be added to multiple foods ranging from salads to pasta and breakfast eggs.
According to the findings of the study, the consumption of portabella, white, and crimini to the daily intake is the healthiest. All of these types of mushrooms can increase dietary fiber intake and be a source of nutrients including selenium, potassium, and phosphorus.
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For maximum benefits, eighty-four grams or 2.96 ounces of mushrooms in any form should be consumed.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers examined data from the results of a five-year-long survey from the year 2011 to 2016. The survey included over twenty thousand participants and had children aged nine to eighteen as well as adults over the age of nineteen.
Though the research has been published in a prestigious journal and has been peer-reviewed, it should be noted that it has been funded by the Mushroom Council.
The mushroom council is an organization that consists of different mushroom sellers that aim to provide high-quality, fresh mushrooms to its consumers.
It is known that many of the studies which are funded by related food organizations and companies are usually biased and may also be misleading. However, they are also not published in renowned journals and may not follow standard protocols of research.
Additionally, the results from the five years survey provide enough data to corroborate the conclusions of the study. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the findings of the study are biased but there are a number of limitations in it.
The researchers accept that since the research relies on self-reported data by the participants, the nutritional information may not be correct due to certain biases.
Moreover, it is overall an estimation report, which means that it cannot guarantee the results would be applicable to all people. Some may not experience the same changes and benefits even after the addition of the aforementioned forms of mushrooms in their diet.
Though there is no harm in consuming mushrooms on a daily basis, a person should not rely entirely on them for meeting the daily recommended dose of nutrients.
For people who have certain deficiencies, it is better to discuss with a doctor rather than planning a diet without any professional consultation.
Secondly, those who are on specific diets due to underlying medical issues should also not make any changes without talking to their healthcare providers in order to avoid complications.
