When most people think about healthy foods, they think about green vegetables. While it is true that green vegetables typically pack a nutritious punch, they are not the only foods that are good for you.
Mushrooms may not have vibrant colors that are typically linked to nutritious foods. However, mushrooms are a powerful source of nutrition. They add variety and several nutritional benefits to every diet.
How Many Carbs Do Mushrooms Contain?
Mushrooms are fungi. This means that they are not animals or plants. Many people view them as a vegetable, but they are in a unique category of their own.
Mushrooms are a low-calorie option with high-fiber that can be used in a variety of meals. They add a salty flavor to recipes without adding a lot of sodium. Therefore, people view mushrooms as a healthy source.
According to the USDA, 1 cup of raw mushrooms has:
- 2.3 grams carbohydrates
- 15 calories
- 0.2 grams fat
- 4 milligrams sodium
- 1.4 grams sugar
- 2.2 grams protein
Since mushrooms only have 15 calories and 2.3 grams of carbohydrates, they may be good for individuals who are on low-carb diets. Clearly, mushrooms are a wonderful source of fiber and protein.
Mushrooms have a low glycemic index. They have little to no effect on the body’s glucose or insulin response because they have a low carbohydrate content.
Different Types of Mushrooms
There are studies that show that some mushrooms have the richest source of ergothioneine. This antioxidant is also seen in oat bran, red beans, and liver. Of course, the nutrients found in mushrooms will vary based on the mushroom type and how it was cultivated.
Some varieties of mushrooms are poisonous. It is hard to identify safe mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms in the wild. That is why it is best to purchase from a reliable grocery store or market. The more common types of mushrooms you will find include:
- Beech
- Button or white mushroom
- Crimini
- Enoki
- Maitake
- Oyster
- Portobello
- Shiitake
They vary in look, taste, and nutritional content.
You can tell you have a good mushroom if it is firm, mold-free, and not moist. You can store mushrooms in a paper bag in your refrigerator for up to five days. Simply remove the dirt and lightly rinse them before eating.
Additional Nutritional Benefits of Eating Mushrooms
Besides being low-carb and high in fiber, mushrooms are low calorie and free of cholesterol. They are storehouses of minerals and vitamins. Mushrooms are a superb source of antioxidants, B vitamins, copper, and potassium.
The nutritional value you get from mushrooms will vary depending on how you prepare them. Many enjoy eating mushrooms with a simple marinade. Others will stuff mushrooms with a creamy spinach sauce or a meaty filling. A vegan mushroom risotto can be a delicious, nutritious option for those avoiding meat products.
As a low-carb, low-calorie, and high nutrition food source, mushrooms belong in everyone’s diet. If you do not eat a lot of mushrooms now, it is definitely worth it to take the time to try them. Learning to create different recipes with mushrooms will add flavor, variety, and nutrition to your meals.
