Holistic well-being with food is trending. It is not just a fad, but an effective measure that takes you a step closer to healthy living. Everyone wants to live longer and healthier without spending a fortune on expensive medicines and advanced therapies. Not surprisingly, people from around the world are experimenting with the “healing with food” concept. Many wellness diets have come to the forefront as a part of the trend. If you want one superfood that does it all, mushrooms emerge as a clear winner.
The humble fungi have come a long way from being revered for their flavor and texture to gaining acclaim for their medicinal benefits now. While it was a part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, the trend is getting strong in the West today. People around the world are keen to embrace it and get the benefits it offers. The popularity of mushrooms in wellness circles is well-deserved. Everyone wants to join the bandwagon and avail of the immense benefits they offer. There are valid reasons to do it sooner rather than later. Let us explain why mushroom wellness is more than just a trend.
Source of vital nutrients
Mushrooms pack a rich range of vital nutrients you will probably not find in other veggies. It is the only plant-based, unfortified food with a hefty content of vitamin D, the sunshine nutrient. Vitamin D ensures immune regulation and bone health, and you may not get enough from the sun. Food sources also do not suffice, but mushrooms can cover your needs. Selenium and potassium are other nutrients that come from mushrooms. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports immune functioning. Potassium helps with the elimination of sodium from your system. In high quantities, sodium elevates the risk of stroke and heart disease. Mushrooms also contain Vitamin B, niacin, copper, and riboflavin. By adding them to your diet, you have one food that offers multiple nutrients.
Mental health benefits
The benefit of this superfood extends to mental health along with physical well-being. Apart from minerals and vitamins, mushrooms are high in antioxidants such as ergothioneine and glutathione. As cells experience oxidative damage induced by free radicals, these antioxidants play a protective role. They prevent free radicals from accumulating and causing damage to brain cells. In the long run, they safeguard your brain from cognitive decline and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Mushrooms are probably the highest source of antioxidants that keep your brain young and healthy over the years.
Adaptogenic properties
Apart from the physical and mental health benefits they offer, mushrooms go the extra mile with their adaptogenic properties. Essentially, adaptogens are natural substances that enable the body to counteract the effects of stress. They also relieve mood disorders such as anxiety, improve immune function, and even extend physical endurance. As stress and anxiety become a part of the modern lifestyle, the adaptogenic benefits of mushrooms make them worth embracing. You can rely on them to increase your body’s resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and protect it against stress-related damage. Check the adaptogenic variants of mushrooms and move a step closer to stress-free living.
Myriad options
This up-and-coming wellness trend is bigger than you imagine because of the sheer range of options it offers. You can try a variety of mushrooms and methods of consumption according to your preferences. If you want to avail yourself of the curative properties of mushrooms, you can think beyond chewing them raw or trying new recipes. You can sip mushroom tea, try a supplement, or mix a powder form in your smoothies. These are the easy ways to integrate them into your daily diet. Since it is a natural remedy, you need not worry about side effects even with prolonged use. The best part is that several research studies validate the claims of mushrooms being effective for a range of conditions. From boosting your immune system to helping defend against cancer, this superfood can do more than you imagine.
Weight management
Another reason for the mushroom wellness trend catching on is that it supports weight management in the long run. The texture of this food ingredient closely mimics meat, making it a healthier alternative to calorie-dense meats. Moreover, it makes them a good choice for vegetarians and vegans. Try swapping mushrooms for beef or chicken in classic recipes such as lasagna, pizzas, and chili. The alternate ingredient cuts down calories and fat in the meat-based meals, and you end up with lighter and healthier meals. Even better, you need not compromise with the taste and texture of your favorite dishes while swapping the main ingredient. It makes a great idea for healthy weight loss with an ingredient that offers a perfect taste and good health.
Sustainable cultivation
The benefits of mushrooms extend beyond humans, as they are great for the environment as well. This variant of fungi makes a sustainable food source as its growth and harvesting involve a recyclable farming process. The production of mushrooms requires far less energy and water than most agricultural crops. The CO2 emissions rate is also much lower than other plants. Additionally, they can grow in vertical structures. It means they require less land for growing than plants that grow in flat rows. It translates into more soil conversation and less deforestation. Both matter a lot from a sustainability perspective. Embracing this wellness trend takes you a step ahead with eco-friendliness.
The immense benefits of mushrooms make it more than a passing trend. Easy availability and cost-effectiveness fuel their popularity even further. It is not surprising that the bandwagon is growing bigger with every passing day. The trend has come a long way from being a part of ancient Chinese medicine. But the acclaim and popularity are not a fad, rather they are well-earned. Research studies and real-life experiences make the wellness trend a popular choice for people who want to live healthy and strong. Undoubtedly, mushroom wellness is one trend no one should miss out on!