See What Cremini Mushrooms Do!

The classification of mushrooms can be confusing — they are neither vegetables nor plants, technically. They can be classified to be under the fungus family, however, some mushrooms are edible and highly nutritious. As vegetables are good for the health, so are mushrooms.  The Cremini mushroom belongs to the Agaricus bisporus family which is the same variety as the portobello and white button mushroom. The only difference among these three mushrooms is the age. The white button mushroom is younger than the cremini mushroom while the portobello is much older than the cremini mushrooms. The cremini mushroom can also be called ‘baby bella’ or ‘baby portobello’ mushrooms. The fact that cremini mushroom is available all year long is another factor that makes it loved. Cremini mushroom lovers do not have to do without it because it may be unavailable. This wonderful mushroom contains zinc, folate, manganese, phosphorous, vitamin D, riboflavin, potassium, selenium, and amino acids. It is important to expose mushrooms to heat because consuming, one could boil them as they may contain some toxins that are vulnerable to heat.

Health Benefits of Cremini Mushrooms

Contains Fiber

Cremini mushrooms contain a lot of dietary fiber. Fiber consumption aids weight loss as it fills the stomach up quickly. Not only does it fill one up, but it also cleans one out. So, you don`t have to eat so much before getting satisfied. Eating cremini mushroom gives the body a lot of nutritional value and helps one lose weight at the same time. It also ensures that one does not get hungry soon after a meal.

Good Source of Iron

An iron deficient person would experience fatigue, and if chronic, anemia which is a low amount or count of red blood cells in the human body. Cremini mushroom is a good source of iron, thereby, enabling the body to produce more red blood cells which aid the transportation of oxygen to all parts of the body.

Improves Fertility

Selenium is an important nutrient that boosts the fertility rate in both sexes. It can greatly improve the formation of sperm, thereby, increasing the sperm count and also improve the sexual function of the woman.

Reduces Estrogen Dominance

The circulation and dominance of estrogen in the body may cause water retention, weight gain, and unstable emotional states. Cremini mushroom can inhibit the enzyme that encourages the circulation of estrogen in the body.

Low in Calories

Cremini mushrooms are so low in calories that a cup contains only about 20 calories. This is a good choice and addition to one’s meal, as it encourages and improves food satiation. The flavor and taste also make it a good vegetarian dish without one being guilt-tripped for consuming calories.

Rich in Vitamin D

The body needs vitamin D, as it is a vital vitamin required to build bone density and avoid diseases such as osteoporosis, some cancers like skin cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive disorders, and even obesity. One can get vitamin D from cremini mushrooms instead of exposing the body to excess ultraviolet light which causes damage to the body in the long run.

Improves Metabolism

When one’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) is low, it reduces the number of calories one burns, which is bad for weight loss. But, cremini mushrooms do not only contain dietary fiber that helps weight loss, but they also improve the resting metabolic rate of a person, thereby, promoting weight loss and maintaining heart rate, brain function, and proper breathing. This is a nice feat considering the fact that cremini mushrooms belong to the fungus family.

Contains Zinc

Zinc is important in one’s diet, and highly beneficial to the body. It helps to boost the immune system, prevent stunted growth in children and improve one’s sense of smell and taste. Zinc cannot be consumed in high doses, there is a particular dose that the body requires to function, and cremini mushrooms have just about the right percentage that the body needs.

Maintain a Youthful Look

Oxidative damage to the skin can make one age prematurely, but cremini mushrooms have antioxidants and trace minerals that reduces the progression of aging and also protects the body from free radical damage. This helps one maintain a youthful look for a long time.

Rich in Copper

Copper has the ability to improve one’s eye, hair, and skin health. It also boosts the body’s immune system against diseases and infections. Cremini mushrooms can provide one with about 40% of the required daily value of copper; this makes cremini mushroom a good choice of food that should be included in a person’s diet.

Possible Side Effects of Consuming Mushrooms

There are some mushrooms that contain heavy metals such as lead and antimony which makes them dangerous for human consumption. Some mushrooms contain beta-glucans which are mostly safe for some people, it may, however, stimulate the immune function, causing autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and multiple sclerosis. Knowing that mushrooms belong to the fungus family, some persons who are allergic to fungi may experience some symptoms. It is, however, advisable for such persons to see a doctor and avoid consuming mushrooms. Here are some symptoms persons with fungi allergies may experience:

Fatigue

tired

Some persons may experience fatigue and discomfort after eating a mushroom meal. This sudden tiredness may be so severe that it restricts one from going about their daily activities.

Anxiety

Some people may experience anxiety and depression. The severity depends on how mushroom was consumed by the allergic person. It could be a mild case or severe case of anxiety.

Dizziness

Studies show that cases of severe dizziness have been reported soon after mushroom consumption. Persons who already have low blood pressure may be confused if a meal of mushroom is consumed in a large quantity.

Eating the wrong kind of mushroom which may be wild and inedible could be dangerous to the health as it may cause food poisoning or death. Some mushrooms may have been contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that may be on mushrooms grown for commercial purposes. Even the improper cleaning of mushrooms could cause food poisoning or could cause one to react badly to it after consumption. Cross-contamination from foods gotten from animals, improper pasteurization or inappropriate cooking methods could cause bacterial contamination. Bacterial contamination may cause one to experience symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Hallucination

Some persons may start to hallucinate, thereby, seeing things that don`t exist. People who are allergic to mushroom may have their perception of reality altered. This is so because the properties in mushrooms that have hallucinogenic effects are similar to that of LSD drugs (lysergic acid diethylamide) which can also cause hallucination.

Skin Irritation

Mushrooms consumed by allergic persons may cause some irritation. Some persons may experience skin rashes, dry nose, dry throat, and even nosebleeds.

Headaches

Mushrooms may cause headaches in some people, and this is one of the symptoms of mushroom allergies.

Final Words…

Cremini mushrooms have all these amazing qualities that people who are not allergic to them can benefit from. It is, however, important for an individual to know the difference between edible and inedible mushrooms so as to avoid consuming poisonous mushrooms.