Looking for Functional Mushrooms? Try the Ones in the Produce Aisle.

Believe it or not, replacing your morning joe with a mushroom-y tea is a growing trend, according to Whole Foods’ yearly trend report for 2018. Wellness warriors say that certain varieties of mushrooms can boost your immune system, increase your focus and aid digestion, among other benefits.

Whether or not you give these new products a try, it’s still quite easy to get the health benefits of adding ‘shrooms to your diet. That’s because the portabellas, shiitakes and regular ol’ button mushrooms you find in your produce aisle are also packed with nutrition goodness!

Here are some of the benefits you reap when you load up on mushrooms.

1. Vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms contain vitamin D (one serving of white buttons exposed to UV light contains 879 UI), vitamin B and potassium. These essential vitamins play a key role in keeping your body operating in tip-top shape. In fact, mushrooms are the only plant-based source of vitamin D, and one of the new non-fortified food sources. This vitamin, also found in supplements and sunshine, is an essential part of building and maintaining strong bones and helping the body absorb calcium. The next time you’re craving a sunny day, load up on ‘shrooms!

2. Disease-fighting antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage that can lead to chronic disease and help strengthen the immune system. Mushrooms are the leading source of the antioxidant selenium in your produce aisle, and they also provide ergothioneine, another naturally occurring antioxidant. Add mushrooms to your next sick-day chicken noodle soup for an added boost of antioxidants.

3. Low-fat weight management. Mushrooms can assist in your quest to shed a few pounds when you substitute them for higher calorie foods. This low-fat, low-calorie ingredient is still hearty, filling and totally delicious. Adding mushrooms in place of higher calorie foods can help reduce overall calorie intake and leave you full and satisfied.

Whether they’re topping a pizza, grilled along with other veggies or incorporated into a burger patty, mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses and tasty to boot. Want to learn more? Check out this blog post on other nutritional benefits mushrooms offer.