What do you think, Mushrooms can produce vitamin D? Scientists also confirm that fungi, just like humans, can produce vitamin D through exposure to light – a purely plant-based, vegan extraction of vitamin D that was previously unknown. However, there are also voices against classifying mushrooms as plants, as they lack the ability to photosynthesis.
A large number of people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, especially in western countries, although vitamin D is very important for our bones.
So by eating mushrooms, especially vegans and vegetarians could cover their vitamin D needs “purely plant-based”, although it is unclear how much vitamin D is actually in mushrooms. And assuming that it is not purely industrial cultivation, which allows the mushrooms little to no daylight.
Regardless of whether one wants to classify mushrooms as plants from a botanical point of view or not, one thing can be stated: In any case, there is much to be said for labelling mushrooms as a kind of superfood and firmly anchoring them in the diet.
Mushrooms with Vitamin D
Amazingly, mushrooms are the only vegan food from which vitamin D is made. As a non-fortified food source, mushrooms contain the pro-vitamin ergosterol which, when exposed to the sun’s UV rays, converts into vitamin D – just like your skin, it synthesises vitamin D when exposed to the sun!
Since commercial mushrooms are grown in the dark, they are not rich in vitamin D. However, wild mushrooms such as maitake, morels and chanterelles are filled with this vitamin.
The main role of vitamin D is to promote calcium absorption and thus bone growth. In children, a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to soft bones, which is known as rickets.
In adults, vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, in which the bones become brittle and misshapen. Vitamin D deficiency in adults can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, severe bone or muscle pain or weakness, stress fractures in the hips, pelvis and legs, or general malaise.
Vitamin D is important for other body functions such as regulating phosphorus absorption and strengthening the immune system.
Studies have shown that this vitamin can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, lower the risk of heart disease and prevent the development of flu. Studies also show that the sunshine vitamin can ward off depression, relieve anxiety symptoms, regulate mood and support weight loss.
Ever thought mushrooms are just for side-dish and nothing more? Well, think again!
Summary:
– Currently, the more popular superfoods are green and leafy vegetables.
– Mushrooms could be taking over the spotlight as it joins the superfood family.
– Mushrooms are a great mixture of both food and drinks.
Have you ever tried drinking mushroom latte?
If not, you just don’t know what you’re missing… it is a must-try!
Aside from being nutritious, mushrooms are best-known for their ability to make anything taste a lot better. They can be mixed and paired with almost anything, from drinks to desserts, to main dishes.
Coffee shops in the United Kingdom are currently exploring this superfood and adding them to their menu because they seem to suit the taste of clients, especially the health conscious ones.
Mushrooms earned their popularity back in December 2017 when Robert Beelman, of the Penn State University, discovered that mushrooms have concentrated level of these two antioxidants — ergothioneine (or ergo) and glutathione.
Read the full article here – https://www.thetimes.co.uk.
