By Julie Christensen
Most of us use mushrooms , those little brown or white fungi , mainly as an accent in cookery . They might come along in salad or sautéed dish , but they seldom take a asterisk function . Too bad , since mushroom cloud are loaded with health benefit .
investigator have identified several compounds in mushrooms that can importantly improve your health . For example , study at the Beckman Research Institute in Duarte , California have find out that mushrooms contain conjugated linoleic window pane ( CLA ) , which has been shown to reduce the peril of certain types of Cancer associated with in high spirits estrogen levels .

Another study found that crimini and button mushroom cloud can reduce or keep inflammation , which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes , warmness disease and some genus Cancer . A study from Pennsylvania State University regain that mushrooms are loaded with the antioxidant , L - Ergothioneine , which is known to scavenge liberal radicals , reduce cell damage and slowing ageing . In fact , mushrooms hold up to 12 sentence more L - Ergothioneine than poulet or wheat bug , two solid food previously lauded for their mellow antioxidant substance .
mushroom have also been associated with weight loss . you may fill in mushroom for meat once a calendar week to cut calories importantly . But apart from using them as a meat substitute , add up mushrooms to your diet has been shown to help increase metabolism and cut down weight .
Mushroom Varieties
A few class ago , the only mushrooms most stores gestate was blank or button mushrooms , but today , you ’ll get hold an astonishing variety . Below are a few mushrooms deserving test :
Button mushroomsare still the most common , and usually the most frugal , as well . They have a mild , delicate spirit and are suitable in almost any dish . They have also beenfound to be one of the best mushroom varietiesfor reducing inflammation .
Crimini mushroomsare similar to button mushrooms , but they are brown and have a more robust feeling . Use them as you would button mushrooms .

Portabella mushroomsare large mushroom cloud with a dense texture and meaty flavor . Grill them whole or chop them up to tot to casserole and alimentary paste dishes .
Enoki mushroomsare slender , elongate mushrooms with a curt grain and finespun , dulcet flavor . They are best used fresh , added to salads or sandwich .
Oyster mushroomshave a clustered anatomy and a ticklish feeling . Saute them in butter or add them to pasta dishes .

Shiitake mushroomshave a rich , earthy nip and meaty taste . They are often used dry out , but are delicious fresh , as well .
Chanterellesappear in stores in the fall and are favored for their icteric color and intense flavor .
Morel mushroomshave a spongy visual aspect and yummy flavor . They are among the most expensive mushrooms , but their intense nip go a foresighted agency .
Buying and Storing Mushrooms
When purchase mushrooms , choose those that are plump , suave and dry , but not dried out . They should have a subtle , earthy perfume . A strong smell indicates decay . Store mushrooms in the original container for up to one workweek . Before using them , brush any dirt off and wash them quickly under water system . They take in moisture , so do n’t soak them .
Mushroom Recipes
To habituate all those delicious mushrooms , we ’ve gathered a few of our favorite mushroom formula . savour the health welfare of mushroom today .
For a red-blooded side dish or even a main dish , tryBraised Green Beans with Ham and Mushroomsfrom Fine Cooking . The plentiful flavor of the mushrooms and ham pairs absolutely with fresh green beans .
The nutty flavor of savage rice and barley is a wonderful hydrofoil for the rich , vulgar flavor of mushroom-shaped cloud . ServeMulti - Grain Mushroom Pilaffrom Eating Well for a fast side dish .
Rich , creamy and satisfying , Mushroom Risottofrom but Recipes is a delightful side stunner or light main beauty . flesh out out the meal with a green salad .
eat up Well’sMushroom , Spinach and Sausage Lasagnehas one - third the fat and half the kilogram calorie of a traditional lasagne , but never skimp on savour . Whole - grain noodle give an extra boost of alimentation .
stress Ina Garten ’s formula forsautéed mushroomsas a fend - alone dish or dish out them over butter noodles or even a grilled steak . Delicious !
How about a dish that combines the health benefits of salmon with mushroom ? TryBraised Salmonin Pinot Noir from Fine Cooking . This elegant but simple dish is fast enough for a weeknight repast , yet special enough for company . carrot , mushroom cloud and onions immix with a sweet wine-coloured for a pernicious dish .
For fast and goodly Asiatic solicitation , tryAlmond Chickenfrom Food.com . This recipe is loaded with veggie , admit mushrooms , water chestnuts and C. P. Snow peas .
mushroom twain with leeks inMushroom Casserole , for a simple , vegetarian repast from Food connection .
Learn more about mushrooms, nutrition and weight loss.
Nutrition Facts writes about theanti - inflammatory benefit of mushrooms , and thebest form .
Thisclinical test test the abilitiesof mushroom to aid with free weight personnel casualty .
TheLos Angeles Times blog cover the subjectof miss weight with mushroom cloud .
Self has aterrific nutritionary information pageabout mushroom-shaped cloud .
Julie Christensen learned about garden on her grandad ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southerly Idaho . Today , she lives and garden on the gamy plains of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the dirt , Julie writes about food , education , parenting and gardening .