Mushrooms are prized for their ability to add flavor to many dishes and for their medicinal qualities. They are rich in B vitamins and really pack a punch when battling viruses. The benefit can depend upon the type of mushroom. Benefits abound, so it pays to be a fan of fungus. However, some types, such as "magic" types, actually do more harm than good.
History
In some ancient tribes, hallucenogenic mushrooms were used to induce visions and religious fervor. In ancient Egypt, they were prized for their delicate flavor, while in Greece warriors ate them before battle to give them strength. Today, the hallucenogenic types are mostly outlawed, but other types are still prized for their flavor and ability to hold up under frying and sauteeing.
Identification
Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Almost all products have some type of stalk that bears an umbrella-shaped "head." They come in all shapes, colors and sizes. If you are interested in identifying them, you should work with an expert before ever trying it on your own. In some types, the head appears to sit directly on the ground like a ball, while in others the stalk is tall and clearly visible. Many products are delicious, but they often appear quite similar to poisonous mushrooms, which can make you very ill or even kill you. In the cases of edible types, the stalk and the cap of the mushroom can be eaten safely.
Types
There are thousands of different types of mushrooms, including literally thousands of poisonous kinds that can have effects ranging from nausea and stomach discomfort to coma and death. The other edible and popular types include shiitake, white button, portabella, and morel mushrooms. Magic kinds, which have hallucenogenic effects, also come in 12 varieties that contain a psychedelic chemical called psilocybin.
Benefits
It is well-known that
fresh mushrooms have various health benefits. Often, its extracts are used in sports drinks to help energize athletes. Shiitake mushrooms are used to stimulate the immune system. They are also a great source of potassium, and some types have even more potassium than bananas. Some researchers believe that white button mushrooms may actually decrease your risk for breast and prostate cancer, although this is, as yet, unproven.
Considerations
You'd better remember that although eating them can provide many health benefits, you should always be very clear about what you are eating. Many poisonous kinds look nearly identical to safe ones, so make sure that you have correctly identified your fungus before you cook and eat it if you do not buy it from a store.
Ivan Yang is the freelance writer for e-commerce website in the food industry. 21food.com is just a place for you to look for any delicious foods! Our 21food.com provide E-commerce business directory for importing & exporting of global food products, especially Chinese food products. Dicyclohexyl
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