Adding Mushrooms to Your Diet Boosts Nutrition

Adding a daily half-cup serving of mushrooms to your diet boosts intake of several micronutrients without added sodium or fat, according to research published online in Food Science & Nutrition. Researchers funded by the Mushroom Council reviewed usual intakes of various mushrooms in adults and adolescents as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset and compared micronutrient impact after added mushroom consumption. Results showed adding 84 g (or a 1/2 cup serving) of portobello, cremini, and white mushrooms increased intake of several under-consumed nutrients, such as potassium, fiber, selenium, zinc, and choline. Additional intake of oyster mushrooms boosted vitamin D by up to 13%. Diets lacking in these key nutrients may increase the risk for hypertension, eye disease, osteoporosis, and other chronic conditions. The authors note that increased mushroom intake may help Americans reach dietary goals set by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.