Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth Benefits of MushroomsTypes of MushroomsMushroom NutritionSide Effects and Precautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Types of Mushrooms
Mushroom Nutrition
Side Effects and Precautions
Mushrooms can provide a variety of health benefits. They are often added to dishes for their flavor and texture and are a component of several cuisines. Though you may think of them as vegetables, they are technically fungi. You can get creative with mushrooms—there’s evenmushroom coffee.
Mushrooms are not only a flavorful addition to meals but also packed with essential nutrients. They offer a range of health benefits, from fighting inflammation to supporting gut health while providing important vitamins and minerals. Studies examining mushrooms' health effects may involve only one or more types in combination.
1. Fight Inflammation
Inflammation is a part of the process of many different diseases, including heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Mushrooms have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may reduce the risk and severity of inflammatory diseases.
Mushrooms contain several different bioactive metabolites, substances produced while they are digested.These bioactive metabolites are responsible for mushrooms' anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Provide Antioxidants
Mushrooms also provide naturalantioxidants.Antioxidants are chemicals that inactivatefree radicals, unstable molecules produced during cellular processes that can harm the body in many ways.
3. Promote Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol and fat levels can be harmful to the body, contributing to heart disease, stroke, and vascular disease.Dietary mushrooms have been shown to promote lower cholesterol and lipid (fat) levels.
4. Promote Gut Health
Mushrooms contain fiber andbeta-glucans, both of which are beneficial for gut health.These components help promote digestion and may also help prevent constipation,which leads to abdominal discomfort and raises the risk of many health complications—such asdiverticulitis(inflamed pouches in the intestine) and colon cancer.
5. Reduce Cancer Risk
Consuming mushrooms is associated with lower overall cancer risk.Because different types of cancers have different causes, it’s not clear why mushrooms are associated with a lower risk of so many different types of cancers. It may be due to their anti-inflammatory actions and antioxidant properties.
6. Antihypertensive
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common health issue that doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until its harmful consequences, such asheart disease, develop. Mushrooms are considered a dietary antihypertensive because they are abundant in compounds that lower blood pressure—ergosterol, polyphenols, terpenes, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and proteins.
7. Antiviral and Antibacterial
Research has shown that mushrooms may strengthen the immune system and exhibit antimicrobial properties that may help protect against a variety of infectious organisms. Some of these antimicrobial effects may come from the nutrients that mushrooms provide. It also suggests that mushrooms contain chemicals that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
8. Safe for Diabetes
Diabetes can cause many health consequences. Control of blood sugar is crucial if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. Maintaining a moderate and healthy blood sugar level can also be beneficial for you if you are at risk for diabetes or if you haveprediabetes.
Mushrooms are very low in glucose and other sugars.They are a healthy and filling food that doesn’t raise blood sugar quickly.
Furthermore, research shows that mushrooms may lower blood glucose and increase insulin production for some people.Insulinis a hormone that draws blood sugar into cells, where it is used for energy.
A Word From VerywellSince mushrooms contain all the essential amino acids your body needs, they are a great choice as a meat alternative or a way to add more protein to your meal. Mushrooms add a meaty and earthy flavor to your meals and are budget-friendly.—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Since mushrooms contain all the essential amino acids your body needs, they are a great choice as a meat alternative or a way to add more protein to your meal. Mushrooms add a meaty and earthy flavor to your meals and are budget-friendly.—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Since mushrooms contain all the essential amino acids your body needs, they are a great choice as a meat alternative or a way to add more protein to your meal. Mushrooms add a meaty and earthy flavor to your meals and are budget-friendly.
—KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Numerous types of mushrooms exist, including portobello mushrooms, oyster mushrooms,shiitake mushrooms,maitake mushrooms, crimini mushrooms,chaga mushrooms,poria mushrooms, and over 20 other popular types of edible mushrooms. Different types have different nutritional components.
A serving of five medium-sized mushrooms has the following nutrition profile in grams (g), milligrams (mg), or percent of daily value (% DV):
Mushrooms are a good protein source. Most varieties providecomplete protein, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) the body needs.They are low in calories and sugars while providing fiber.
Substitute for Red MeatDepending on the cooking process, mushrooms can have a hearty texture, which is often described as meaty. For this reason, many people who are looking for meat substitutes often turn to mushrooms to provide some texture and substance to dishes. Additionally, mushrooms provide proteinand are often among the components of meat substitutes.
Substitute for Red Meat
Depending on the cooking process, mushrooms can have a hearty texture, which is often described as meaty. For this reason, many people who are looking for meat substitutes often turn to mushrooms to provide some texture and substance to dishes. Additionally, mushrooms provide proteinand are often among the components of meat substitutes.
Mushroom Side Effects and Precautions
Mushrooms found in the grocery store are almost always safe to eat, but they can have side effects, likemaking you gassy. Gas may be due to mannitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol in some varieties.Mushrooms are also high in fiber, which can have a gassy effect if you increase your consumption too fast.
Less often, commercially available mushrooms can have harmful adverse effects. Mushrooms, like any other food,can harbor harmful bacteria. For example, there have been cases ofsalmonella poisoningdue to mushrooms.
Though it’s rare, there have been unusual outbreaks or adverse effects from eating mushrooms, with documented cases of toxicity to the heartor gastrointestinal toxicity.The best way to avoid these potential dangers is to buy mushrooms from a trustworthy vendor or eat them at a reputable restaurant.
Additionally, make sure that any food you’re eating or cooking has been stored at the recommended temperature and has not been stowed for longer than recommended. Make sure to clean your food following safety precautions.
Collecting wild mushrooms can be particularly dangerous because they can be poisonous.Poisonous varieties are not easily distinguished from nonpoisonous mushrooms and can damage the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Summary
As with any food, mushrooms can spoil or become contaminated, so it’s important to consider storage and preparation safety when cooking or consuming them.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ba DM, Ssentongo P, Beelman RB, et al.Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Adv Nutr.2021;12(5):1691-1704. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab015Hamza A, Mylarapu A, Krishna KV, Kumar DS.An insight into the nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms: a natural treasury for human health.J Biotechnol.2024;381:86-99. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.014Mwangi RW, Macharia JM, Wagara IN, Bence RL.The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms.Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;147:112621. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621 doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Rauf A, Joshi PB, Ahmad Z, et al.Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension.Phytother Res.2023;37(6):2644-2660. doi:10.1002/ptr.7865Sivamaruthi BS, Sisubalan N, Kesika P, et al.A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.J Food Sci. 2024;89(7):3973-3994. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17172MedlinePlus.Diabetic diet.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Nutrition information for raw vegetables.Shamim MZ, Mishra AK, Kausar T, et al.Exploring edible mushrooms for diabetes: unveiling their role in prevention and treatment.Molecules. 2023;28(6):2837. doi:10.3390/molecules28062837U.S. Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central Search Results: mushrooms.Ayimbila F, Keawsompong S.Nutritional quality and biological application of mushroom protein as a novel protein alternative.Curr Nutr Rep. 2023;12(2):290-307. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00468-xFood Insight.What is mannitol?National Institutes of Health.Rough up your diet: fit more fiber into your day.Yu C, Dong Q, Chen M, et al.The effect of mushroom dietary fiber on the gut microbiota and related health benefits: a review. JFungi (Basel). 2023;9(10):1028. doi:10.3390/jof9101028Ohya K, Ikeuchi S, Hayashidani H, Hara-Kudo Y.[Detection of salmonella and enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria in dried wood ear mushrooms].Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2024;65(3):41-47. Japanese. doi:10.3358/shokueishi.65.41Balice G, Boksebeld M, Barrier Q, et al.Mushroom poisoning-related cardiac toxicity: a case report and systematic review.Toxins (Basel). 2024;16(6):265. doi:10.3390/toxins16060265Vodovar D, Le Visage L, Caré W, et al.Severe morel mushroom poisonings in France - a nationwide French poison centres study 2010-2020.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(6):391-395. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2367657Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Mushrooms.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ba DM, Ssentongo P, Beelman RB, et al.Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Adv Nutr.2021;12(5):1691-1704. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab015Hamza A, Mylarapu A, Krishna KV, Kumar DS.An insight into the nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms: a natural treasury for human health.J Biotechnol.2024;381:86-99. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.014Mwangi RW, Macharia JM, Wagara IN, Bence RL.The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms.Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;147:112621. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621 doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Rauf A, Joshi PB, Ahmad Z, et al.Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension.Phytother Res.2023;37(6):2644-2660. doi:10.1002/ptr.7865Sivamaruthi BS, Sisubalan N, Kesika P, et al.A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.J Food Sci. 2024;89(7):3973-3994. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17172MedlinePlus.Diabetic diet.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Nutrition information for raw vegetables.Shamim MZ, Mishra AK, Kausar T, et al.Exploring edible mushrooms for diabetes: unveiling their role in prevention and treatment.Molecules. 2023;28(6):2837. doi:10.3390/molecules28062837U.S. Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central Search Results: mushrooms.Ayimbila F, Keawsompong S.Nutritional quality and biological application of mushroom protein as a novel protein alternative.Curr Nutr Rep. 2023;12(2):290-307. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00468-xFood Insight.What is mannitol?National Institutes of Health.Rough up your diet: fit more fiber into your day.Yu C, Dong Q, Chen M, et al.The effect of mushroom dietary fiber on the gut microbiota and related health benefits: a review. JFungi (Basel). 2023;9(10):1028. doi:10.3390/jof9101028Ohya K, Ikeuchi S, Hayashidani H, Hara-Kudo Y.[Detection of salmonella and enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria in dried wood ear mushrooms].Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2024;65(3):41-47. Japanese. doi:10.3358/shokueishi.65.41Balice G, Boksebeld M, Barrier Q, et al.Mushroom poisoning-related cardiac toxicity: a case report and systematic review.Toxins (Basel). 2024;16(6):265. doi:10.3390/toxins16060265Vodovar D, Le Visage L, Caré W, et al.Severe morel mushroom poisonings in France - a nationwide French poison centres study 2010-2020.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(6):391-395. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2367657Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Mushrooms.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ba DM, Ssentongo P, Beelman RB, et al.Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Adv Nutr.2021;12(5):1691-1704. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab015Hamza A, Mylarapu A, Krishna KV, Kumar DS.An insight into the nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms: a natural treasury for human health.J Biotechnol.2024;381:86-99. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.014Mwangi RW, Macharia JM, Wagara IN, Bence RL.The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms.Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;147:112621. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621 doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Rauf A, Joshi PB, Ahmad Z, et al.Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension.Phytother Res.2023;37(6):2644-2660. doi:10.1002/ptr.7865Sivamaruthi BS, Sisubalan N, Kesika P, et al.A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.J Food Sci. 2024;89(7):3973-3994. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17172MedlinePlus.Diabetic diet.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Nutrition information for raw vegetables.Shamim MZ, Mishra AK, Kausar T, et al.Exploring edible mushrooms for diabetes: unveiling their role in prevention and treatment.Molecules. 2023;28(6):2837. doi:10.3390/molecules28062837U.S. Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central Search Results: mushrooms.Ayimbila F, Keawsompong S.Nutritional quality and biological application of mushroom protein as a novel protein alternative.Curr Nutr Rep. 2023;12(2):290-307. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00468-xFood Insight.What is mannitol?National Institutes of Health.Rough up your diet: fit more fiber into your day.Yu C, Dong Q, Chen M, et al.The effect of mushroom dietary fiber on the gut microbiota and related health benefits: a review. JFungi (Basel). 2023;9(10):1028. doi:10.3390/jof9101028Ohya K, Ikeuchi S, Hayashidani H, Hara-Kudo Y.[Detection of salmonella and enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria in dried wood ear mushrooms].Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2024;65(3):41-47. Japanese. doi:10.3358/shokueishi.65.41Balice G, Boksebeld M, Barrier Q, et al.Mushroom poisoning-related cardiac toxicity: a case report and systematic review.Toxins (Basel). 2024;16(6):265. doi:10.3390/toxins16060265Vodovar D, Le Visage L, Caré W, et al.Severe morel mushroom poisonings in France - a nationwide French poison centres study 2010-2020.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(6):391-395. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2367657Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Mushrooms.
Ba DM, Ssentongo P, Beelman RB, et al.Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Adv Nutr.2021;12(5):1691-1704. doi:10.1093/advances/nmab015
Hamza A, Mylarapu A, Krishna KV, Kumar DS.An insight into the nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms: a natural treasury for human health.J Biotechnol.2024;381:86-99. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.12.014
Mwangi RW, Macharia JM, Wagara IN, Bence RL.The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms.Biomed Pharmacother. 2022;147:112621. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621 doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.
Rauf A, Joshi PB, Ahmad Z, et al.Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension.Phytother Res.2023;37(6):2644-2660. doi:10.1002/ptr.7865
Sivamaruthi BS, Sisubalan N, Kesika P, et al.A concise review of the nutritional profiles, microbial dynamics, and health impacts of fermented mushrooms.J Food Sci. 2024;89(7):3973-3994. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.17172
MedlinePlus.Diabetic diet.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Nutrition information for raw vegetables.
Shamim MZ, Mishra AK, Kausar T, et al.Exploring edible mushrooms for diabetes: unveiling their role in prevention and treatment.Molecules. 2023;28(6):2837. doi:10.3390/molecules28062837
U.S. Department of Agriculture.FoodData Central Search Results: mushrooms.
Ayimbila F, Keawsompong S.Nutritional quality and biological application of mushroom protein as a novel protein alternative.Curr Nutr Rep. 2023;12(2):290-307. doi:10.1007/s13668-023-00468-x
Food Insight.What is mannitol?
National Institutes of Health.Rough up your diet: fit more fiber into your day.
Yu C, Dong Q, Chen M, et al.The effect of mushroom dietary fiber on the gut microbiota and related health benefits: a review. JFungi (Basel). 2023;9(10):1028. doi:10.3390/jof9101028
Ohya K, Ikeuchi S, Hayashidani H, Hara-Kudo Y.[Detection of salmonella and enumeration of hygienic indicator bacteria in dried wood ear mushrooms].Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi. 2024;65(3):41-47. Japanese. doi:10.3358/shokueishi.65.41
Balice G, Boksebeld M, Barrier Q, et al.Mushroom poisoning-related cardiac toxicity: a case report and systematic review.Toxins (Basel). 2024;16(6):265. doi:10.3390/toxins16060265
Vodovar D, Le Visage L, Caré W, et al.Severe morel mushroom poisonings in France - a nationwide French poison centres study 2010-2020.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2024;62(6):391-395. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2367657
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Mushrooms.
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