What are the benefits of champignons for health — 6 facts based on science

Champignon (Agaricus) is the most popular mushroom in the world. Not all champignons are used for food. Cultivated and edible is considered to be double-leaf champignon. It is easy to find on store shelves.

Due to the abundance of minerals, vitamins and photochemicals in the composition, champignons have tangible beneficial properties for health.

6 useful properties

Below are 6 facts about the benefits of champignons for the human body (based on evidence).

1. Contain valuable substances

Champignons have a low calorie content (about 22 calories per 100 grams) and contain The following nutrients:

Mushrooms are also rich sources of photochemicals (L-ergothioneine, conjugated linoleic acid), which have a powerful anti-cancer effect and slow down aging. The special role of this group of components in order to eliminate toxic substances from the body is noted.

2. Prevent the appearance of malignant neoplasms

As already mentioned, the mushroom is rich in photochemical substances that slow down the proliferation of malignant cells and even cause the death of some of them.

Experiments on mice conducted under the supervision of American scientists, demonstrate pronounced antitumor effect of champignons.

In rodents with malignant neoplasms of the prostate gland treated with mushroom extract, a decrease in tumor size was noted.

Mushroom extract also has an effect on genetic mechanisms, preventing the appearance of cancer in the future.

Champignons can be considered one of the best products to combat abnormal cell proliferation.

3. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

L-erogtionein, according to research data , has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

This substance slows down the production of the main markers of inflammation, blocking the inflammatory process in the walls of the large intestine and the endothelium of arterial vessels.

As a result, the likelihood of not only cancerous tumors, but also many chronic diseases from all organ systems (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus) decreases.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania proved the ability of champignons to protect cells of the brain from degenerative changes. They found a decrease in the incidence of Parkinson's disease with the systematic intake of mushrooms.

4. Improve cognitive functions

Experts of the Summit on Mushrooms and Health, convened in 2013 in Washington, installed that champignons reduce the toxicity of b-amyloid peptide in the brain and can eliminate minor cognitive impairment (decrease of memory , deterioration attention and thinking).

Champignons are recommended for the elderly in order to maintain brain function and prevent various disorders.

5. They help you lose weight

Proven that regular consumption of mushrooms (regardless of the daily calorie content of the menu) It helps to reduce body weight and waist circumference – an indicator of the accumulation of abdominal (the most dangerous) fatty tissue.

The effectiveness of champignons is equally pronounced in both men and women.

Mushrooms promote weight loss due to several mechanisms:

• Improve metabolism at the level of adipose tissue;
• Activate the destruction of adipocytes in order to meet the energy needs of the body;
• Slow down the absorption of fats from the intestinal lumen.

6. They support all types of metabolism

Mushrooms of the Champignon family rich copper and selenium. These minerals play many essential functions in the human body.

Copper has the following effects:

• Supports hemoglobin production and erythrocyte synthesis;
• Participates in the processes of growth and development of the body;
• Regulates the production of hormones (especially sex hormones);
• Accelerates the synthesis of "energy molecules" &8212; ATP.

Selenium supports all redox processes. It has an increased tropicity to the thyroid gland, ensuring the coordinated production of iodine-containing hormones and reducing the risk of autoimmune and malignant processes in this organ.

Safety and harm

Champignons are considered one of the safest mushrooms. However, they have contraindications, and, in some situations, can cause harm to health.

The most common side effects include:

1. The development of urolithiasis. Champignons are rich in purine bases, which break down with the release of uric acid, which is involved in the formation of concretions. Persons with existing stones in the lumen of the urinary tract should strictly regulate the consumption of mushrooms.
2. Exacerbation of gout. The same uric acid can be deposited in the periarticular tissues, causing inflammation.
3. Poisoning. Champignons, acting like a sponge, absorb any harmful substances from the soil and atmospheric air. You should carefully choose the manufacturer and give preference to mushrooms grown in artificial conditions.

Champignons should not be overused. Abundance fiber can provoke the appearance of dyspeptic disorders (bloating, stool disorders, spastic pain in the right and left iliac regions).

Mushrooms are also rich in chitin, which is able to slow down the absorption of certain nutrients. Due to this feature, champignons are not recommended for children.

Reception and preparation

There are many different dishes based on champignons. They can be fried and boiled, stewed and baked, salted and pickled, canned, dried and even frozen.

Cooks make caviar from them, which is later added to salads, soups or porridges. Even the use of raw mushrooms is allowed.

There are several simple rules for cooking and processing mushrooms that will maximize their benefits:

1. Short shelf life. Collected mushrooms cannot be stored for more than 6 hours. Within the shortest possible period of time, they must be rinsed, cleaned, transferred to slightly salted water, and then subjected to culinary processing.
2. Lack of spices. Abuse of salt and spices worsens the taste and promotes the excretion of certain nutrients.
3. Quick cooking. Champignons almost never cause poisoning. Any heat treatment should be short.

Let's look at some popular cooking recipes.

1. Steamed mushrooms

You will need:

• 350 grams of mushrooms;
• 1 medium-sized onion;
• 10 grams of ground paprika;
• To taste – salt, pepper, sour cream.

Recipe:

1. Peel and chop the onion into strips.
2. Wash the mushrooms well, chop them.
3. Put the mushrooms and onions in a steamer.
4. Cook for about 25-30 minutes.
5. Add sour cream, paprika and other spices. Mix thoroughly.
6. The dish is ready.

The resulting dish will not only be delicious, but also as nutritious as possible.

2. Stew with vegetables

Needed:

• 2 red sweet peppers;
• 2 green sweet peppers;
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes;
• 200 grams of mushrooms;
• 30 ml olive oil;
• Salt to taste.

Cooking scheme:

1. Thoroughly peel the pepper from the seeds, cut into strips.
2. Dice the tomatoes.
3. Rinse and peel the champignons. Chop it up.
4. Put the mushrooms in a steamer, cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Add vegetables. Cook for another 20-25 minutes.
6. Put all the products on a dish, season with oil, add salt.

3. Tincture

You will need:

• 700 grams of mushrooms;
• 400 ml of vodka.

Recipe:

1. Rinse the mushrooms thoroughly and fill a 1 liter jar with them. The champignons should completely fill the entire vessel.
2. Pour vodka over the products (to the top). Close the lid tightly.
3. Insist for 21 days in any dark and cool place.
4. Strain and pour into any glass container.

Take 1 tsp. 2 times a day (20-30 minutes before meals). Chapminion tincture is especially effective in combating atherosclerosis and improving brain function.

Conclusion

1. Thus, champignons are edible, tasty and quite useful mushrooms.
2. They fight chronic inflammation and malignant tumors, normalize the functioning of the brain and thyroid gland, and support metabolism.
3. For dietary purposes, they are also used for weight loss.