Mushroom is a fleshy fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or on its food source. Known as the meat of the vegetable world, the practice of eating mushrooms dates back to thousands of years. Edible mushrooms are used extensively in cooking, in many cuisines mostly Chinese, Korean, European, and Japanese. Commonly "mushroom" is named for the cultivated white button mushroom; hence the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi that have a stem, a cap and gills or pores on the underside of the cap.

Nutritional values of mushrooms:

Edible mushrooms have uses beyond jazzing up your favorite recipe. In addition to being low in fat and high in fiber, mushrooms pack a serious nutritional punch. They are an excellent source of selenium (very important mineral for optimal antioxidant activity), many of the B vitamins, and potassium. In addition, their polysaccharide and beta-glucan components exhibit anti-cancer properties. Mushroom is rich in several anti-oxidants (selenium & vitamin A, E, & C), uric acid and vitamin D.

Benefits of mushroom:

•  Mushroom is loaded with a potent disease-fighting antioxidant called ergothioneine which helps to boost immune system function and also boosts cardiovascular health.
•  Lowers the risk of cancer due to its anti oxidant properties.
•  Helps fight infection; it has anti-bacterial, anti viral and anti-inflammatory    properties.
•  Mushroom's low calorie content is good for weight watchers.
•  Mushroom is probiotic; they help restore natural resistance to diseases.
•  Mushroom has properties of lowering blood pressure

Myths about mushroom:

Myth: Mushroom causes allergy to everyone.

Fact: Not all are allergic to mushroom, in fact mushroom combats allergy due to its anti oxidant and anti bacterial properties. But there are people who are allergic to mushroom; those of you who are can exclude it from your diet.

Myth: The poisonous mushroom will appear to be bright colored ones.

Fact: The poisonous mushroom has got nothing to do with its colour. One should have experience to identify the wild variety of mushrooms. The most popular mushroom, the button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), is considered safe for most people to eat because it is grown in controlled, sterilized environments. Cooking mushrooms removes toxins and makes them more digestible

Tips to include mushroom in the diet:

•  Add them to salads, pasta sauce, soups, stir-fries, casseroles, or pizza.
•  Use grilled mushroom as flavorful burger "patties" - no need for meat here.
•  Use them on the "bread" for your sandwich or classic brunch favorite, a mushroom omelet
•  Healthy sautéed mushrooms and onions make a great side dish (if performing a sauté, mushrooms should be cut into smaller pieces.)
•  After removing the stems from mushrooms, stuff them with your favorite vegetable medley or soft cheese for delicious stuffed mushroom dishes.
•  People who are not overweight can have delicious mushroom bajjis occasionally.

Recipes:

• [Muttar Mushroom =396]
• [Mushroom Barley soup =395]