What is the Nutritional Value of Button Mushrooms and Are Button Mushrooms Healthy for You?

Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms, are small, versatile fungi that are commonly used in cooking. They have a mild, earthy flavor and a delicate texture, making them a popular choice for use in a variety of dishes. But beyond their culinary uses, button mushrooms are also a good source of nutrients and have been shown to have potential health benefits.

One serving (3.5 ounces or 100 grams) of raw button mushrooms contains approximately:

22 calories

3 grams of protein

0 grams of fat

3 grams of carbohydrates

2 grams of fiber

0 grams of sugar

1 gram of natural sugar (fructose)

Button mushrooms are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including:

B vitamins: Button mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. These vitamins play a number of important roles in the body, including helping to convert food into energy, maintaining healthy skin and hair, and supporting brain function.

Copper: Button mushrooms are also a good source of copper, a mineral that is essential for the proper function of several enzymes in the body. Copper is important for the production of collagen, a protein that helps to keep skin, bones, and blood vessels healthy.

Selenium: Button mushrooms are a good source of selenium, a mineral that plays a role in the production of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause harm to the body’s cells.

Button mushrooms are also a good source of several plant compounds that have been shown to have potential health benefits. These include:

Polysaccharides: Button mushrooms contain a type of polysaccharide called lentinan, which has been shown to have immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties.

Ergothioneine: Button mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of ergothioneine, an antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Glutamic acid: Button mushrooms are a good source of glutamic acid, an amino acid that has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits. It is involved in the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the regulation of mood and anxiety.

So, are button mushrooms healthy for you? Overall, button mushrooms are a nutritious and low-calorie food that can be a good addition to a healthy diet. They are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, and they contain plant compounds that have been shown to have potential health benefits. However, as with all things, it is important to consume button mushrooms in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In addition to their nutritional value, button mushrooms have a number of other potential health benefits. Some studies have suggested that they may help to lower cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of button mushrooms.

It’s also worth noting that while button mushrooms are generally considered to be safe to eat, they can sometimes contain small amounts of toxins that can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. To reduce the risk of exposure to toxins, it is recommended to thoroughly wash and cook button mushrooms before consuming them.

In conclusion, button mushrooms are a nutritious and low-calorie food that can be a good addition to a healthy diet. They are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, and they contain plant compounds that have been shown to have potential health benefits.