What are you doing to support your body’s natural defenses?
If your answer includes eating healthfully, getting proper rest and committing to a regular exercise program, you are on the right track. A healthy lifestyle is key to a strong immune system.
Did you know that eating a variety of mushrooms can support immunity?
Perhaps you haven’t considered incorporating mushrooms into your nutrition plan, but this is an easy way to bump up a variety of great benefits. You may recall a previous post on the white and tan powerhouses, where I mentioned mushrooms. Today, I’d like to further explore their benefits and suggest ways to prepare them.
But first let’s define mushroom.
It’s the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus. Doesn’t sound all that appetizing, does it? But mushrooms have many benefits, which you’ll see in a moment.
And even though mushrooms belong to a kingdom of their own, they are usually included on the vegetable list for culinary and nutritional purposes.
There are over two thousand varieties of edible mushrooms in the world. Let’s highlight some of the ones that are available fresh at your local grocer or dried by popular specialty brands: white button, lion’s mane, cordyceps, king trumpet, turkey tail, shiitake, portabella, chaga, maitake, reishi, cremini, oyster, and more.
What are the top benefits of mushrooms?
• Protect brain health
• Lower risks of cancer
• Promote healthy immune system
• Contain high concentrations of antioxidants
• Support healthy gut bacteria
• Good source of vitamins and minerals, i.e. B, D, and selenium
And get this: Some mushrooms, like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake and others have adaptogenic properties, which means they help the body deal with stress, anxiety and fatigue.
I hope your curiosity has been piqued. Discover the scientific names of some mushrooms and why a few are given such fun nicknames. Learn about other mushrooms not mentioned here on the “cleangreensimple” website.
How to reap the benefits of mushrooms
How have you been preparing mushrooms? Many restaurants offer a medley of sautéed mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers as a side dish. Try preparing your own version at home. And if you’re open to stretching your culinary muscles a little further, consider sprinkling fresh or dried mushrooms in your soups, stews and salads. For years, I’ve been adding a teaspoon of a super blend powder by the organic brand, Om, in my morning smoothie. I like that it doesn’t alter the flavor of my drink. And many people are using mushrooms as a meat substitute. You may have already tried recipes using mushrooms from the Lifestyle 120 website.
Now I’d like to share a new savory recipe that I recently created for you to delight in: Mushroom Spinach Pie with Pine Nut Crust. This yummy entrée has become one of my favorites. I’m conscious of preparing wholesome, well-balanced dishes that include healthy fats, healthy carbs and protein. Let me know how you like it.
Want to learn more about mushrooms and how to prepare them? Check out an article from Mayo Clinic called “Mushrooms Make Healthy Meal Magic.”
Remember: Health is an action — we must practice mindful living in order to reach mastery.
I continue to encourage you to establish a deeper spiritual connection with your food. Nature offers a huge selection of delicious fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, seeds and whole grains for you to enjoy. Know the nutritional value of nature’s fresh bounty. And notice how you feel after savoring your favorites. Love yourself enough to supply your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Consider This
What do you call a person who studies and works with mushrooms? A mycologist.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to add mushrooms to your plate this week.
• Begin by selecting mushrooms you are familiar with, and then try some that are new to you, like the ones introduced in this post.
• How will including more mushrooms to your menu boost your immunity and improve the quality of your life?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help with meal planning?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.