Calories in Mushrooms
If you are an outdoor type of person, chances are that you love getting your shoes dirty in the dew soaked earth. I'm sure during your many walks in the wild, you must have come across these tiny hut like fungi growing in damp places. These spore producing fungi are called mushrooms, but of course, you already know that. What you don't know is that not all mushrooms are edible. Yes, some people do smoke shrooms but only three percent of mushrooms are edible. These three percent are loaded with health benefits. Let us take a closer look at the nutritional value and amount of calories that mushrooms have. Knowing the calorie content will put a big smile on any weight watcher.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
There are many types of edible mushrooms but the most easily available are button mushrooms. Often poisonous mushrooms can be confused with edible one, one such mushroom is called 'toadstool' mushroom. Aside from that, if one has the right kind of mushrooms in the kitchen, these tasty delights can add a whole range of textures and flavors to any dish. Mushrooms are highly nutritious and believe me, the calories in mushrooms would make you nothing but healthy and fit.
Mushrooms are a good source of selenium. This makes them an important ingredient in cancer fighting diets. Selenium is known to decrease the risk of prostate cancer by 60%. They are also a rich source of vitamin B. They are abundant in riboflavin and contribute to 1/3 of our daily RDA requirement. Certain types are a rich source of potassium, vitamin D, thiamine, protein and iron. Some even have more potassium than a banana. When it comes to the calories, five to seven medium-sized mushrooms will only have 25 calories. Not only are mushrooms low in sodium and saturated fat, they also contain 80% water and roughly 100 calories per oz. This makes them an ideal ingredient in a weight loss diet. One of the best nutrition facts is that white button mushrooms are also known to reduce the risk of not only prostate cancer but breast cancer also. Since centuries, mushrooms have been used for curing common cold and flu. They are also known to delay the onset of Alzheimer's.
No wonder the ancient healers and witch doctors used mushrooms, as many species have psychedelic properties and are still used by some to reach levels of higher consciousness, even though such use is illegal in most countries. Aside from this, most chefs love to use mushrooms as they can be substituted in so many dishes to add texture and depth to the taste. No wonder many people like picking wild mushrooms for cooking, though it is best to avoid doing so if one is not an expert in identifying edible from the inedible ones.
Nutrition Facts
| Type of Mushrooms | Calories |
| Button Mushrooms | 100 per 100 grams |
| Canned Mushrooms | 65 per 100 grams |
| Chinese Mushrooms | 60 per 25 grams |
| Enoki Mushrooms | 145 per 100 grams |
| Oyster Mushrooms | 155per 100 grams |
| Shitake Mushrooms | 185 per 15 grams |
| Swiss Brown Mushrooms | 95 per 100 grams |
Now you must be aware that the calories in mushrooms are minimal, to say the least and also, mushrooms are an ideal ingredient in a weight watcher's diet. On the other hand, if you are trying to gain weight, mushrooms won't be of much help. So next time you eat mushrooms, don't blame them for the extra pounds as now you know they can't be blamed.
