As winter fast approaches, consumers begin to adorn themselves with warm jackets and rejoice in the cheer of the festive period. However, a powerful sense of dread can often creep into the minds of many during this time as a torrent of coughing and spluttering commuters threaten to ruin their fun. However, there may be a hope for these would-be revellers as many nutraceuticals have shown significant promise in terms of supporting immune health, even during the dreaded flu season.

Currently, there is a huge range of functional ingredients that has been proven to promote immune health, including biotics, botanicals and vitamins. However, there’s one group of nutraceuticals that has been growing in popularity in this area in recent years, and that’s mushrooms.

Although mushrooms have been used for centuries in natural medicine, scientists have recently discovered their potential to support gut health, cognition and concentration. Further research has also highlighted the potential of functional mushrooms to boost immune health, whether that be through dietary intake or via supplements. To find out more about potential of fungal species in the immune health space, Annabel Kartal-Allen spoke to Bill Chioffi, Chief Operating Officer at Nammex.

Source: NBR Magazine

To be sure you know as well, we have written a summary of below video from National Geographic:

Communication Networks: Mushrooms form vast underground networks (mycelium) that allow trees and plants to communicate and share nutrients.

Environmental Impact: Mushrooms can break down pollutants and toxins in the environment, aiding in bioremediation.

Medical Uses: Compounds in mushrooms have potential health benefits, including anti-cancer properties and supporting mentalhealth through substances like psilocybin.

Nutritional Benefits: Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing significantly to human health.

Building Materials: Mycelium can be used to create sustainable, biodegradable building materials like bricks and insulation, which are strong, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly.

Source: National Geographic

Growing mushrooms above ground and sprouting soybeans are two entrepreneurial efforts looking to make plant-based protein ingredients more nutritious, affordable and sustainable.

Mush Foods, Ltd., Rehovot, Israel, a portfolio company of the Strauss Group Kitchen FoodTech Hub founded in 2021, now offers a 50CUT mycelium protein ingredient system to reduce the animal protein content in meat products by 50%, said Shalom Daniel, co-founder and chief executive officer of Mush Foods. The ingredient requires no agricultural land and uses minimal energy and water, according to the company. Cultivation does not depend on season or climate.

A binder and whole protein, the mushroom mycelium needs no added binders and offers an umami flavor and a fleshy meat-like texture as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals, Mr. Daniel said.

The company so far has developed 50CUT beef and 50CUT chicken. Pilot plants will be built in the United States. Company plans are to launch sales in the first quarter of 2024.

Read the full article here.

Source: Food Business News

Over the entire world there are tons of days that are pinned to a topic. That’s the reason why on September 26 in Europe and on October 15 in America, people celebrate the fact that there are mushrooms in our lives, under the name (Inter)National Mushroom Day.

This day was created to give extra attention to the mushroom. If you never got beyond (oyster)mushrooms, then a world opens up to you in the forest. Because so much rain has fallen in the recent months, it’s really a 'Party in the forest'.
But on this day there is also the need to make the protection of habitats of rare and endangered mushrooms, more clear to the public.

You can pick mushrooms and easily grow them at home yourself! Or just continue to enjoy the mushrooms in the forest.

In case you didn’t already know, mushrooms are fleshy fruiting bodies of fungi and there are a variety of species. They are known for their high nutritional value and contain vitamins B and C, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium and zinc. If you want to live a healthy life, eating delicious mushrooms are definitely recommended.

So put these dates in your diary and celebrate this day with delicious prepared mushroom dishes. This way you can have a lot of fun celebrating this special day!

Mushrooms are good for you! Adding four to five medium sized mushrooms (100 g) to your diet provides important vitamins and minerals, essential for a healthy body and active lifestyle.
Mushrooms are a source of:

B Complex Vitamins – Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and panotothenic acid. These B vitamins help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. B vitamins also play an important role in the nervous system.

Minerals – Mushrooms are a source of important minerals such as selenium, copper, and potassium. Minerals are necessary for the proper function of the human body and play different roles from making healthy red blood cells to protecting body cells.

Fibre – Mushrooms contain both soluble fibre and insoluble fibre, which helps to maintain good bowel health.

Vitamin D – Vitamin D works with Calcium and Phosphorus to make strong bones. Mushrooms are the only source of vitamin D in the produce aisle and one of the few non-fortified food sources.

Mushrooms are low in:

Fat
Carbohydrates
Sodium
Cholesterol
Sugar

Some easy ways to add more mushrooms and nutrients into your diet:

Add ½ cup white button mushrooms to your omelet or scrambled eggs. Benefit: one 1 extra gram of fibre.
Mix 1 cup of diced portabella mushrooms into pasta or pasta sauce. Benefit: three 3 extra grams of fibre.
Include 1 ½ cups sliced crimini (brown) mushrooms in risotto or other rice dishes. Benefit: five 5 extra grams of fibre.

Source: Mushrooms Canada

The immune system is the body’s first line of defense against disease and infection. A healthy immune system is important at every age. A strong immune system helps protect against infections from bacteria and viruses. It also helps protect against other health problems such as arthritis and certain types of cancer.1

There are many ways you can keep your immunity boosted. Getting enough sleep, keeping stress levels in check, exercising every day and being at a healthy weight will go a long way to maximize your wellness. Good nutrition is also essential for maintaining the immune system in top shape. Including a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet gives your body the nutrition it needs to help protect against illness and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. That’s where mushrooms come in.
Fresh Mushrooms Can Help! Boosting Immunity

A 2006 study found that the beta-glucan, a polysaccharide that is part of the soluble fibre found in mushrooms, had potential anti-inflammatory activity, which may help protect the body against disease.2
Mushrooms extracts may also stimulate different cells of the immune system.(3,4)

Vitamins and Minerals

A 2000 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that elderly subjects who were deficient in vitamins and minerals, including selenium, zinc, vitamin B6 and folate, also had fewer and less effective natural killer cells.5
A ½ cup serving of uncooked, white button mushrooms is an excellent source of selenium, and a good source of niacin, copper, pantothenic acid and selenium. You’ll also get some vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and zinc.6

Adding the Antioxidants

Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in mushrooms that may also help protect the body’s cells.7 Ergothioneine is found in both raw and cooked mushrooms.

Mushrooms Make a Difference8

Mix in ½ cup chopped shiitake mushrooms into clear broth or consommé. Benefit: add 18 micrograms of selenium (26% of the Daily Value)
Add ½ cup sliced fresh crimini mushrooms into egg dishes. Benefit: add 9 micrograms of selenium (13% of the Daily Value)
Top pasta with ½ cup grilled Portabella mushrooms. Benefit: add 11 micrograms of selenium (15% of the Daily Value).

Source: Mushrooms.ca

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