Recently, many people have problems with the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism (low function) and hyperthyroidism (increased function). If the thyroid gland doesn’t function properly, many problems can occur including weight loss, as the glands regulate the metabolism. Thyroid gland also regulates the cell’s regeneration and the body temperature.
Mushrooms are strong antioxidants and have high amounts of vitamin D and iodine which makes them perfect for the thyroid gland. If you have thyroid issues consume crimini, white button, enoki, shiitake, oyster or Portobello mushrooms.
People who used the drug Thyroxin for thyroid gland problems, replaced it with mushrooms and balanced their thyroid function.
Mushrooms and Immunity
If the immune system is over-active it can cause inflammations and similar conditions that enable the immune system to protect us. For example, allergies have negative effect on the immunity. In such cases, you need something that will increase the immunity without making the inflammations worse. Mushrooms are able to do that as they increase the secretion of salivary immunoglobulin A that boosts the immune system while not triggering any kind of inflammation.
If you consume 1 cup cooked button mushrooms every day for a week, the secretion of sIgA is increased by 50% and it will stay increased for another week even if you don’t eat mushrooms anymore. Mushrooms also have phytochemicals such as beta-glucan that increase the immune system’s function.
Older people, and people with low immunity should eat mushrooms regularly.
Mushrooms and cancer
The lectins and enzyme inhibitors in mushrooms protect prom occurrence and spreading of cancer and divide the cancer cells.
Selenium, which is a mineral used in conventional treatments of cancer, is present in mushrooms in large amounts. A study from last year showed that selenium can lower the risk of bladder cancer. 100 gr of cooked shiitakes and raw crimini contain 50% of the recommended daily dose of selenium, and raw white button contains about 20%.
Mushrooms and vitamin D
Mushrooms are plants that contain the highest levels of vitamin D. You can even grow them yourself. 3 mushrooms a day is enough for the required amount of vitamin D.
Consume mushrooms on a daily basis. You can have them raw, sauté mushrooms or use them as a substitute for beef to when making a burger. It is up to you how you will consume them.