8 Awesome Nutrients Found in Crimini Mushrooms

August 30, 2010

Crimini mushrooms are similar to the white button mushrooms you find in grocery stores. They have light brown or tan caps and taste great in numerous recipes. You cook these mushrooms with meat and vegetables. Crimini mushrooms are also a great source of nutrition. Here’s a guide to 8 awesome nutrients you’ll find in crimini mushrooms.

1. Carbohydrates

Crimini mushrooms are low in carbohydrates. Over the years, all carbohydrates were considered bad for you. Carbohydrates in foods such as crimini mushrooms help you maintain a properly running metabolism. This leads to a healthy weight. There are good and bad carbohydrates in food. Good carbohydrates provide the energy you need to exercise and get through your day. Bad carbohydrates lead to unhealthy weight gain, diabetes and heart problems. You’ll find bad carbohydrates in processed foods, such as frozen dinners and snack cakes.

2. Selenium

This trace element is found in many types of foods, including crimini mushrooms. You only need selenium in small amounts. It provides antioxidant benefits in your body by preventing free radicals. These free radicals cause cell damage. Selenium also helps regulate your thyroid and immune system.

3. Potassium

Potassium plays a big role in regulating muscle movement, digestion and several other important functions. It balances out the amount of sodium you have in your body to prevent high blood pressure and heart problems. Without enough potassium, your health is at risk.

4. Riboflavin

Riboflavin is also known as vitamin B. It’s naturally found in crimini mushrooms. Riboflavin plays an important role in metabolism and cell growth. It also helps with producing energy in the body.

5. Copper

Crimini mushrooms are a great source of copper. Copper helps your bones stay strong, maintain iron and regulate sugar. If you don’t get enough copper, you may become anemic. Anemic means you lack adequate red blood cells.

Osteoporosis is another condition caused by the lack of copper. Osteoporosis causes brittle bones that break easily. It usually happens when you lack calcium in your bones, but copper works to protect bone health as well.

6. Low Calories

The calories in crimini mushrooms are low. Consuming too many calories lead to weight gain. Low calorie foods help you maintain a proper diet and healthy weight. These calories are also easier to burn when you work out.

7. Niacin

This awesome nutrient increases your good cholesterol levels and lowers your bad cholesterol. It creates energy from carbohydrates and promotes healthy hair, nail and skin. Although you can find niacin in multi-vitamins, eating crimini mushrooms is a safer way to get this nutrient.

8. Conjugated-Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Crimini mushrooms have high amounts of this CLA. CLA increases metabolism, fights obesity and prevents fat deposits. It’s also used to fight hardening of the arteries, prevent food allergies and improve the immune system.

If you haven’t tried crimini mushrooms, you may be missing out on a great way to add healthy nutrients to your diet. Of all the edible mushrooms available to eat, this mushroom is considered one of the healthiest.