Mushrooms are nutrient rich superfoods that have been shown to aid in weight loss, especially in women. Packed with crucial vitamins and minerals, these tasty fungi are a low calorie way to replenish the body, balance hormones, and prevent new fat cells from forming in order to support healthy weight loss.
How exactly do mushrooms help with weight loss?
Mushrooms are low in calories and packed with all sorts of goodness that our bodies need to thrive. Next time you’re feeling snacky, you may want to munch on mushrooms instead of less healthy alternatives to ensure that your body is getting many of its essential vitamins, proteins, and fiber – without increasing the dreaded calorie count.
Are mushrooms filling?
So many of us who long to drop a few pounds end up sabotaging ourselves because we never feel full on our diet food and are so hungry by the end of the day that we gobble down a whole bag of potato chips as soon as we arrive home, essentially ruining the whole day of healthy eating and counting calories.
Since they’re packed with protein and fiber, mushrooms have been shown to help dieters feel more full for longer, even more so than meat, according to Professor Joanne Slavin, gut health expert from University of Minnesota.
When is the best time to eat mushrooms?
Studies recommend eating mushrooms for breakfast – the most important meal of the day- to give the body a boost of nourishment and protein first thing in the morning, which will help you to feel more full throughout the rest of your day.
While popular in traditional European breakfasts, shrooms may not be your jam first thing in the A.M., but don’t worry- they can be enjoyed any time throughout the day and the benefits will be just the same!
Can mushrooms help to balance my hormones in order to aid in weight loss?
Evidence shows that mushrooms can help balance hormones in women, which helps with hormonal weight gain, especially during menopause.
Hormones have a lot to do with our metabolisms which is why, as we get older, it may become more difficult to shed unwanted pounds and several studies have shown that when reishi mushrooms were given to obese mice, body fat was noticeably reduced.
Do mushrooms affect blood sugar levels?
The nutrients in mushrooms help to regulate blood glucose levels. This helps to burn that stubborn excess fat. The beloved shiitake mushroom helps the liver process cholesterol more quickly to remove it from the bloodstream resulting in healthier blood sugar levels, and reduction in cholesterol.
Which type of mushroom is best for weight loss?
Most edible mushrooms are a great diet food because of their low calories and high nutrient value, but some super special medicinal mushrooms, like the reishi mushroom, can actually help stop new fat cells from developing.
Reishi mushrooms are getting a lot of attention because they contain polysaccharides and triterpenes which have a positive effect on levels of triglycerides, a major link to obesity.
What are the most popular types of mushrooms for weight loss?
Some mushrooms that are widely used for weight loss are shiitake, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. While they may sound fancy, they can be easily found at your local health food or grocery store, and they all help to regulate systems in the body which support weight loss.
How do I use mushrooms for weight loss?
One of the many great things about mushrooms is that they can be consumed in so many ways and are so incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking! They taste great in a variety of dishes, added into salads and soups, and there are a variety of powders and supplements on the market as well which make them easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Should I use fresh mushrooms?
Fresh healthy food is great for anyone who is trying to lose weight and implement healthy lifestyle habits, but supplements can work too for those of us who don’t love the taste of mushrooms. It would be a wonderful idea to get creative and experiment with incorporating mushrooms into new exciting recipes.
Are powered mushroom dietary supplements effective for weight loss?
There are a huge variety of great powdered mushroom supplements on the market that combine the health benefits of many different mushrooms all in one! You can add these powders to food or smoothies in order to boost your weight loss potential, take them in pill form, and even drink them as a tea.
Are mushrooms safe for weight loss?
While edible mushrooms are considered to be a very safe food in general and for weight loss, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before beginning a new diet or supplement because every single body is unique. Check with your health care professional to see if using mushrooms for weight loss is right for you.
Is this just another trendy diet?
While mushrooms as superfoods are certainly gaining popularity in recent years and creating a buzz, they’ve actually been used to support a healthy weight and overall health in many cultures throughout the world for generations.
Ancient Roman, Greek, and Chinese cultures all valued the health benefits of mushrooms, even going so far as to call them, “the food of the Gods,” so while we are certainly learning more about the science of mushrooms when it comes to weight loss, they’re much more than another fad diet supplement.
Who can benefit most from using mushrooms for weight loss?
The short answer is everyone can benefit from incorporating mushrooms into their weight loss plan, because the tasty superfoods can help support a low calorie diet! They work great as a side dish, either steamed or stir fried or even as a lightly salted or dried snack. Studies have shown they are particularly beneficial for women looking to balance hormones, or anyone struggling with high cholesterol and diabetes along with obesity.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
