Mushrooms as Nutritional Powerhouses: A Review of Their Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, and Value-Added Products

Nutritional Potential of Mushrooms

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

Mushrooms have a significant impact on various aspects of human life, including food, health, culture, and religion. They are widely consumed for their flavor and texture, and have gained popularity as a protein source and a tool for drug research.[1] Mushrooms, belonging to the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, are fungi that produce spongy fruiting bodies, particularly those with a stalk and an envelope top. They are composed of 90% water and 10% dry material, with a physicochemical composition that is important for nutrition.[1] Edible mushrooms offer therapeutic benefits, including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic actions. They are rich in proteins, minerals, complex sugars, unsaturated fatty acids, and secondary metabolites, making them a fantastic source of nourishment.[1]

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a fantastic source of nourishment due to their high levels of protein, fiber, and minerals, as well as their low-fat content. All nine essential amino acids, which are all present in mushroom protein, are required by the human body. Due to their ease of digestion, mushrooms are being researched as a potential muscle protein substitute.[1] The vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, ascorbic acid, ergosterol, and tocopherol, as well as some other nutrients, are also abundant in mushrooms. They are also a great source of iron, phosphorus, and vitamins like niacin. This is rare to find in those other foods, vitamin D is also present in mushrooms.[1]

Anticancer Properties

Edible mushrooms have been shown to offer therapeutic benefits, including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic actions.[1]

Anti-Inflammation Property

Recent research has revealed that polysaccharides present in mushrooms, which are naturally occurring plant active components, have potent anti-cancer effects on a range of cancer model organisms.[2] Furthermore, another polysaccharide, basidiomycota contains therapeutic capabilities that are connected to its glucan. Elements of the beta-glucan chemical family, polysaccharides are thought to enhance cellular immunity and possess anti-tumorigenic characteristics.[2] Agaricus bisporus contains bioactive substances that are equipped with immunomodulating as well as anticancer properties.[2] The study found that both in vivo and in vitro, the polysaccharide from Agaricus bisporus exhibits strong immunostimulatory and anticancer bioactivity.[2]

Cardiovascular Health

Unprocessed Flammulina velutipes mushrooms were found to have anti-inflammatory characteristics, which prevented the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from murine macrophage RAW264.7 encouraged by lipopolysaccharides and IFN-γ.[2]

Neuroprotective Properties

Edible mushrooms are a great alternative for both heart disease patients and those exploring treatment for cardiovascular disorders because they are low in fat, have a greater amount of unsaturated fats, and contain no cholesterol.[2] The mushroom’s high potassium and low sodium content enhances blood circulation and salt balance in humans. Mushrooms are therefore advantageous for people with high blood pressure.[2] Regular use of mushrooms like Lentinula and Pleurotus spp. was found to dramatically cut cholesterol levels.[2]

Therapeutic mushrooms are a low-calorie, low-fat fungus that is more nutrient-rich. They contain a lot of nutrients and bioactive components, including vitamins, fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates, all of that has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments.[2] The globe over, therapeutic mushrooms including Pleurotus giganteus, as well as Hericium erinaceus are frequently used as pharmaceuticals and health supplements. In addition to lectins, the lactones terpenoids and alkaloid compounds, antibiotics, and metal-chelating elements, medicinal mushrooms, and their extracts also contain polysaccharide-glucan or polysaccharide-protein structures.[2]

Value-Added Products

Edible mushrooms have been shown to offer therapeutic benefits, including anti-cancer, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic actions.[1]

White Button Mushrooms

Mushrooms can be processed into various value-added products to extend their shelf life and enhance their nutritional value. Freezing, canning, and drying are some of the methods used to extend their shelf life without compromising their nutritional quality.[3] Powdered white mushrooms are mainly used to enhance the nutritional value of foods, specifically to increase the protein content of baked products.[3]

White mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are the most cultivated type of mushroom in the world.[4] They are low in calories and sugar, and high in protein and vitamin D, and they’re a source of vitamin B12.[4] White mushrooms are widely consumed both because of their nutritional value and wide range of medicinal properties.[4] They have cancer-fighting properties, may promote heart health, and may improve blood sugar control and gut health.[4]

Answer Provided by iAsk.ai – Ask AI.