Several thousand years ago, this fungus was not only regarded as the primary component in soups, but a revered traditional Chinese herbal medicine.
However, that fact has been somehow forgotten, because in modern times, most mushroom varieties are popular not for their health benefits, but as versatile ingredients in many cuisines. Fortunately, people are rediscovering the power of mushrooms, thanks to recent scientific studies that reveal the vast amounts of health-boosting properties these fungi contain.
Leading institutions that initiated the research found that we can greatly benefit from mushrooms’ Vitamins B, C, and D content; chitin and beta-glucan (fibers that lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, and boost the body’s immune system); and minerals like germanium and selenium (which prevent the damaging effects of free radicals), iron, niacin, potassium and phosphorus.
Most importantly, mushrooms are found to have the powerful antioxidant L-Ergothioneine. Through the years, scientists have underscored the importance of antioxidants as these protect the cells from within, thus boosting one’s immune system and helping prevent future diseases such as cancer.
“L-Ergothioneine is found in very few vegetables or fruit. In fact, our body is not capable of producing ergothioneine so it can only be obtained from the diet,” said Prof. Luchie Callanta, RND, MSN, who is also a culinary arts instructor and book author specializing in nutrition.
Thankfully, getting these valuable health benefits from mushrooms is easy as they now come in cans. Here in the Philippines, leading canned mushroom brand Jolly leads the way towards healthier eating habits and balanced diets.
Jolly Mushroom is composed of choice quality, fresh mushrooms sealed via advanced canning processes and controlled standards. Jolly Mushroom does not contain artificial preservatives as its contents are just mushrooms, water, salt and citric acid.
According to tests of SGS, a leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, “Jolly Mushrooms contain an impressive 14 mg of L-ergothioneine per 400g can. It is available in the following variants: Whole Mushrooms, Pieces and Stems, Premium Sliced Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms.
With the mushroom earning back its historically-renowned esteem as the world’s new “superfood,” Jolly commits to elevate this simple ingredient by ensuring top-grade quality canned mushroom products to Filipino consumers.
“It’s high time that Filipinos start making the wise nutritional choice, which is to incorporate mushrooms in their daily diet. Mushrooms deserve a place in our table not only because they make our dishes more flavorful. People should eat more mushrooms because of the many benefits they offer, besides being a very versatile, low-calorie and low-fat food,” Prof. Callanta pointed out.
To know more ways on how to incorporate mushrooms in your daily menu, recipes are available at Jolly’s official website www.jolly.com.ph and on its Facebook page Jolly Eats.