Nutrition Spotlight: Cremini Mushrooms

            Mushrooms have long be lauded for their health benefits, but do you know what they actually do for your body? “All types of edible mushrooms contain varying degrees of protein and fibre. They also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps to support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.”[1] In this post, however, we are focusing on the specific benefits of cremini mushrooms. This mushroom is native to the grasslands in Europe and North America, cultivated in more than seventy countries, and is one of the most widely consumed mushroom in the world. You have likely seen it in both of its states: immature and white as well as mature and brown. In its immature state, we know it by such names as the button mushroom or the table mushroom. However, in its mature state, we recognize it by such names as the portobello mushroom or the chestnut mushroom, as well as the cremini mushroom.[2]

            There are many nutritional benefits we can enjoy from the cremini mushroom. One such beneficial area is in the consumption of minerals. For example, “a 100 g serving of creminis contains 2 percent of your recommended daily intake of calcium, 13 percent of your intake of potassium and 37 percent of your intake of selenium.” Mushrooms are also a great low-fat food if you are looking for that in your diet; creminis only contain 0.1 g of fat per each 100 g serving.[3] Additionally, some small scale studies have produced some data about the benefits of these mushrooms for their antioxidant properties.[4] Cremini mushrooms are a diverse food that can be prepared in a multitude of ways if you would like to include them in your diet (although be sure to check with your doctor before implementing any new diet or exercise plan). Maybe you enjoy them sauteed, or chopped and mixed in a salad--either way, you can take advantage of the health and nutritional benefits of this hardworking mushroom that puts the “fun” in “fungi.”

[1] Shubrook, Nicola. “The Health Benefits of Mushrooms.” BBC Good Food, British Broadcasting Company, 4 July 2018, www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-mushrooms.

[2] Cappelli A. (1984). Fungi Europaei:Agaricus (in Italian). Saronno, Italy: Giovanna Biella. pp. 123–25.

[3] Good, Leigh. “Nutritional Content of White vs. Crimini Mushrooms.” LIVESTRONG.COM, Leaf Group, www.livestrong.com/article/530501-nutritional-content-of-white-vs-crimini-mushrooms/.

[4] Mateljan, George. “Mushrooms, Crimini.” The World's Healthiest Foods, The George Mateljan Foundation, whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=97#healthbenefits.