By michael - September, 15th 2014

For thousands of years, Eastern cultures have revered mushrooms’ health benefits. Mushrooms have long been celebrated as a source of powerful nutrients, but they can also help Americans meet the dietary recommendations set forth in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Because Americans often eat mushrooms* and when they do, they tend to eat a healthier diet**, these positive benefits of mushrooms can have potential impact. Often grouped with vegetables, mushrooms provide many of the nutritional attributes of produce, as well as attributes more commonly found in meat, beans or grains. Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, and very low in sodium, yet they provide important nutrients, including selenium, potassium (8%), riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D and more

You really can't go wrong with any of the edible mushrooms, as they are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, and minerals, along with being excellent sources of antioxidants.

7-Minute Recipe: Healthy Shiitake Sautéed Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are easy to prepare and their robust flavor complements many dishes, like chicken or wild-caught fish. The recipe below, from The George Mateljan Foundation, takes just minutes to make, and will add valuable nutrients to your meal.

Healthy Sautéed Shiitake Mushrooms Ingredients: 1 lb. fresh sliced shiitake mushrooms (ideally organic) 3 Tbsp. low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 2 Tbsp. each of fresh rosemary, oregano, or feta cheese Directions: Chop garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to enhance its health-promoting properties. Remove stems from mushrooms and slice. Heat broth in a stainless steel skillet. When broth begins to steam, add mushrooms …

Often grouped with vegetables, mushrooms provide many of the nutritional attributes of produce, as well as attributes more commonly found in meat, beans or grains4. Mushrooms are low in calories, fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low in sodium, yet they provide several nutrients that are typically found in animal foods or grains. Like all fruits and vegetables, mushrooms are naturally gluten free, and make a delicious and nutritious addition to a gluten-free diet. Please Read this Article at Articles.Mercola.com

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