Under The Magical Umbrella Of Mushrooms - Skin & Health

Hallucinogenic mumbo jumbo aside many studies have shown that mushrooms have special antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that can keep us feeling and looking young - whether you are eating them or applying to your skin.

The Japanese have used mushrooms for medicinal purposes since the Nara Period, which began in 710. In particular, the shiitake mushroom - growing in the wild since prehistoric times - has played a critical role in Asian medicinal traditions for over 6,000 years. Recent research has confirmed the old wisdom; shiitake mushroom boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and treats cancer. And it also has many benefits for your skin.

Whatever your favorite—crimini, enoki, oyster, portobello, shiitake or white button—all mushrooms are loaded with essential nutrients. Many varieties of mushrooms contain selenium and, like humans, they produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Oyster mushrooms are a good source or iron. Plus, they're low in calories: six medium white, for example, have just 22 calories. 

Trip Down Magical-Shroom-Land

Surprisingly, mushrooms have health benefits that many people are unaware of so, today lets just upgrade our health info and look at some of the many health benefits of mushrooms.

Increase your vitamin D - Good For Bones Good For Hair

Yes, vitamin D! Mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S., portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing about 400 IU of vitamin D. Osteoporosis associations recommend that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000 IU daily.

Boost your immune system - Enjoy Clear Skin

 A study done on mice and published by the American Society for Nutrition found that white button mushrooms may promote immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells while they are trying to protect and repair the body’s tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms promoted the maturation of immune system cells–called dendritic cells–from bone marrow. According to the researchers, this may help enhance the body’s immunity leading to better defense systems against invading microbes.

Shrooms are loaded with riboflavin; which is a potent natural anti-inflammatory agent. It cuts down the reaction time of any inflammatory lesion/zit or break out. So, if you suffer from acne, rosacea, or any other recurrent infections mushrooms can be your natural remedy. Shiitakes help exfoliate, they have potent antioxidant ingredients, and are an excellent source of kojic acid, a natural skin lightener that helps fade spots from the sun and acne.

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Eat your antioxidants - Stay Young

When it comes to antioxidants—the substances that help fight free radicals that are the result of oxidation in our body—we’re more likely to think of colorful vegetables than neutral-hued mushrooms. But a study at Penn State University showed that the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)—a measure of a food’s total antioxidants—of crimini and portobello mushrooms is about the same as for red peppers. The Reishi mushroom is packed with antioxidants too it was originally only available to Asian royalty and often referred to as mushroom of immortality.

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Kick up your metabolism - Stay Thin

B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of your daily recommended amount, respectively, white button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.

Be good to your bladder - Cancer Prevention

An analysis of seven studies—published last year in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention—showed that the higher the level of selenium, as measured in blood serum and toenails, the lower the risk of bladder cancer. Selenium had a significant protective effect mainly among women, which the researchers believe may result from gender-specific differences in this its accumulation and excretion. Several types of mushrooms are rich in this essential trace mineral: 100 grams of raw crimini have 47 percent of your daily needs, cooked shiitakes have 45 percent and raw white button have 17 percent.

Selenium has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune boosting properties and is essential for healthy skin and healthy body.