Your winter diet must have a nutritious addition to it. Packed with high fiber, anti-oxidants and vitamins, mushroom is a must have in winters. With the plenty of benefits it has, you got to surely intake it. Plus, it keeps you warm too. So, if you haven’t started out with mushrooms yet, make sure you do it now.

Here are the 5 reasons why you should have mushrooms-

Source of Vitamin D

Did you know that mushrooms can naturally produce Vitamin D2? Yes, mushrooms when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) during their growth, they are capable of naturally producing Vitamin D2. As it is well known that Vitamin D is essential for the bone health, immune function and the overall well-being of the body, therefore, there is no way you can afford the deficiency of it. Hence, mushrooms can be consumed as an additional source of Vitamin D. Especially in the winters, when there is a limited sunlight exposure.

Heart health

Mushrooms promote a good cardiovascular health, proving to be a perfect choice for the heart. Because, they are low in fats, calories and cholesterol. Mushrooms have antioxidant, potassium and fiber content, which essentially contributes in managing the blood pressure. Moreover, reducing the risk of heart disease. With mushrooms you can have the taste and flavor, along with maintaining the heart health.

Antioxidant properties

Edible mushrooms are known to have antioxidant properties. It can lower down oxidative stress levels too. And in winters, we can have an increase in oxidative stress due to the cold and indoor heating. Taking mushrooms strengthens antioxidant defense.

Antioxidants help in protecting the cell from damage, additionally supporting the overall health and well-being.

Immune support

Consuming mushrooms can boost your immunity, helping you fight illnesses. Mushroom is a natural source of a mineral, selenium which is vital in the proper functioning of the immune system. Also, mushroom leads to energy boost in the body. Moreover, promoting the gut health and digestion.

Weight management

As mentioned earlier, mushrooms have less calories and a comparatively low energy density. The nutritional content in mushroom is just apt for weight loss and management. Mushroom has high fiber which ensures fullness for the stomach and a reduction in the overall calorie intake.  

8 ways to add mushrooms to your diet, the tasty way…

When you will know the plent of ways you can eat mushrooms, you will hop on to have it. And it's all 'the tasty way' that nobody can deny it. Here are the 8 amazing ways you can have mushrooms in your dishes, and you will never get bored of the taste:

Warm & creamy mushroom soup

The tasty and healthy warm and creamy mushroom soup is just all you need for a cold day. Blended with butter, onion, garlic, bay leaves, parsley and added herbs, the creamy mushroom soup is a delight to the tongue. And the best part is that you have got it in the bowl in just half an hour!

Mushroom spinach omelette

Add the mushroom to your breakfast in the form of an omelette. All you have to do is add sautéed mushrooms and spinach to the egg mixture. A wholesome breakfast is ready for the day. Also, it would be a change to the basic omelette that you have usually.

Mushroom-lentil curry or stew

Yes, Indians just want curry, no matter what. The mushroom-lentil curry is just yummy when eaten with tandoori roti or naan. Plus, the benefits of the mushrooms and lentils, you just got to taste it. The tasty, spicy mushroom curry is all you need for a change from all the daily veggies that you have. A plant based dish fully rich in iron and protein.

Grilled mushrooms

Grillllllll and see the magical taste. You just have to take seasonal mushrooms with herbs and grill them for a perfect snack that is just perfect for the day!

Mushroom-veggie wraps

Wrap it up for your winter lunch. You can have mushroom, bell pepper and hummus in your whole grain wrap for a lunch that is fiber rich and amazing.

Mushroom stir fry

A dish that has got you a mix of vegetables with mushrooms. Stir fry chopped vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers and all the others that you like to have, incorporate with mushrooms and your nutritious blend of veggies is ready.

Mushroom Biryani

The classic biryani just needs presence of mushrooms in it. This has to be a wholesome and so Indian main course. The biryani just has to be the way it is, adding mushrooms to it is the magic. The spice, the onion garlic touch is worth savoring.

Mushroom cheese chili toast

An easy, subtle and delightful snack. Sauted mushrooms with green chili laced in butter, and placed on the toasted cheese enriched bread is just a treat that you won’t deny to.

With this, you know the why and the how, for incorporating mushroom in your diet. Even if you are a vegan, you can opt for so many dishes that do not use cheese and butter, and you will have the most nutritious addition to your daily diet. It is comforting, indulgent and so much tasty when you have so many ways to have it. Don’t you miss the benefits!