Like other foods, mushrooms are generally considered a superfood. Recently, a study concluded that it was useful in the prevention of certain cancers. Researchers believe that eating mushrooms is a very good idea, regardless of the variety.
The list of superfoods includes, for example, fish, sweet potatoes, wild rice, nuts and garlic. We tend to forget it, but mushrooms are to classify in the same category . On the other hand, on the Web, many publications that do not always cite their sources praise the merits of this food. But sometimes studies come out, as was the case in the journal Advances in Nutrition on March 21, 2021. A team of researchers from the Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine (USA) confirms that eating mushrooms is a good idea for maintaining health. Indeed, these are rich in vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. This research goes further by stating that eating mushrooms on a daily basis can reduce the risk of cancer by half.
In reality, the US study is a meta-analysis combining the results of previous studies carried out between 1966 and 2020 and integrating 19,500 cancer patients. According to scientists, incorporating mushrooms into everyday meals can reduce the risk of cancer. Specifically, people who eat 18g a day – the equivalent of two mushrooms – have a 45% lower risk of contracting this type of disease than people who do not consume it.
Also, be aware that this conclusion does not distinguish between varieties mushrooms, although some contain more of the amino acid ergothioneine than others. The study therefore recommends consuming ceps, morels, chanterelles, shiitake, oyster mushrooms and other button mushrooms on a daily basis. It can also be mushrooms purchased commercially or picked in the forest. In the case of a picking outing, novices should bring books or ideally be accompanied by a connoisseur rather than choosing to trust the various mushroom identification apps.
“Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine, which is a unique and powerful antioxidant and cell protector” , said epidemiologist Djibril M. Ba, lead author of the study.
The strongest associations the researchers noted were for breast cancer. According to the study leaders, this could simply be because most of the research in the meta-analysis did not include other forms of cancer. Thus, other more in-depth research will absolutely have to see the light of day in order to explore this avenue. It will identify how mushrooms can prevent cancer, but also make distinctions between the different forms of this disease.
