Why Eat Mushrooms?

Mushrooms are increasingly becoming popular due to their usefulness and powerful health benefits. Their popularity will continue to soar in today’s health-conscious society because they pack a nutritious punch. Nonetheless, consumers need to be cautious with mushrooms as some species are toxic in nature. It is for this reason that consumers are always advised to buy mushrooms from reputable shops only.

Mushrooms are enjoyed as delicacies by the various tribal groups in Nigeria. They are called ‘Olu or Ogiri Agbe’ in Yoruba, ‘Naman Kaza’ in Hausa, ‘Ero’ in Igbo, ‘Utun’ in Ishan, ‘Fatar’ in Arabic, ‘Ijov’ in Tiv, ‘Oru’ in Igala and ‘Mkpifia’ in Ibibio, among others.

Nigerians also utilise mushroom-forming fungi as folk medicine. Oyster and shiitake mushrooms are some of the common edible mushrooms that were successfully cultivated in Nigeria on small-scale basis. The mushroom resources in Nigeria are grossly under-exploited for addressing economic and industrial development.

Why Eat Mushrooms?

Edible mushrooms are a good source of fiber and unsaturated fatty acids but low in calories.

They are rich in nutrients such as Vitamin B and minerals like selenium, copper, and potassium.

The most common type of mushroom is the cultivated white button mushroom which is widely used as an ingredient in a range of dishes as well as sauces. They also have medicinal properties and have been used in the treatment of disorders such as allergies, arthritis, and bronchitis as well as cancers of the stomach, esophagus, and lungs.

Skin Benefits Of Mushrooms

This might appear strange but eating mushrooms can be beneficial for your skin. Mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants that protect your skin. Mushrooms are now active ingredients in topical creams, serums, and facial preparations as their extracts are considered as potent antioxidants and natural moisturizers. Some of the mushroom benefits for skin are given below:

1. Hydrates Skin:

Hyaluronic acid is considered as the body’s internal moisturizer as it plumps up and firms your skin. It

reduces age-related wrinkles and fine lines. Mushroom contains a polysaccharide that is equally beneficial in hydrating and providing a plumping effect to your skin. Skin feels smooth and supple.

2. Treats Acne:

Mushrooms are high in Vitamin D. This has healing properties when topically applied to acne lesions. Thus, mushroom extracts are often used in skin care products meant for treating acne.

3. Natural Skin Lightener:

Some mushrooms contain kojic acid which is a natural skin lightener. This acid inhibits melanin production on the surface of the skin. This lightens the new skin cells formed after the dead ones are exfoliated. It is a great alternative to toxic chemical lighteners like hydroquinone that carry the risk of causing skin cancer.

Mushroom resources have been exploited in most developed economies because of their huge agro-industrial, medicinal and commercial benefits.

Resourceful biotechnological approach in the application of mushrooms in agriculture, medicine, industry and environment is inchoate and uncommon in the country.

Mushrooms are widespread in nature and they remained the earliest form of fungi known to mankind. In Nigeria, many people in both urban and rural areas are familiar with mushroom-forming fungi growing around them some of which they exploit for food and medicine. This practice although reported all-over the country is more pronounce amongst the Yoruba speaking people.