The five top reasons to love mushrooms

September 13, 9:19 PMMinneapolis Wellness ExaminerJocelyn Stone

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Although the fungi often get a bad rap, there are some definite health benefits to eating mushrooms. They’re a versatile addition to salads, sauces, egg dishes and host of other dishes. And in addition:

1. They help you keep your “girlish” figure. Mushrooms are low in calorie, high in water content and have very little fat or sodium. Sounds like a good deal for anyone managing their weight or blood pressure issues.

2. They lower your blood pressure. Mushrooms are high in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

3. They control free radicals. Selenium, an antioxidant found in mushrooms, works with vitamin E to protect cells.

4. They might just help fight off H1N1. Shiitake mushrooms are found to stimulate the immune system and help find infection. Mushrooms in chicken soup with a glass of orange juice must be the trifecta!

5. They taste really good!