Cremini Mushrooms benefits and nutrition

Cremini mushrooms are similar portobellos and white button mushrooms. All mushroom varieties belongs to the same species of fungus known as Agaricus bisporus. Cremini mushrooms are brown in color and small to medium in size which possesses earthy and mild taste. Research has uncovered the protective effects of adding mushroom to the diet. Cremini mushrooms are sometimes known as mini bella, baby bella or portobellini mushroom. Recently focus is given to mushroom as the part of diet for preventing cancer. Intake of mushroom is related with slowing down the growth of cancerous cells and reducing tumor size.

Studies shows that cancer cells are exposed to extracts derived from mushrooms, it halts the ability to form blood vessels required to feed cancerous tumors and reduces the enzymes production required for reproduction of cancer cells. Cremini mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that assist to protect cells.

Description

Pileus or cap is pale grey to brown in color having broad and flat scales on background and fades towards the margins.  It is hemispherical in shape, about 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Gills are narrow or crowded and initially pink turning red-brown and dark brown with whitish edge from cheilocystidia. Cylindrical stipe measures 6 cm tall by 1 to 2 cm wide bearing thick and narrow ring that is streaked on upper side. It has firm and white flesh though shows pale pinkish to red on bruising. Spore print is dark brown. Spores are oval to round measuring 4.5–5.5 μm × 5–7.5 μm. Mushrooms are found worldwide in fields and grassy areas with rain from late spring to autumn.

Health Benefits of Cremini Mushrooms

1. Cancer prevention

Mushrooms are known for its anticancer properties. Being cost effective, it lowers the chances of cancer and helps to lower tumor cell proliferation and reduce tumor weight which causes no side effects. Cremini mushrooms have active component as conjugated linoleic acid showing protective effects against cancerous cells growth. Evidence shows that Agaricus bisporus extract suppress activity of aromatase which results in lowering estrogen production. Flavones and isoflavones present in cremini mushrooms assist in inhibiting some estrogen’s negative effects. Studies have discovered positive effects of mushrooms for the treatment of prostate cancer and leukemic monocyte lymphoma.

 Studies have shown anticancer compounds in various mushroom species including Agaricus that has a crucial role in lowering the chances of cancer by reducing reactive oxygen species, regulating angiogenesis, regulating cell division and results in apoptosis. Mushroom intake is helpful for cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy and lowering side effects such as bone marrow suppression, nausea, suppressed immune function and anemia.

2. Reduces metabolic syndrome

Ergothioneine is a useful amino acid found in mushrooms. Studies have shown antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of EGT against various cellular stressors. Ergothioneine is associated to cardiovascular benefits such as lowering inflammation, healthy cholesterol levels and prevent damage of blood vessels. It provides protection against red blood cell disorders, liver damage or diabetes. It lowers inflammation in lungs and damage to brain and kidneys.

3. Cardiovascular health

Ergothioneine is a useful amino acid present in mushrooms. Study shows an antioxidant and cytoprotective capabilities of EGT against various cellular stressors. It is also associated to cardiovascular benefits such as inflammation and protection against damaged blood vessels and healthy cholesterol levels and also prevents diabetes, red blood cell disorders and liver damage. It lowers the chances of swelling in lungs and damage to brain or kidneys.

4. Prevention from fatigue

Mushrooms are used as tonic or herbal remedies for treating fatigue, weakness, low immune function including cordyceps, shiitakes, creminis and reishi mushrooms. Its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties helps to promote immunity against illness such as flu or cold and infections. Research shows that mushrooms promote cytokines production and immune function has a crucial role in defending body against pathogens and various illnesses.

Mushrooms have high content of B vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin and riboflavin. Pantothenic acid has a crucial role in various metabolic processes that includes turning fats and carbohydrates obtained from the foods we consume into energy. Vitamins B5 are used by the brain as a fuel contributing cognitive health and prevent fatigue.

5. Gut health

Besides antioxidants, nutrients such as copper and selenium are found in cremini mushroom that provides protection against intestinal permeability and lowers inflammation and oxidative stress. Intake of cremini mushrooms has shown positive effect on health conditions that affecting gastrointestinal tract such as fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer and ulcerative colitis. Selenium being an essential element helps to mitigate effects of cellular oxidative stress as it provides selenoamino acids, selenoenzymes and selenoproteins. It protects gut health and has a central role in preventing oxidative inury affecting whole body.

6. Rich in potassium

A serving of Cremini mushroom offers 10 percent of daily recommended potassium which is regarded as an abundant mineral found in human body. It is required for conducting various cellular activities and balances levels of minerals such as sodium. It also prevents low potassium. Potassium enriched diet is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure, protection against weak bones, better recovery from exercise and lowers fatigue, spasms or muscles cramps, brain fog and headaches.

7. Digestive issues

These mushrooms encompasses selenium and various antioxidants which helps to protect against leaky gut syndrome which a common gastrointestinal condition. It strengthens integrity of stomach lining and boost uptake of nutrients and enhance overall gut health.

8. Reduce fatigue

Mushrooms upgrade immune system that ensures the body’s resources are used wisely. Moreover, mushrooms have high content of B vitamins that stimulates metabolism and promotes energy generation. Chronic diseases are associated to poor metabolic health that includes metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, dementia, premature aging and diabetes.

How to Store and Cook Cremini Mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms are firm, solid and free from tears and do not have slippery appearance. Discard the residue from the mushrooms surface with the use of damp cloth, strong paper towel or rag. Rub mushrooms gently to clean but do not rub too hard as it could cause breaking. Once the cleaning is done, pat it dry with the use of cloth or paper towel so that it won’t be overly soggy when prepared or cooked. White button mushrooms or chopped portobellos are used as a substitute for cremini mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms provide savory flavor when added to salads, stir-fries, omelets and casseroles. It pairs well with ingredients such as garlic, onion, goat or feta cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, red pepper flakes, stock, butter, soy sauce, tomatoes, barley, rice, risotto, bulgur and whole grains.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

• People with known allergy to Cremini mushroom should avoid it.
• Mushrooms have purines which are associated to health problems as it form uric acid that could accumulate and result in health conditions such as kidney stones or gout.
• Consult a doctor before using to treat health conditions as it might worsen the condition.

Other facts

• Cremini mushrooms resembles white button. They both share common Latin name Agaricus bisporus.
• It provides heartier and deeper flavor or firmer texture.

• They are saprotrophs which means they feeds on dying or dead material.

• Crimini mushrooms form a brown spore print.

• They produce a brown spore print.

Cremini Mushroom Soup Recipes

Easy Mushroom Tomato Soup

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 cans chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cans tomatoes (chopped, diced, or stewed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (crushed)

Directions:

• In a large and non-stick pot, heat the oil over medium to high heat.
• Sauté onion and garlic for about 3 minutes.
• Cook for 7 minutes by adding mushrooms.
• Stir in tomatoes, red pepper and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.

References:

https://draxe.com/cremini-mushrooms/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agaricus_bisporus

https://draxe.com/cremini-mushrooms/

https://www.organicfacts.net/cremini-mushrooms.html

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