Nutritional Facts
Vitamin D in Mushrooms
Mushrooms are the only source of Vitamin D in the produce aisle and one of the few non-fortified food sources. Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium.
All mushrooms contain some Vitamin D, but growers also have the ability to increase Vitamin D levels by exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light. Similar to humans, mushrooms naturally produce Vitamin D following exposure to sunlight or a sunlamp.
Weight Management
Mushrooms are hearty and filling. Preliminary research suggests increasing intake of low-energy-dense foods (meaning few calories given the volume of food), specifically mushrooms, in place of high-energy-dense foods, like lean ground beef, can be helpful with weight management as they promote daily energy by limiting fat intake and leaving you full and satiated after a meal.
https://www.mushroomcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Manage-Your-Weight.pdf
Sodium and Saturated Fat
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages healthy dietary patterns that are low in saturated fat and sodium. Mushrooms are fat-free and low in sodium. Mushrooms’ inherent umami counterbalances saltiness and allows for less salt to be used in recipes.
https://www.mushroomcouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Less-Salt-More-Flavor.pdf
Source: Mushroom Council (www.mushroomcouncil.com)