Mushrooms are among the top ten most hated foods in America, right alongside celery and Brussels sprouts. People say they simply can’t tolerate the texture or the taste of them. You either hate ’em or you love ’em. It’s a real shame too, because mushrooms are actually really good for you- imagine that! Mushrooms carry with them some amazing health benefits. Eating mushrooms can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, and boost your mood and energy. Ready to give mushrooms another shot?
The truth is, you don’t have to like mushrooms or even tolerate them, to reap their health benefits. How? Mushroom powder!
You might be wondering what mushroom powder is. And how is it made? Well it’s pretty simple; mushroom powder is exactly what it sounds like. It’s made by drying fresh mushrooms and grinding them down to a fine powder. You are then ready to incorporate them into your daily meals.
What kinds of mushrooms do I use and where can I get them?
Some mushrooms are harder to find than others, but the first mushroom we’ll talk about is fairly easy to find at your local supermarket. Shiitake mushrooms are a popular type that you’ve probably heard of and beaming with health benefits. Shiitake mushrooms fight inflammation and cancer, aids in digestion, diabetes, and hair health.
Lion’s mane is another mushroom you can try to incorporate into your dishes. It improves heart health, manages diabetes, and even helps fight depression and anxiety! It’s pretty tasty too!
Enoki mushrooms are adorable and healthy. They’re full of healthy amino acids that improve your immune system, and aid in digestive and kidney health. You can find Enoki mushrooms at an Asian supermarket, and sometimes a regular grocery store.
So now that we’ve got some ideas of which mushrooms we can use, let’s review the six health benefits of mushroom powder:
1. Increases energy while fighting depression.
Mushrooms help to regulate your blood sugar levels, therefore boosting your natural energy and fighting depression!
2. Excellent immune system booster.
The Turkey Tail mushroom contains beta-glucans, which enhance cell function, and improves the immune system.
3. Lowers the risk of heart disease.
A medicinal mushroom, the Reishi mushroom, might help prevent heart disease.
4. Helps manage diabetes.
Mushrooms do not raise blood sugar levels, so diabetics can enjoy mushrooms without worrying about carbs. Mushrooms improve blood sugar control.
5. Fights cancer.
Again, the amazing Turkey Tail mushroom contains an amazing array of antioxidants, and may contain anti-tumor properties.
6. Full of antioxidants.
Antioxidants help fight dangerous free radical molecules. Scientists believe antioxidants fight aging and improve health!
Now, let’s jump in and take a look at some yummy mushroom powder recipes!
White Bean and Mushroom Chili
1 can white cannellini beans
3 Tbsp mushroom powder
1/2 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 chili pepper (minced)
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups vegetable stock
2 Tbsp oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish: chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese
Heat up oil and butter in a skillet on medium-high heat, and toss in garlic and onion. Sauté until onions are translucent. Sauté the minced chili pepper. Pour in vegetable stock and beans. Bring to a boil, and then let simmer. Chili should thicken. When the chili is thick enough, add the mushroom powder and mix. Top with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some grated cheese and serve hot. Enjoy!
Mushroom Powder Pasta Sauce
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2 cans tomato sauce
2 Tbsp basil
2 Tbsp oregano
2 Tbsp cumin
3 Tbsp mushroom powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Garnish: chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and shredded parmigiano-reggiano.
Add butter and olive oil to hot skillet. Throw in the garlic and sauté. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, cumin, and salt & pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce. Once sauce has thickened to desired level, add the mushroom powder and pour sauce over fresh pasta. Top with chopped parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, and shredded parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Yum!