Mushrooms are our Friends

Barb-FightingBC

I've have a researcher looking for things that can help women like us.  This week, she asked that I really make an effort to incorporated white button mushrooms into my diet more. I thought the info below was really interesting. Of course, check with your doc to make sure it applies to you...

In vitro studies have demonstrated that white button mushrooms (the commonly available type you would find at the market) inhibit aromatase activity (and thereby DECREASE ESTROGEN PRODUCTION) and breast cancer cell proliferation.   In an animal study the mushroom extract was found to decrease both breast tumor cell proliferation and tumor weight.  Based on the mouse study, the lead researcher states that eating 100 grams or less of the whole mushrooms per day could have an effect of preventing breast cancer recurrence.  

The mushrooms can be eaten cooked or raw.  As it turns out, the important components of the mushrooms are heat-stable meaning the mushrooms can be cooked without losing the benefits.  Also, if you want to mix it up, other types of mushrooms have been found to have similar, aromatase-inhibiting effects.  These include Shiitake, portabella, crimini, and baby button mushrooms.  Other reasons to eat mushrooms:

1.  A study has suggested that mushroom extracts may be beneficial when used in conjunction with chemotherapy
2.  They have immune stimulant properties (increasing T and B cells, macrophages and natural killer cells)
3.  They have anti-inflammatory properties
4.  They are rich in other nutrients such as folate and vitamin D

I wasn't sure how much 100 grams would be in my measuring cup, and was provided with a table converting 100 grams of mushrooms into number of mushrooms by type and whole vs. sliced.  It shows that for whole medium-sized white button mushrooms 100 grams corresponds to 4-5 whole mushrooms.

So that's pretty doable, and I happen to like mushrooms, especially if I can cook or season. I hope this is something that helps some of you.

maryi

Thank you.  keep us posted!  I, fortunately, love mushrooms - cooked and raw!