Mushroom is a delicious addition usually found in Asian cuisine. Its aroma and taste adds uniqueness to any foods. Its meat-like yet chewy texture tastes yummy to food addict. It has been long consumed in various ways. But, it’s use is not solely for culinary. One should not overlook its use as folk medicine. In-depth analysis has been performed on paddy straw mushroom and the result shows that it has wide range of health benefits. However, it’s strongly recommended for consumer to know differences between safe edible mushroom and the poisonous ones. In this writing, we will show you the health benefits of paddy straw mushroom, one of edible mushroom. Check it out. (See also : Health Benefits Chicken Soup for Cold)
Nutritional Value of Paddy Straw Mushroom
All edible mushroom, including paddy straw mushroom is usually rich in protein. But, paddy straw mushroom contains slightly richer chemical composition than its kind. Here are the complete list of paddy straw mushroom’s nutritional values per 100 g serving size :
- 94 kJ (22 kcal) Energy
- 4.3 g Carbohydrates
- 0.1 g Fat
- 2.5 g Protein
- 0.1 g Thiamine
- 0.5 g Riboflavin
- 3.8 mg Niacin
- 1.5 mg Pantothenic acid
- 0.11 mg Vitamin B6
- 25 μg Folate
- 3 IU Vitamin D
- 18 mg Calcium
- 0.4 mg Iron
- 9 mg Magnesium
- 0.142 mg Manganese
- 120 mg Phosphorus
- 448 mg Potassium
- 6 mg Sodium
- 1.1 mg Zinc
- 26 μg Selenium
- 0.5 mg Copper
- 1276 IU Vitamin D (UV Exposed)
These exceptional nutrititional values make paddy straw mushroom one of medicinal mushroom used by practitioners. (Recommended : Health Benefits of Childrens Yoga)
So, here are the health benefits of paddy straw mushroom you may find interesting.
1. Paddy straw mushroom can boost immunity by high percentage
Take example at Chinese folk medicine, where Shitake mushroom used to treat influenza. People can also use paddy straw mushroom as a substitute. Based on some studies conducted by scientists, an extract of paddy straw mushroom can help protect againts virus and boost body immunity thereby preventing infection caused by bacteria and fungi.
2. Stall the growth of cancer cell
Another health benefits of paddy straw mushroom is related to cancer. Several studies has shown that its rich antioxidants is effective againts free radicals in the body. Beta glucan in paddy straw mushroom is also used in chemoterapy or radiation therapy.
Even though beta glucan cannot kill cancer cell, it compensates by improving immune system thus preventing the growth of cancer cells. Beside that, beta glucan in paddy straw mushroom is used to handle the post side effect of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, usually vomiting. (Also read : Health Benefits of Cancer Bush and Rooibos Tea)
Furthermore, five studies performed on 650 patients of stomach cancer using lentinan (a chemical substance in mushroom) during chemoterapy found that it has positive effect on patient’s condition. It’s also has been proved that Vitamin D in paddy straw mushroom prevents the growth of cancer cells, and Folate plays important role in biosynthesis and DNA repairing, hence preventing cancer cells that comes from DNA mutation. However, it should be noted that not every patient of cancer can benefit from this mushroom.
3. It helps lower cholesterol level
For you who have problem with cholesterol level, paddy straw mushroom can be a good diet for you. It contains beta glucan, eritadenine, and chitosan all of which are helpful to control cholesterol in the body. A research has been performed on people with obesity to verify this claim using paddy straw mushroom as their diet and the result has shown increased level of good cholesterol up to 8%, reduced triglycerides by 15%, and decreased body weight by 3.6%.
4. It is a good food for cardiovascular health
High quantity of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C contributes to health benefits of paddy straw mushroom by controlling the blood pressure and keep cholesterol level in check. Thus, lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
5. A good source of Vitamin B
Another health benefits you can get from eating paddy straw mushroom. It can be a good source of your daily need of Vitamin B. As we already know, B Vitamins are essential part of our body. The lack of B Vitamins, especially Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), might cause some diseases, such as beriberi, acne, pellagra, heart attack, or even death. So, supply yourself with enough amount of Vitamin B to avoid them by consuming paddy straw mushroom. (You may want to read : Health Benefits Cream Mushroom Soup)
6. It is an excellent source of Protein
Protein plays important role in synthesis. Your body need it to maintain the chemical reactions inside. It also helps if you are building muscle. Well, there are many sources of protein, one of good examples is this mushroom. Based on analysis, it is found that paddy straw mushroom contains 2.5 g Protein per 100 g serving size. That is more than enough to fulfill your daily need.
7. Its delicious taste is effective to stimulate appetite
Are you having difficult time in consuming food when you are sick? All food taste bitter in your tongue? Or you are just don’t have any appetite at all? Well, now you can solve this problem by consuming paddy straw mushroom. This mushroom, especially when made into cuisine (see Chinese cuisines, they have paddy straw mushroom in many restaurant dishes), taste delicious and can stimulate your appetite. You can search many recipes for paddy straw mushroom. There are many varieties that can please your tongue. (See also : Health Benefits of Not Wearing Shoes in The House)
8. Paddy straw mushroom has therapeutic properties which is good for health
Usually, every edible and safe-to-consume mushroom have therapeutic properties. It affects your body in which it controls cholesterol level especially in overweight people. It also helps to lose weight, control blood pressure and circulation, and maintain cardiovascular health.
Safety Measures Before Consuming Paddy Straw Mushroom
Consumer must pay attention to what species of mushroom they are consuming. Biologist and researchers have separated the mushrooms into two categories, the edible and poisonous mushroom. Even then, there are still cases of poisoned people simply because they don’t know what they are eating. That’s why it is important to distinguish the difference between paddy straw mushroom and poisonous mushroom. Look up on plantae encyclopedia or ask mushroom expert to avoid unwanted condition.