Mushrooms have been around the scene on eastern cuisine since several centuries. Chinese, Koreans and south-east Asians have used mushrooms creatively in sauces, stir fried vegetables, or along with succulent meat dishes. Mushrooms are extremely versatile and hence you can easily experiment with them. Several Chinese medicines also use mushrooms extracts for curing various ailments. Western world has shed its inhibitions of mushrooms and has now started experimenting with them. Let us look at several benefits of mushrooms.

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1. Strengthens Your Bones: Mushrooms are known to be a treasure house of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for strengthening your bones. Mushrooms have the unique ability of converting sunlight into the necessary vitamin D3. Mushrooms have Ergosterols which absorb UV light and convert it into vitamin D3 and Vitamin D6. Research has also shown that you can enhance the Vitamin D levels in mushrooms by exposing them to sunlight. If you are relying on supplements for Vitamin D or if you are not getting enough sun exposure, you can benefit from regular consumption of mushrooms.

2. Stops Premature Greying: hormonal imbalance can often lead to premature greying of hair. Mushrooms are rich in copper and iron. Increased iron content enhances your haemoglobin levels and increases the circulation of blood. This helps in rejuvenation of hair. It also prevents premature greying and thinning of hair.

3. Prevents Constipation: mushrooms are high in fibre content.  Fibre enables the body to use more energy for digestion. Your body breaks down fats to create additional energy. Fibre ensures that your body is hydrated and you do not face constipation issues. Similarly breaking down of fats also helps in losing weight.

4. Provides relief from inflamed joints: mushrooms are known to help in relieving patients from joint inflammation. Studies have shown that consumption of mushrooms reduces cartilage loss and prevents inflammation around major joints like knees and elbows and around minor joints like finger. Several Chinese medicines prescribe mushroom extracts for arthritic patients.

5. Enhances skin complexion: mushroom is rich in selenium: This essential nutrient is known to control the production of melanin. Melanin is responsible for adding colour to your skin. Higher amount of melanin makes you look dark. Mushrooms control the production of melanin and help you to have a healthy glow on your face.

Considering the above mentioned benefits of mushrooms, it is vital that you include mushrooms in your diet on regular basis. There are varieties of mushrooms available in the market so you can experiment with their variety. Some of the most popular varieties of mushrooms are Shiitake, Cremini, Portobello, Baby Bella, Enoki, Reishi, black fungi and much more. You could either use dried mushrooms or fresh mushrooms for any of your recipes. Do remember that dried mushrooms would need to be soaked in warm water at least for 20 minutes before they are ready to be used. Another important thing that you must consider while cooking mushrooms is to wash them clean and pat them dry. Avoid over cooking mushrooms as it will diminish its nutritive value.