Mushrooms
When it comes to food as medicine, nothing makes the case quite like mushrooms. These fungi have been used for medicinal purposes all over the world for more than a thousand years.
“Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, so they soak up vitamins and minerals,” says Sandra Carter, founder of Om Organic Mushroom Nutrition and an expert in preventative medicine. Carter actually left her job as a hospital administrator in California to start this company in hopes that it would help more people stay healthy, instead of patching them up when they become ill.
Some modern-day scientists think they may be the path for precenting and treating diseases. Cancer researchers are excited about reishi mushrooms, which contain compounds that seem to stop the growth and spread of malignant cells.
Shiitake mushrooms have dental chops. They boast antioxidants that stem tooth decay and are antigingivitis, suggest dental researchers in India.
Mushrooms of all varieties confer health benefits—even the inexpensive button kind. Eat a few servings of mushrooms a week—cooking makes some nutrients more bioavailable. The dried kind are just as nutrient-packed as the fresh. Try adding Om powdered mushrooms to stir-frys and pasta sauce. And sip on Four Sigmatic hot chocolate, coffee, lattes, and coffee blended with fungi.
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