Edible Mushrooms, a Sustainable Source of Nutrition, Biochemically Active Compounds and Its Effect on Human Health

Abstract

Mushrooms are abundant in proteins, polysaccharides, micronutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, and natural compounds. Mushrooms have recently gained popularity as a source of biologically active substances with medical potentials, such as anticancer, antiviral, immune-boosting, hypocholesterolemic, and hepatoprotective agents. Some common edible and helpful mushrooms include Lentinus (shiitake), Flammulina (enokitake), Tremella (yiner), Hericium, Pleurotus (oyster), Grifola (maitake) and Auricularia (mu-er). Details on the nutritional content of mushrooms, functional components, and their influence on human health will be explored in this chapter. Mushrooms are used to cure a wide range of ailments. Mushrooms provide a lot of nutrients and are low in calories. They are also fat-free, low in sodium, cholesterol-free, and high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They lower the chance of acquiring significant health problems, including Alzheimer, heart disease, and diabetes. It also has antifungal activity. They are also high in selenium and other biochemically active compounds, which have the ability to lower the incidence of chronic illness.