All you need to know about Mushrooms as a Vegetable
Mushrooms are a type of fungi and popularly featured in many dishes. But the question arises, are mushrooms a vegetable?
What are Mushrooms?
Mushrooms come in many shapes and sizes. They have a distinctively spongy, fleshy texture and are harvested from various parts of the world depending on the kind of mushroom.
Are Mushrooms Vegetables?
While mushrooms are often thought of vegetables, they do not belong to the vegetable family. This is because they lack the necessary parts (roots, leaves, seeds, or stems) to be considered as vegetables, unlike the vegetables we are used to eating.
Mushrooms are often referred to as the “fruit of the fungi world” as they contain spores and can reproduce. Plus, they are incredibly nutritious and are full of antioxidants, fibre, and vitamins.
The Benefits of Eating Mushrooms
There are many benefits to be had eating mushrooms, including:
- Nutrient Dense – Mushrooms are high in many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins D, B2, B3, and K.
- Low in Calories – Most mushrooms are very low in calories so they are a great addition to any diet.
- High in Antioxidants – Mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants, like ergothionein and glutathione, which can help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are an incredibly nutritious part of any diet and can add some delightful flavor to any meal. Although mushrooms are not technically vegetables, they are still an incredibly healthful food – full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
