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Mushoom
Recipe
A good substitute for meat in many recipes,
mushrooms can be combined with grains to make a meatless "meat" loaf. They
are also appetizing and nutritious on their own. Extremely low in calories (
a half cup contains only 10), mushrooms are fat-free. They provide
potassium, calcium, and selenium, along with niacin and vitamin C. Mushrooms
are a longtime staple of many Asian diets, and Japanese scientists have
taken the lead in investigating their possible health benefits. Japanese
studies have shown that mushrooms may favorably influence the immune system,
with potential benefits in fighting cancer, infections, and such autoimmune
disease as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. |
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This effect may be related to the high content
of glutamic acid, an amino acid that seems to be instrumental in fighting
infections, among other immune functions. In addition, wood-ear mushrooms,
used in many Chinese dishes, inhibit blood clotting. This may prove valuable
in the treatment of certain heart diseases. |
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Among the disease fighters
in mushrooms are eritadenine, a compound that may lower cholesterol: an
antioxidant mineral thought to protect against cancer and macular
degeneration and erosterol, which is converted into vitamin D by the body,
where it is believed to help maintain healthy bones. Thioproline a compound
in shiitake mushrooms, may block the formation of cartain cancer-causing
nitrogen compounds. Lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM), another compound in
shiitake mushrooms, may prevent cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol,
high blood pressure, infection and liver disease.
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