Whether you’re craving a healthy appetizer or deciding on a new topping for your pizza, consider mushrooms. Delicious with sandwiches, pasta, and even on their own, these come with a host of health benefits. Here are a few reasons to incorporate them into your next meal.

Why Should You Eat Food With Mushrooms?

1. Boost Immune Health

A study conducted by the University of Florida found that eating cooked mushrooms can boost the immune system. After participants consumed daily servings for a month, test results showed fewer inflammatory proteins in their bodies.

Since the immune system responds with inflammation when an injury occurs, reducing these proteins is key to healthier immune function. Without inflammation, immune cells respond more efficiently, helping protect you from disease.

2. Help Prevent Cancer

Some types of mushrooms are known for their potentially cancer-fighting antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are associated with some kinds of cancer.

A 2004 study in China found that women who consume a diet rich in mushrooms have a decreased risk of breast cancer, for example. Mushrooms inhibit the production of aromatase, which creates estrogen. Elevated levels of this hormone may be linked to breast cancer in some women. 

3. Improve Cardiovascular Function

Mushrooms are high in fiber and potassium and low in fat and sodium. Since potassium helps you maintain healthy blood pressure, eating this ingredient can reduce the risk of hypertension, which contributes to cardiovascular disease.

Mushrooms are also rich in vitamin C, which reduces stiffness in the arteries and reduces the risk of heart disease.

If you’re looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients in your diet, turn to The Pizza Haven in Rhinelander, WI. They have many dishes that include mushrooms, including sandwiches, pizza, and pasta. All of their dishes are made from scratch using fresh products, and nothing is ever frozen. Visit their website to browse their menu, or call (715) 362-5942 to place a pizza order.