Portabella Mushroom Benefits

Portabella Mushroom Benefits
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The portabella, or portobello, mushroom is a larger version of the button, or crimini, mushroom. Its physical composition includes a thick stem and a large, wide cap with brown mottled markings.The texture of the portabella mushroom is dense and chewy, characteristics that promote its use as a meat substitute in portabella burgers and stir-fries, among other culinary options. The nutritional value of portabella mushrooms provides several dietary benefits.

Potassium

A 1-cup serving of diced portabella mushrooms provides 313 mg of potassium, or 9 percent of the 3,500 mg Food and Drug Administration daily value. Muscle movement depends on potassium. A deficiency caused by low dietary intake or an overabundance of sodium interferes with movement and normal heartbeat rhythms.

Selenium

The selenium content in one cup of portabella mushrooms is 16 mcg, or 23 percent of the 70 mcg FDA daily value. Selenium's primary role is the protection of healthy cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are the byproducts of metabolism that dodge normal waste removal and wreak havoc on the body. Antioxidants, such as selenium, block their attempts to adulterate the composition of healthy cells and tissue.

Calories

One cup of portabella mushrooms provides has 19 calories, or 1 percent of a standard 2,000-calorie diet. The portabella's substance and flavor outweighs its calorie contribution, a profile that renders the mushroom an effective addition to a weight-loss diet. A mushroom burger is a far healthier option than the 195 calories a ground beef patty provides.

Protein

A 1-cup serving of portabella mushrooms provides 1.8 g of protein, or 4 percent of the 50 mg FDA daily value. The vegetable-based protein is an important dietary source, but it does not provide all amino acids necessary for the body to perform its functions. Meat and dairy foods provide complete proteins. The solution involves including a balanced array of plant-based foods that complement each others' amino acid profiles.

References

Article reviewed by Jerry Petersen Last updated on: Apr 15, 2011

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