Cremini Mushrooms: 5 Health Benefits

To the ancient Egyptians, cremini mushrooms were a food that promoted immortality. Today, mushrooms are still associated with anti-aging and healing abilities. Studies have shown that many types of mushrooms, including small, brown cremini mushrooms, have anti-cancer properties. Cremini mushrooms health benefits include the ability to improve cardiovascular health, restore gut health, prevent fatigue and provide cancer protection.

Cremini Mushrooms Health Benefits

1. Protect Against Cancer

Cremini mushrooms health benefits include their anticancer potential. Studies have shown that mushrooms promote decreased tumor cell proliferation as well as tumor weight. Cremini mushrooms contain conjugated linoleic acid or CLA, which has positive effects against cancerous cell growth. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that when mice consumed mushroom extract, they saw a significant reduction in the growth of breast cancer cells. Research has also shown that cremini mushrooms health benefits include positive effects against prostate cancer and leukemic monocyte lymphoma. (1)

2. Protect Cardiovascular Health

Cremini mushrooms health benefits include the ability to protect the heart from disease. Mushrooms contain an amino acid called ergothioneine or EGT. Studies have shown that EGT protects the body from a wide range of cellular stressors. It's linked to reduced inflammation levels, protection against damaged blood vessels and healthier cholesterol levels. Cremini mushrooms health benefits also include protection against red blood cell disorders, diabetes and liver damage. (2)

3. Treat and Prevent Fatigue

Cremini mushrooms health benefits include the ability to treat and prevent fatigue. Mushrooms have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that work to strengthen the immune system. They increase immunity to help the body fight against disease and illness, including fatigue. Mushrooms contain a high concentration of B vitamins, which work to fuel the brain and the body. Cremini mushrooms health benefits also include improved cognitive health and reductions in headaches, age-related memory loss and insomnia.

4. Help Restore Gut Health

Thanks to the antioxidants they contain, cremini mushrooms health benefits include improve gut health. The selenium and copper in cremini mushrooms work to prevent leaky gut syndrome by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Consuming cremini mushrooms on a regular basis can help restore gut health by protecting the body against inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and even colon cancer. Selenium helps protect the gut barrier by playing a key role in reducing oxidative stress. (3)

5. Provide the Body with Potassium

Cremini mushrooms health benefits include the ability to provide the body with potassium. The body utilizes potassium for many cellular activities. Potassium plays a role in balancing mineral levels in the body, including sodium. A high-potassium diet has been linked to healthier blood pressure levels, better exercise recovery, protection against weak bones and reduced fatigue. Potassium also helps to prevent and relieve muscle cramps, muscle spasms, headaches and brain fog.