Can a diabetic eat mushrooms?
This brief article will answer the questions: can a diabetic eat mushrooms, what are the benefits of eating mushrooms, what are mushrooms, what is the nutrient composition of mushrooms, what are the examples of mushrooms that are edible, and what other foods can be eaten by diabetics?
Can a diabetic eat mushrooms?
Yes, diabetics can eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are a safe snack for diabetics to eat as they have a low glycaemic index and low blood sugar. They are also rich in antioxidants such as vitamin B and they have a lot of medicinal value.
What are the benefits of eating mushrooms?
They are highly nutritious. They have low fat and calorie content. They are also rich in proteins and rich in several dietary minerals like zinc and magnesium.
They possess antitumor and antimicrobial components. Several extracts have proved to inhibit microbial cultures in controlled environments. Some of the extracts also proved to inhibit the development of sarcoma 180 cells in controlled environments.
They also contain anti-aging components. Due to the highly prevalent minerals, the body cells are able to rejuvenate and increasingly multiply.
What are mushrooms?
Mushrooms are fleshy, fruit-bearing/spore-bearing bodies of the fungus. They mainly appear saprophytic and are found above the soil. They are also referred to as toadstools. Many species of fungi are there, especially of the class Basidiomycota and Agaricomycetes are edible.
Edible mushrooms require a lot of identification so as not to eat poisonous species. Identification of mushrooms requires macroscopic identification of their caps, colors, gills, stems, and growth habitat.
Their consumption dates back to medieval times and the Victorian era. Some species such as shitake have been domesticated and have been sold worldwide as a source of food and also for commercial industrial processes.
What is the nutrient concentration of mushrooms?
They are low-calorie foods with an average of 22kcal per 100g. They are highly nutritious and contain elements such as carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and water. The table below shows these nutrients and their concentrations.
| Nutrient | Concentration |
| Carbs | 6.8g |
| Fats | 0.5g |
| Proteins | 2.2g |
| Vitamins | 108% of the dietary value. |
| Minerals | 57% of the daily value intake. |
| Water | 89.7g |
Carbohydrates serve as sources of energy in the body. It is also composed of dietary fiber that is essential in digestion and helps in enhancing bowel movement. They also contain fats that serve as alternative sources of energy and are a good source of ketones.
They are also rich in proteins that are body-building blocks and also help in the repair of worn-out tissues. They are rich in vitamins such as folates, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin D.
They also contain significant amounts of minerals such as calcium which is essential in bone development, iron and zinc that help in immune development, potassium and sodium that serves as electrolytes in the body, magnesium that serves as enzyme cofactors, and selenium that is essential in cell formation.
What are the examples of edible mushrooms?
They include:
- White button mushroom. They are the most common and have a mild taste. They are white in color and appear as bulbs.
- Crimini mushrooms. They are also referred to as cremini, baby Bellas, Italian brown, and roman classic brown mushrooms.
- Portobello mushroom. They are more common in Italy. When mature the caps tend to be big and are excellent at making soups.
- Sitake mushrooms. They are the most common. They are white in color and are mainly grown on the barks of deciduous trees.
- Hedgehog mushrooms. They are wild mushrooms that are well ringed in white and black.
- Maitake mushrooms. They are also referred to as hen of the wood, sheepshead mushroom, or Kuma take. They have overlapping caps.
- Oyster mushroom. They are also referred to as tree oysters, angel’s wings, shimeji, and abalone mushrooms. They are mainly found in the wild. They are white and are similar to fans.
What else can diabetics eat?
The following foods are recommended for diabetic patients:
- Eggs
They are classified as whole proteins. They are a good source of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that is helpful in improving hormonal health. They are also rich in proteins and good fats that are a source of ketones and energy in the body.
- Chia seeds
They are rich in calcium and are used as calcium supplements. They are prepared by using them as condiments in making tea and other drinks. Calcium is essential in the body as it aids in bone development and increases bone density making the bones strong.
- Fish
These are aquatic animals that are rich in fats and proteins. They contain omega-fatty acids that are essential in brain development. Some of the fish that are eaten include herrings, sardines, trout, and tilapia.
- Walnuts
These are nuts that are rich in nutrients such as proteins, vitamins such as vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron. They are eaten as snacks or they can be ground into jelly and flour.
Conclusion
This brief article has answered the questions: can a diabetic eat mushrooms, what are the benefits of eating mushrooms, what are mushrooms, what is the nutrient composition of mushrooms, what are the examples of mushrooms that are edible, and what other foods can be eaten by diabetics?
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mushrooms-good-for-diabetes#bottom-line
https://www.forij.co/blogs/mushrooms/best-mushrooms-for-diabetes
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322816
