Mushrooms the way to go for weight watchers

Kenya: There are hundreds of mushroom species but only about ten are good for human consumption. Wild mushrooms, characterised by an umbrella-like shape, are consumed as delicacies among many communities in Kenya.

These 'plants' of the fungi kingdom come laden with proteins and nutrients alike. Several peer-reviewed studies show that there is more to mushrooms than just taste.

One such study, conducted by University of Buffalo scientists, found that a mushroom diet suppresses the body's assimilation of glucose, thereby cutting the amount of fat stored and lessening the risk of obesity.

Healthy male and female subjects who consumed mushrooms had a significant decrease in glucose responses compared to those who consumed glucose alone, found the study which was released last May.

According to Manaan Muma, a Kenyan nutritionist with Kenya Aids NGOs Consortium (KANCO), mushrooms have antioxidants that are good for fighting off free radicals, which have the potential to ignite cancer. But most importantly, being fungi, Manaan points out that mushrooms provide essential proteins for the body and make a perfect replacement for meat in a vegetarian's diet.

Mushrooms also supply selenium, copper and potassium, which all help the body's systems. They protect cells generally and, therefore, it explains why mushroom eaters have good skin. The fungi, says Manaan, also contain a whole range of vitamin B versions that protect one from diseases.

She says mushrooms contain low calories, zero amounts of fat and cholesterol, and would, therefore, be a good diet for weight watchers. A study by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that when beef was swapped for mushrooms in a dish of lasagna, adults consumed 400 fewer calories per day.

In reducing the possibilities for obesity, mushrooms also have proved to be good in dealing with diabetes.