US Department of Agriculture analysts have shown a simple method maintaining our immune system healthy.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) funded researchers said Organic Mushrooms played an important part in the process.
In a report published in July 2010 from Sciencedaily.com, leading correspondent Rosalie Marion Bliss said ARS researchers conducted an animal-model and cell-culture analysis showing that white button mushrooms boosted the activity of critical cells in the body’s immune system.
Agaricus Bisporus (popularly known as Common, Button or White Mushroom) is an edible basidiomycete mushroom, native to grasslands in European countries and North America. Cultivated in more than 70 areas, it is among the most commonly and widely eaten mushrooms in the world.
In the US, White Button Mushrooms represent 90% of all mushrooms consumed.
Tuffts University’s Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center Director Dr Simin Meydani conducted the study on Aging. The result showed that White Button Mushrooms promoted immune function by increasing the production of antiviral and other proteins produced by cells while seeking to protect and repair tissue.
The study’s cell-culture phase established that White Button Mushrooms improved the maturity of immune system cells called ‘Dendritic Cells,’ from bone marrow.
Dendritic cells can make ‘T Cells,’ which are important white blood cells that can discover and eventually deactivate or eliminate antigens on invading bacteria.
Dr Meydani said that as immune system cells are exposed to disease-causing pathogenic agents such as bacteria, the body starts to increase the number and function of immune system cells.
An easy way to use White Button Mushrooms in your daily diet regime would be to prepare some sample dishes:
The Masala Mushroom is a good example.
Garam Masala is a basic blend of ground spices common in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. It is used alone or with other seasonings.
Ingredients for two Serves: Two cups of chopped Mushrooms, two onions, one teaspoon of Chilli powder, ½ teaspoon of Garam Masala, ½ teaspoon of Olive Oil, Coriander leaves and salt to taste.
Directions: Heat oil and fry onion until it turns slightly brownish. Add mushrooms, cover and cook for ten minutes; add all the masala and cook for two minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Celia Barnes contributes articles to www.nutritioncertification.net, her personal passion website focused on healthy eating ideas to help future nutrition experts and dieticians to understand healthy eating options for their patients. She lives and teaches nutrition in Pennsylvania, US.
Photo : Organic Mushrooms for healthy living
