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Mushrooms in the News

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Sizzling Good Times Are Here If you’ve been feeling a bit uninspired by “traditional” summer BBQ dishes, our friends up North have some fabulous suggestions to bring more creativity to your grill.  Purchasing fresh goods from local food suppliers is one of their tips, as are various original ideas for healthier alternatives to one’s usual daily fare.  Mushrooms are highlighted, of course, receiving only praise for their delicious taste and nutritional value.  Our favorite part: the mouth-watering (and very simple) recipe for Portabella Mushroom Burgers.

Health Benefits of White Button Mushrooms If you’ve questioned the necessity of having white button mushrooms in your diet, you might find yourself thinking otherwise after you read this awesome laundry list of health benefits provided by AssociatedContent.com.  Mushrooms provide 1-97% of the recommended Daily Value of Vitamin D?  Check.  They contain immunity-boosting antioxidants?  Check.  Chock full of potassium?  Check.  White button mushrooms pretty much have it all!

Gloss How-To: Eat More Fruits & Vegetables Every now and then we all feel like we could use a friendly reminder on how to eat healthier and improve our diets.  After all, USDA guidelines recommend we each eat 2 cups of fruit and 2 and ½ cups of vegetables each day!  MyGloss.com, a popular health and lifestyle blog, published a list of clever tips on incorporating more fruits and veggies into your daily meals.  We like this article because the tips are realistic and not out of reach.  Our fave suggestion? Replace a serving of meat once a week for a serving of vegetables.  Their recommendation?  Instead of a grilled hamburger, enjoy a grilled Portabella Mushroom Sandwich.

Fresh mushrooms a virtual powerhouse of goodness, says nutritionist It still amazes us that some folks out there are only now just discovering that mushrooms really are great for you.  Our buddies in Canada are once again spreading the word in this interview with Toronto nutritionist Clare Jones.  As mushrooms are nearly fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free, chock full of essential vitamins and minerals, and contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they’re basically a nutritionists dream. Add the delicious taste and unlimited ways to serve them in the kitchen, and you have a “powerhouse of goodness.”  Don’t forget to read her do’s and don’ts  on care, handling and storage of mushrooms, too!

Work some healthy mushrooms into diet Jackie Silver, founder of Aging Backwards, really hits a homerun with this informative piece on the Tampa Tribune’s website, TBO.com.  It is just another reminder of how beneficial mushrooms are to your health. Silver specifically cites an Australian study on mushrooms and breast cancer prevention, not to be confused with the research we’ve help provide funds for at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. But hey, we’re happy to see any research that’s fighting for the cure. Make sure you check out the healthy (and delicious) recipe for Carrot Mushroom Spinach Loaf.

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The ABC’s of Vitamin D

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Vitamin D is THE talk around town, which you may have noticed just from reading some of our recent mushroom news posts. As mushrooms are one of the only food sources of the “sunshine vitamin,” not to mention the only source in the produce aisle, we’ve invited leading global vitamin D expert Dr. Michael F. Holick to tell us what we need to know about vitamin D.

Q: Why is vitamin D so important?

A: “The benefits of vitamin D are varied and profound. Emerging research suggests vitamin D may be as vital to your heart and brain health as it is to bone health. Increasing levels of vitamin D may also play a positive role on immunity and a remarkable number of daily ailments.”

Q: How can we get more vitamin D?

A: “I recommend a combination of food, sun exposure and supplements for my patients. Research suggests adults should try to aim for about 2,000 IUs daily. I personally take 3,000 IUs daily from supplements and food sources combined. I also expose my arms and legs to natural sunlight for about 10-15 minutes, two to three times a week, while cycling or playing tennis followed by good sun protection. I always wear sunscreen on my face since it is the most sun-exposed and is only nine percent of your body surface.”

Q: What are the best foods to eat for vitamin D?

A: “Mushrooms happen to be one of the top food sources of vitamin D. Mushrooms are unique because they’re the only item in the produce aisle to contain vitamin D. Did you know that mushrooms are actually like humans as they can synthesize vitamin D when exposed to light? You can also find vitamin D in wild-caught salmon and fortified foods like orange juice, milk, cereal or yogurt.”

If you’re looking to add more vitamin D to your plate, check out these D-lightful recipes: Baja Salmon with Mushrooms or a Portabella Omelet Topped with Portabella Bacon. If you’re interested in more information about mushrooms and vitamin D, check out the vitamin D download. A special thanks to Dr. Holick for his special guest appearance on the Mushroom Channel. To learn more about vitamin D and Dr. Holick’s latest book, check out The Vitamin D Solution at DrHolick.com.

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Your Questions Answered Part II: Our Interview with Keri Glassman

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

We are thrilled to once again have author and nutrition expert Keri Glassman answer  questions submitted by our amazing fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter. Fresh off the release of her new book, The O2 Diet, Keri dishes with us on nutrition, superfoods and her tips for maintaining a healthy diet. And we can’t help but notice she’s a big fan of mushrooms. If you missed last week’s edition, we have to highly recommend checking that post out.

Q: I’ve heard a lot of talk about vitamin D lately. How important is it for our bodies? – Brian (Grand Rapids, MI)

A: Most of us don’t get enough vitamin D, which is troublesome because it plays an important role in supporting a healthy immune system and lowering the risk of certain diseases. You can increase your D levels by including foods containing D in your diet. I mentioned that mushrooms are the only item in the produce aisle to contain vitamin D; salmon and dairy are great sources as well.

Q: I’m trying to lose weight. Where can I cut corners on calories without feeling hungry and bored? — Jill (Boulder, CO)

A: It can be challenging to find foods that fill you up, but are good for you. Reach for foods that are low in calories and high in fiber like fruits and whole grains. Try substituting veggies for meats once a week to lose weight. For example, studies have shown substituting four ounces of mushrooms for four ounces of meat once a week for one year could save more than 18,000 calories and nearly 3,000 grams of fat – that adds up to more than five pounds. Lastly, sauté an assortment of vegetables as a meal starter; it’s a great way to pack in antioxidants and help you eat less throughout your main meal.

Q: How can I satisfy snack cravings without killing my diet? — Jessica (St. Louis, MO)

A: Be a conscious snacker. You can’t go wrong dipping cut up veggies in hummus. You can sprinkle a few mushrooms into a quesadilla, or grill up a veggie sandwich for a satisfying snack. Consider keeping a healthy side salad around as a snack, especially when making dinner for the kids. Marinated mushrooms with pine nuts is a great one! And if you need something sweet, you can give in a little without giving up; I love dark chocolate and almonds, and portion controlled treats make managing snacking a lot easier for me. Just put one serving of almonds or chocolate in small Ziploc bag, and keep it in your purse or desk drawer for when hunger strikes.

Q: I have a deep love for cooking and food, but I also have a passion for health, and I am taking the steps of going back to school to pursue a career as a Registered Dietitian. What are your thoughts on combining a career as a personal chef with a dietetic degree? — Renee (Chicago, IL)

A: I always say that I love food, which is one of the reasons I love being a nutritionist. You have to love food! Combining being a chef with an RD is a powerful combo and I wish you the best of luck!

A special thanks to Keri for making a special guest appearance on the Mushroom Channel. To learn more about Keri Glassman and The O2 Diet, visit www.nutritiouslife.com.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, May 14th, 2010

How to get more vitamin D The Tampa Tribune interviews Dr. Holick, and offers solutions for getting enough vitamin D each day. Our favorite recommendation of course is to eat naturally D-rich foods, like mushrooms! Take this quiz to see if you’re getting enough vitamin D. Check out Dr. Holick’s recent interviews with Reuters and Danbury News Times, too.

Healthy Snack Ideas # 4: Savory Mushroom Bruschetta Gather.com shares a recipe for mushroom bruscetta, one that takes little time and doesn’t add to the waistline! This delectable afternoon delight is the perfect 3 o’clock pick-me-up as mushrooms are chocked full of B vitamins, which help your body convert food to energy.

Get your vitamin D Cynthia Sass, RD, was interviewed for an ABC News Now segment about vitamin D to highlight foods that consumers can add to their diet in order to get an adequate daily intake of this vital nutrient. Fish, eggs and mushrooms are the three natural food sources of D discussed and mushrooms are further noted as the only plant source of vitamin D. See ’shrooms get some recognition on WebMD’s vitamin D slideshow as well.

Slim Down Secrets: Feel full, stay slim with 5 easy dinners We can’t believe that bikini season is already around the corner. If you’re having a minor meltdown (you sure are NOT the only one), don’t stress because KNXV-TV recommends five simple dinners that will keep you slim and satisfied. We’re happy to find that portabella mushroom burgers make this short, coveted list.

Forest Mushrooms feeds growing need for fungi The specialty mushroom market has really mushroomed (pardon the pun) in recent years, which can be attributed to the maturation of America’s palate, and the growing interest in Asian cuisine. Not only are the flavors of specialty mushrooms remarkable, but so are their health benefits. Mushrooms give recipes a flavor boost alongside a powerful punch of nutrients. Mushrooms are high in fiber; low in carbs and fat; have more protein than most produce; and double as an umami-rich meat substitute. Madison.com further dishes on the nutrients in specialty mushrooms here.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, May 7th, 2010

The New Superfoods Fitness highlights the common white button mushroom as one of ten lesser-known superfoods that will keep your body healthy and slim – without costing you a fortune at the grocery store. Swapping meat for mushrooms is highlighted as a successful weight-loss strategy, and the most common of all ‘shrooms is recognized as one of few natural food sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels dip San Francisco Chronicle interviews the world’s leading vitamin D expert, Dr. Michael Holick. Lack of vitamin D can lead to heart disease, cancer, depression, insomnia, diabetes and chronic pain so be sure to get adequate amounts of this crucial nutrient. Adequate daily vitamin D intake may be hard to come by as this nutrient is often not found naturally in foods. But, rest assured that all mushroom contain D – they’re the only source in the produce section.

The Trading Post 2009’s Taste of Home “Mushrooms: Every Day, Every Way” recipe contest winner is highlighted. Have you entered this year’s contest? If you’re lacking inspiration, give this winning portabella burger recipe a try.

EAT YOUR VEGGIES: Adding vegetarian dishes to the menu will benefit your health Vegetarian diets are becoming more common these days. They’re not simple though, without a little planning the risk of depriving yourself of key nutrients is high. But if done right, a vegetarian diet can be satisfying and good for your waistline. A tip the Bradenton Herald offers readers is one of our weight-loss favorites – substitute meat with mushrooms. Studies have shown that substituting four ounces of mushrooms for four ounces of meat once a week for one year could save more than 18,000 calories and nearly 3,000 grams of fat – that adds up to more than five pounds!

Chef’s kitchen: Try an Herbed Mushroom Tulip The Olympian’s resident chef admits she used to avoid mushrooms at all costs but now she just can’t get enough. Chocked full of selenium, B vitamins and fiber, mushrooms are not only a nutritional powerhouse but they also add flavor to everyday meals.

Mushroom has a lot to offer Our friends up in Canada agree that there’s no reason to not love mushrooms. No fat, hardly any carbs or calories, low in sodium – mushrooms lack all the bad stuff and provide nothing but the good: vitamins, minerals, fiber and flavor.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Magical Mushrooms for Skin Beauty We all know by now that mushrooms are good for you, but it seems like new benefits are being discovered every day! From immune system health to skin care, the fabulous fungi can protect against viruses, tumors, and acne alike, as they’re loaded with antioxidants and vitamin D. Yahoo Health! dishes on the latest study from Tufts University and the implications it has for mushrooms as flu fighters, wrinkle warriors and even acne avengers.

Meatless mains – US food trends Mushrooms’ meaty texture and umami goodness make them alluring as heroes of the dish to vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike. Restaurants & Institutions’ latest poll, the 2010 New American Diner Study, found that 1 in 4 of us is eating more meatless meals than we did a year ago. So, it came as no surprise to see mushrooms featured numerous times in the suggested meatless meals that accompanied this new data.

Do-It-Yourself Mushrooms New York Times comments on the increase in small-scale mushroom growing, or better put, mushroom DIYers. A new demand from cooking shows and food magazines for fungi has spurred mushrooming growth across the board for the past decade, from large-scale growers to small-time farmers market suppliers and now right into the consumer’s very own home. We’re not surprised, though! Who can resist the deliciously healthy fungi that can make such a wide variety of delectable dishes?

Add a touch of diversity to dishes Looking to jazz up your diet? Daily World discusses the versatility of mushrooms, providing insight into the many ways they can be used in a variety of dishes. The names of some of these ’shrooms might sound crazy, but we all know these “fun guys” are really down to earth.

Mushroom king commands respect The Chicago Tribune quotes our pres, Bart Minor, on the king of mushrooms who’s recently come to rule the hearts of chefs around the world: the king oyster mushroom. And this isn’t just any fish in the sea; its meaty stem and increasing availability make it a favorite in the fungi kingdom. Whether they’re cooked tempura style (Minor’s personal pref) or scalloped and sautéed, the king oyster will satisfy your every craving!

Peppers Too Pricey? Stuff and Grill Mushrooms Mushrooms might be full of flavor and nutrients, but they sure don’t come at a hefty price to match! The Associated Press reports on the always satisfying mushroom and its affordability compared to their other produce aisle counterparts, providing a mouthwatering grilled sausage-stuffed portabella recipe that you have to check out.

The Vitamin D Solution Dr. Michael Holick’s new book, The Vitamin D Solution, just hit the shelves posing this hormone (did you know vitamin D isn’t really a true vitamin after all?) as the potential cure-all for a host of illnesses. Holick recommends getting your D from foods like mushrooms, the only item in the produce section to contain this crucial nutrient, and supplements.

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Fascinating Farming: Dr. Clyde's Inside View of Mushrooms

Friday, April 9th, 2010

What do you get when you take a well-respected nutritionist chemist (and all-around curious guy) to a mushroom farm? You get an excited Dr. Clyde Wilson.  There aren’t a lot of secrets in the mushroom farming business but it’s still not the kind of farming that most Americans grow up familiar with. As you’ll see/hear below one of the major reasons for this is that mushrooms grow best in dimly lit spaces. Thanks to Dr. Clyde, we’d like to take a minute or two to shed some (metaphoric) light on how one of your favorite foods is grown.

Mushrooms are grown from the kind of farming where your food likes to be kept in the dark…but you don’t need to be.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Dr. Sunshine New York Times Magazine interviews Dr. Michael Holick, MD, PhD, the renowned vitamin D expert, to set the story straight on vitamin D. Many topics are covered, but the fact that mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable in the produce aisle to contain this important nutrient still makes the cut.

Bruschetta With Wild Mushrooms, Ricotta And Green Garlic Though we’d prefer to see this recipe call for some white buttons or baby bellas in place of wild mushrooms, KGO-TV still covers the gamut of health benefits in our beloved mushrooms. Mushrooms truly have it all: they’re low in fat and calories, but still rich in a variety of nutrients. For example, mushrooms are an excellent source of potassium – one portabella even contains more than a medium banana! Copper, riboflavin, niacin and selenium are among the other nutrients mentioned.

Katy Perry eats mushrooms to stay slim Even though musician Katy Perry is happily engaged, it turns out her fiancé is not the only “fun guy” on her radar: she loves fungi, too! Katy says, “I love mushrooms. I could eat a ton of them. I really love truffles but I hardly ever get them. Mushrooms in general though are so healthy and good for you. I can’t get enough.”

Figure flattering mushrooms If you’re trying shed a few pounds before summer, here’s a tip from nutrition expert Keri Glassman: add more mushrooms to your meals. Not only will your figure benefit but also your health. Mushrooms are chocked full of important nutrients that – because they’re a source of the antioxidant selenium – can help strengthen your immune system. They’re low in calories, fat-free and very low in sodium. Plus mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable with vitamin D.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, March 19th, 2010

PU employees win “big” recipe contest In case you missed our recent post on the Big Ten Mushroom Recipe contest, check out this video from the local West Lafayette, Ind. news station, WLFI-TV, highlighting the Purdue Boilermakers’ big win.

Mushrooms should be part of your diet! As you Mushroom Channel readers already know, mushrooms are one of the most versatile veggies. Mushrooms can enhance any meal – from updating classic comfort food to highlighting the exotic flavors in ethnic cuisine. Both delicious and nutritious, mushrooms add flavor and excitement to any dish. Potassium, B vitamins and zinc are just a few of the important nutrients you get from enjoying mushrooms in your meal.

Today’s pizza toppings please every palate We knew mushrooms were popular, but did you know that 60 percent of consumers choose mushrooms as their veggie pizza topping? When ordering vegetables on pizza, mushrooms are the clear diner favorite!

Mushroom Mac & Cheese: Comfort Food with a Healthy Kick We’ve been talking about adding mushrooms to mac n’ cheese for quite some time now and you’ve probably heard of our Mushroom Taco Mac recipe. Check out how Traverse magazine adds mushrooms to this comfort food favorite, noting that mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable with vitamin D.

5 ways to slash calories and lose weight Substitute a large portabella cap for your hamburger once a week and you could lose some weight – mushrooms are a hearty meat alternative that will leave even the biggest meat-lover satisfied.

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Weekly Links: Mushroom News from Around the Web

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Best and Worst Foods Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN tells “Early Show” viewers to always “Go for those ’shrooms!” She makes note of the fact that it’s not always those bright colored veggies that pack a nutritious punch – those that are light in color do too, like mushrooms! Light-colored mushrooms are the leading source of the antioxidant selenium in the produce aisle.

Trend Alert: The ‘Fifth Taste’ Is Coming On Strong, As More People Say I Want My Umami We’ve heard that this is the year for umami and don’t you bet that WE of all people are excited! If you haven’t heard, umami is the savory fifth taste found naturally in mushrooms. Delish.  

How to Order a Healthier Pizza The Baltimore Sun helps readers make healthier pizza choices by advising to load up on the veggies – in particular mushrooms because they are nutrient-packed, high in fiber and low in calories.

Keri Glassman and The O2 Diet Glassman touts her love for mushrooms again in this segment featured on “700 Club.” She highlights mushrooms as the only fruit or veggie with vitamin D, which is very important for immunity. Also discussed are the benefits of swapping meat for mushrooms – if you take away about four ounces of meat a weak and substitute it with mushrooms, you can lose about five pounds over one year!

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