Wellness Wednesday

Since we grow (and forage for) mushrooms on our farm, I did a little research to see what health benefits are provided by these fungi. Depending on the variety, studies have shown that mushrooms give a boost to your immune system, help regulate blood pressure (due to the potassium content), lower cholesterol, fight cancer and diabetes, and assist in weight loss. The cholesterol and cancer facts caught my attention since I recently read about a study that found statin medication more than doubles your risk for cancer. (Disclosure:  as is always the case with studies that show problems with popular pharmaceuticals, there were also counter-claims, saying other studies prove that statins lower your risk of cancer. Claims of "scare mongering were made.)

Here's an interesting video that shows how mushrooms are cultivated and processed commercially: