Mushrooms are having their moment in the spotlight for providing exceptional health benefits. From the public to celebrities, it seems like everyone is incorporating this superfood into their daily lives.
But which type of mushroom is best? Enoki mushrooms (see also ‘Can You Eat Raw Shiitake Mushrooms?‘) are hailed for offering a huge array of health promoting properties, but they are not widely known.
This article gives you all the key facts about the enoki mushroom. We share the health benefits and nutrition facts of this amazing fungus.
Scroll down further to see how to eat this awesome mushroom and ideas for implementing them into your diet. Don’t forget to read our conclusion for additional useful information.
What Is The Enoki Mushroom?
The enoki mushroom (Flammulina Velutipes) go by several names. It is also referred to as the winter mushroom or golden needle mushroom. This type of fungus grows in North America, Europe, and in some parts of Asia.
It is one of the key ingredients used by top chefs, and is a firm favorite addition to many delicious dishes. This is due to their original and enticing flavor, smell, and of course, their unmissable health benefits.
So, what are enoki mushroom’s health benefits? Let’s take a look.
Health Benefits Of The Enoki Mushroom
The enoki mushroom is a good source of fiber and protein, while having a low calorific and low fat value. This makes them a great food choice for upgrading your diet to a healthier one.
The nutritional benefits of one cup of raw enoki mushrooms are:
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are hugely important for keeping your body and brain healthy. Enoki mushrooms contain a rich supply of beneficial antioxidants. These mushrooms contain 7 types of antioxidants.
Together, these impressive antioxidants work to give your body superior protection against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
2. B Vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, folate, and thiamin)
Enoki mushrooms come packed with B vitamins that are essential for keeping your body and brain healthy (is Japanese food healthy? Read here more). Niacin is important for maintaining optimal brain function and maintaining good cholesterol.
Thiamin ensures your nervous system functions properly. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), is crucial for harmonizing your body’s fatty acids.
Riboflavin is a B vitamin that supports the body in a variety of ways. This component plays a big part in breaking down, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, for conversion into energy.
Furthermore, it ensures production and maintenance of healthy skin cells, digestive tract, blood system, and organs.
Folate is another impressive vitamin found in the outstanding enoki mushroom. Responsible for maintaining healthy red and white blood cells, and preventing anemia. Folate is a form of folic acid.
You may have heard of pregnant women taking folic acid to support fetal development. The vitamin helps to keep bone marrow healthy, and is even shown to lower blood pressure.
3. Copper
This nutrient offers an array of support for the body. It teams up with iron to produce healthy blood cells. Furthermore, it supports the bones, blood vessels, immune and nervous system, too!
Phosphorus
The main goal of phosphorus is to produce and maintain strong and healthy bones and teeth. However, it also plays a part in aiding the hormonal, digestive, and nervous system.
Reported Health Benefits Of The Enoki Mushroom
Now we have looked at the nutritional components in enoki mushrooms, let’s delve into how this fantastic fungus improves our lives.
Brain Function
Extensive studies have shown the enoki mushroom to be a savior for brain function. It is proven to improve concentration, memory, and provide overall support for the brain.
This remarkable fungus is even proving to be a worthy aid in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Heart Health
Research shows that consuming this mushroom can help to keep your heart healthy. Not only does it lower blood pressure, but it also lowers cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the body, too.
This is a hugely important discovery for those who may be taking heart medications and who struggle to control their blood pressure and heart rate.
Studies revealed the enoki mushroom can help to reduce fatty plaque deposit buildup in the arteries. So, eating this tasty food may just help to save lives.
Cancer Fighting Mushroom
Cancer is a leading cause of death, globally. However, we may have just got a new weapon to thwart this awful disease.
Although research is ongoing, the enoki mushroom’s cancer-fighting capabilities appear to be great. Studies show the enoki mushroom is capable of blocking and slowing the growth of certain cancers.
The findings were for people suffering with breast, cervical, and stomach cancer. This is great news and offers new hope for the future.
Immune System
The components found in the enoki mushroom seem to have superpower abilities. In studies taken, results showed that people had increased levels of immunity.
Not only do they strengthen your immune system, but one case study in mice revealed their anti-inflammatory support for respiratory tract infections.
How To Eat Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms can be enjoyed both cooked and raw. They work in almost any dishes, and are a great addition to soups, sauces, and pasta dishes.
Why not try adding them to your pancakes? They only take a minute or two to boil, and can be quickly incorporated into your favorite cuisine.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the health benefits that these amazing mushrooms provide. With the rise of viruses and infections, it has never been so important to maintain good health.
The enoki mushroom is the perfect solution. Not only can it be prepared, cooked and added to your dinner with minimal effort, but its health-promoting qualities appear limitless.
Make sure you give your body and mind the best support by including these awesome mushrooms into your diet. You will be amazed at how these unassuming mushrooms can improve your health and wellbeing.
Hi, I’m Aura Ruggeri and I want to make sure that no one makes the same mistake that I did.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan anytime soon, do exactly that - plan! Read up on all of the amazing things to do here to make the most of your time. I can bet that you’ll still return home feeling like you could’ve explored much more.
