Make room for more mushrooms! That was the upshot of a large review study examining the relationship between eating mushrooms and cancer risk. The review included 17 previously published studies encompassing over 19,500 study subjects.
The results? In study subjects consuming the most mushrooms (around 18 grams a day or a small handful), cancer risk declined by an impressive 45 percent relative to those who did not eat them! What’s more, when researchers looked at specific types of cancer, reduction in breast cancer risk showed the strongest correlation to mushroom intake.
Mushrooms are super low in calories yet filled with potent antioxidants, in many cases more than fruits and veggies. They are also a good source of B vitamins, key minerals, and highly unique immune-boosting polysaccharides.
Thus, it is not surprising that they appear to pack a very powerful anti-cancer punch. Include them regularly in your diet in any variety, whether cooked or raw.
Advances in Nutrition, 2021; DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab015