Cancer as a Public Health Threat and the Role of a Healthy Diet
Nutritional Profile of Mushrooms: Low in Calories and Rich in Bioactive Compounds
Mushrooms have been
consumed for centuries for their unique taste, fresh flavour, and as a
healthful diet, being low in calories, sodium, carbohydrates and fats and
cholesterol-free. Edible mushrooms are also rich in bioactive compounds,
including phytochemicals ,polysaccharides ,selenium ,fibres, vitamins (e.g.,
thiamine, niamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and vitamins B and D). They have
the important antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine which plays a
significant role in the prevention of cancer.
Observational Studies and Inverse Relationship between Mushroom Consumption and Cancer Risk
Conclusion: Mushroom Consumption as a Potential Cancer Prevention Strategy
The previous meta-analysis that examined the association
between mushroom consumption and cancer risk was limited to only breast cancer. Hence we can say
mushrooms can help to prevent cancer to some extent but not completely.