Mushrooms are fungi that play a pretty unique position in the world of cuisine. They are great vegetarian and vegan substitutes for meat dishes. They have a chewy texture which makes them fit into just about any dish that you can prepare with meat. Mushrooms also have a whole lot of essential vitamins and minerals that make them some of the foods with the most health benefits. One of the major health benefits that comes from consuming mushrooms is that they have the ability to improve your overall brain health. Not only does it play a significant role in brain development, but it also plays a role in keeping your brain from degenerating. Specifically, it is great for preventing the onset of degenerative diseases like, Alzheimer’s disease.
How Do Mushrooms Help With Neural Development?
There are two compounds that make mushrooms such a powerful force for neurological development: vitamin D and selenium. Selenium is one of the body’s best antioxidants. It is used to protect the development of your cells and your cellular membranes. Studies have shown that taking selenium can help improve memory functions in people. It can also prevent the decline of your neural cells.
The vitamin D content in mushrooms also plays a pretty significant role in keeping your brain healthy. Vitamin D is needed to produce serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a hormone that your mind uses to regulate and adjust your mood. Some neurological developmental issues, like the onset of autism, is the result of low serotonin levels. Studies have also shown that the amount of vitamin D an expecting mother consumes during pregnancy may critically influence the serotonin levels of the developing child. So next time you have a craving for a mushroom casserole, eat up for your brain’s development.
