Mushrooms in one’s daily diet will eventually promote a healthy body, behaviour and brain power
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted some experts to look at the consumption of mushrooms, known for their immunity-boosting anti-viral properties, with renewed vigour.
In fact, immunity has been one of the most-searched keywords on the internet since the last few months.
Immunity is basically the foremost defence system against all sorts of viruses, flu and infections like cold, cough or fever. Honey is a wonder ingredient that increases one’s immunity.
Case for mushrooms
Mushrooms too are highly helpful. We are all aware that mushrooms are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The antioxidant elements include selenium, vitamin C and choline, that eliminate free radicals or toxic byproducts of metabolism and other body processes.
The vitamin B in mushrooms boosts energy and helps form red blood cells. Choline, on the other hand, helps in muscle movement, maintaining structure of cellular membranes and memory.
Minerals in mushroom include potassium, copper, iron and phosphorus. Mushrooms are exposed to sunlight, making them a natural source of vitamin D2.
Vitamin D2 is turned into an active form of vitamin D in the body, which it needs to absorb calcium for healthy bones.
Mushrooms can help in tackling specific health conditions, as research has shown. A 2018 study in the journal Oncotarget talked about using medicinal mushrooms for future cancer therapy owing to their anti-cancer properties.
The antiodixant compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, and selenium are known to be behind the mushrooms’ cancer-fighting ability.
Another study in the journal 3 Biotech explains that mushrooms are known to complement chemotherapy and radiation therapy by countering the side-effects of cancer, such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and lowered resistance.
Research has shown that mushrooms are low in carbs and sugar and are a source of natural bioactive compounds that are anti-diabetic and help prevent gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
The dietary fibre in mushrooms can help reduce blood sugar level.
Mushrooms contain ergothioneine (a naturally occurring amino acid) and beta glucan (a soluble fibre) that can reduce the risk of heart diseases.
They reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels which are linked to such diseases. Ergothioneine also inhibits arterial plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, waste products from cells and clotting agent called fibrin) development, which could otherwise lead to high blood pressure and stroke.
Studies have shown that when eaten in the cooked form, mushrooms could boost immunity as they are rich in vitamins and essential amino acids.
In mid-day meals
The Government of India has advised state governments to include mushrooms in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid Day Meals (MDM) schemes.
The Union education ministry has started working on a plan to expand its MDM scheme to children in kindergarten and to also offer breakfast. It has written to the states and Union territories for their suggestions on the proposal.
The ministry was in the process of revision and modification of the existing MDM scheme, in keeping with suggestions made by the recently adopted National Education Policy (NEP).
These suggestions were on the inclusion of pre-primary classes in the MDM scheme and the provision of a simple and energetic breakfast under the scheme.
Currently, the MDM scheme caters to 116 million children from classes 1 to 8 in 1.134 million government schools.
The Centre contributes 60 per cent of the cost of the scheme and the states put in the rest. The administration is by the state governments. In the budget for 2020-21, the Centre has budgeted Rs 11,000 crore for the scheme.
It is expected that the inclusion of kindergarten students will add another couple of million beneficiaries. That, and the provision of breakfast, are likely to increase the budget significantly.
It is recognised globally that 85 per cent capacity of the cognitive and analytical brain develops in the first six years of a child. The decision of the Centre to extend MDM to young kids was an important one for India’s future.
The MDM scheme was brought in with two aims: To provide improved nutrition and to bring down the school drop-out rate. Providing breakfast takes the aim of the scheme further.
However, since substantial resources are needed, greater community participation is desirable. People with surplus food grains, resources etc should be encouraged to contribute to the scheme and committees at various levels can oversee the process.
Hopefully, the humble mushroom will cover all the necessary vitamins in your child’s health. Today, no one denies the connection between nutrition and education.
It is high time to rethink the use of mushrooms in your daily foods. Mushrooms in one’s daily diet will eventually promote a healthy body, behaviour and brain power.
Views expressed are the author's own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.