Health Benefits of Mushrooms Plus Mushroom Recipe

We are using mushrooms both as food and medicinal purposes for thousand of years now. They may classified as a vegetable or an herb but many of us may not know that it is actually a fungi. Of about 14,000 types of mushrooms, only 3,000 types are edible, meaning can be consumed by humans, and about 700 species are known for its medicinal qualities, and only a fewer are considered as poisonous.
In ancient time mushrooms were regarded more than as what we know about it. Pharaohs highly regarded mushrooms as a delicacy while the Greeks believed that it can provide the warriors strength in the battle field. The Romans regarded it as a gift from God and strictly serve only on a festive gatherings, while it is regarded as health food for the Chinese.

Nowadays, mushrooms are being enjoyed by many for some reasons. They produce their own unique flavor when it's cooked or incorporated with other ingredients. They enhance the flavor of the food during cooking. Mushrooms can be added to soups, salads, as well as to sandwiches. You can also have it as an appetizer. Potassium is very abundant in mushrooms and is best in lowering blood pressure and reduces heart ailments. A medium size of protabella mushroom contains more potassium than a banana or an orange juice. They are also rich in riboflavin, niacin and selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect the harmful effects of free radicals.

That said, there are many ways on how to cook mushrooms depending to your style and taste. I found here a recipe for Chicken and Mushroom Stew which is easy to prepare yet you'll get loads of health benefits.

Main Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 kg, breast or thigh
Mushroom: 1 kg (2 lb)
Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Flour: 1 tbsp
Lemon Juice: 1/2 cup
Saffron: 1 tsp
Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp
Butter: 1-2 tbsp
Salt and pepper: to taste


Directions:

1. Saute chopped onions with oil until golden. Add chickens and fry them with onions on medium heat.

2. In a separate pan, saute mushrooms with butter until their water comes out completely. Add flour and stir. Add mushrooms into the chicken and onions mixture. Leave them to boil slowly for about 20 min.

3. Add lemon juice and saffron and cook for 5 more min before removing from the heat.