Minerals Fight Disease

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Minerals Fight Disease | Cancer Research

http://www.mushroomcouncil.org/nutrition/minerals.htm

 

Selenium, an essential mineral, works closely with Vitamin E to

produce antioxidants that neutralize the cell-damaging " free

radicals " that can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases of

aging.

 

It plays an important role in the immune system, the thyroid system

and the male reproductive system.

 

An important study of selenium and cancer risk reduction was

conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health. Male health

professionals who consumed about 160 micrograms1 of selenium per day

cut their risk of prostate cancer by 65%, compared to those with a

selenium intake half that large.

 

A member of the research team, Dr. Edward Giovanucci, believes that

the evidence for a selenium-prostate cancer link is rapidly

accumulating. He suggests that males might consider increasing their

selenium intake beyond the current recommended level of 70

micrograms.

 

It is also possible that dietary selenium helps reduce the risk of

cardiovascular disease by reducing the buildup of LDL (bad)

cholesterol on artery walls.

 

In addition, selenium appears to slow the progress of HIV disease,

and promising studies are exploring whether selenium helps alleviate

symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis,

pancreatitis and asthma. Foods of animal origin and whole grains are

sources of selenium, but in produce, only mushrooms are a good

source of selenium.

This is good news for vegetarians, whose sources of selenium are

limited.

 

A serving of shiitake or crimini mushrooms provides about one-third

of the recommended daily value for selenium. White and portabella

mushrooms are also good sources.

 

Potassium is a mineral your body just can't do without.

 

It helps maintain normal heart rhythm, fluid balance, muscle and

nerve function. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently gave

a nod to its disease-fighting capability by stating: " Diets

containing foods that are good sources of potassium and low in

sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. "

 

Some mushrooms supply more potassium than foods better known as

sources for this mineral.

 

A serving of white mushrooms has more potassium than an orange or a

tomato. A portabella mushroom has more than a glass of orange juice.

 

Copper is another essential mineral and mushrooms are a good source.

 

We're all aware of iron's role in making red blood cells and

delivering oxygen to every part of the body.

But did you know that iron can't do its job without copper?

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