tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59189228292857216442024-02-08T09:02:30.480-08:00Sri MahaLakshmi Ganapathi MushroomsSravanthi Ghantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16041197896374507501noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918922829285721644.post-55551435213306946522016-12-18T22:40:00.000-08:002016-12-19T00:25:25.902-08:00Nutrition Values in Mushrooms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Nutrition</span></span></b></div>
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Mushrooms are the perfect food for everyone!</div>
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They are low in calories, are fat free, cholesterol free, have very low levels of sugar and salt; they provide a valuable source of dietary fibre, as well as several vitamins and minerals. For more information on specific areas of mushrooms and your nutrition, please see below.</div>
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Fibre</div>
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Vitamins</div>
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Minerals</div>
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Mushrooms & Slimming</div>
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Mushrooms & Antioxidants</div>
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Mushrooms & Cholesterol</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mushrooms & Minerals</b></span></span></div>
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Sodium: Mushrooms contain virtually no salt.</div>
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Potassium: This important mineral aids in the maintenance of normal fluid and mineral balance, which helps to control blood pressure. Mushrooms contain more potassium than most other fruit and vegetables: one medium Portabello mushroom contains more potassium than a banana.</div>
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Calcium: As well as being the most abundant mineral in the human body, calcium provides the structure for our teeth and bones and is needed for muscle contraction. 100g of mushrooms contains 2mg of calcium.</div>
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Iron: Mushrooms are a source of iron, which is essential to most life forms and normal human physiology.</div>
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Zinc: Found in almost every cell of your body, zinc stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes and amongst other things, supports a healthy immune system. Zinc is found in mushrooms.</div>
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Magnesium: Essential to good health, magnesium helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones strong; 100g of raw mushrooms contain 9mg of magnesium.</div>
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Selenium: This mineral works as an antioxidant, protecting body cells from damage that might lead to heart disease and some cancers. Mushrooms are one of the richest, natural sources of selenium.</div>
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Ergothioneine: This is another, naturally occurring, antioxidant which is found in mushrooms.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mushrooms & Slimming</b></span></span></div>
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Mushrooms contain almost no fat, sugar or salt, but they are a valuable source of dietary fiber, creating the perfect snack for those on a diet. In addition to being a healthy ‘snack food’, mushrooms are a great, low-calorie way to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes, including pasta and stir-frys. With a high water content (over 90%) mushrooms can be cooked in their own juices, without the need for butter or oil.</div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mushrooms & Antioxidants</b></span></span></div>
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As highlighted in ‘Mushrooms & Minerals’ (above) mushrooms contain two antioxidants, Selenium and Ergothioneine. Antioxidants are the scavengers of free radicals and are believed to help the body fight chronic diseases. Researchers in the United States of America have found that White Mushrooms have 12 times more Ergothioneine than wheatgerm, and four times more than chicken livers: previously these were the top rated foods for this antioxidant.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Mushrooms & Cholesterol</span></b></span></div>
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Mushrooms [White Buttons and Cups, Brown Portabellos, and the exotic cultivated Shiitakes and Enoki mushrooms] are rich in the non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) chitin and beta-gluten. Recent research demonstrates that these NSP, or dietary fibre, can help to reduce blood cholesterol and protect against heart disease.</div>
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Sravanthi Ghantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16041197896374507501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918922829285721644.post-53046765113789045942016-11-16T21:57:00.000-08:002016-11-16T22:02:06.214-08:00Different Types of Mushrooms...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Currently there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4 categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These categories describe how the the organism feeds itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Saprotrophs - Thriving on Decay</b></span></span></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Saprotrophic </b></span>mushrooms are decomposers. They release acids and enzymes that break down dead tissue into smaller molecules they can absorb. Thus decaying wood, plants, and even animals can become food for a saprotroph.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Morels </b></span>(Morchella angusticeps, Morchella esculenta, etc) : - These exlusive, delicious species are very popular with mushroom hunters (see picture at right). Known to be mycorrhizal as well.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Reishi </b></span>(Ganoderma lucidum) - Highly prized in Chinese medicine, this mushroom is now the subject of many medical studies.<br /><br /> <b><span style="color: blue;">Shiitake</span> </b>(Lentinula edodes) - Famous for both its great taste and medicinal properties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">White Button</span></b></span> (Agaricus bisporus) - Common in supermarkets all over the world. The average mushroom-loving American eats about 2 lbs of these a year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> <b><span style="color: blue;">Cremini </span></b>(Agaricus bisporus) - Another Agaricus bisporus strain that's a great edible. Come learn the real difference between a cremini and a portobello.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Oyster </b></span>(Pleurotus ostreatus) - Another popular edible, also known for its cholesterol-reducing effects.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Maitake </b></span>(Grifola frondosa) - Edible, known anti-tumor properties, and it looks like a brain!<br /><br /> <b><span style="color: blue;">Turkey Tail</span></b> (Trametes versicolor) - Although too tough to be edible in any manner other than a tea, this is one of the most well-studied medicinal mushrooms.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Giant Puffball</b></span> (Calvatia gigantea) - These large mushrooms are only edible when young.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Chicken of the Woods</b></span> (Laetiporus sulphureus) - Younger specimens are known to taste similar to, you guessed it, chicken. Also known to be parasitic.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Enokitake </b></span>(Flammulina velutipes) - Easy to cultivate and often used in soups.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Shaggy Mane</b></span> (Coprinus comatus) - This unique looking mushroom melts mere hours after being picked.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Black Trumpet</b></span> (Craterellus cornucopioides) - The best tasting edible mushroom out there!<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Yellow Houseplant Mushroom</b></span> (Leucocoprinus birnbaumii) - Famous for popping up in potted houseplants.<br /><br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Mycorrhizae - Successful Partnering with Plants</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Mycorrhizal </b></span>mushrooms have a fascinating relationship with trees and other plants. The mycelia of these fungi enter into a beneficial union with the roots of plants by either weaving into the root cells (endomycorrhizal) or wrapping around the roots themselves (ectomycorrhizal).<br /><br />How is this beneficial? The mycelia bring in additional moisture, phosphorous, and other nutrients to their hosts. In return they gain access to sugars (such as glucose) that the hosts produce. This allows plants to grow bigger, faster, and stronger than their nonmycorrhizal counterparts. Many farmers and gardeners will inoculate their crops with a mycorrhizal fungus for better growth.<br /><br />An estimated 95% of plants form mycorrhizal partnerships with fungi. The types of mushrooms these fungi produce are difficult to cultivate and are often found only in nature. The ones below make a delicious treat if you can find them</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b> Porcini </b></span>(Boletus edulis) - Often used in soups and sauces, this mushroom can grow quite large.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"> <b>Edible chantarelle mushroomsTruffles</b></span> (Tuber melanosporum, Tuber magnatum, etc) - These gourmet delights are very expensive.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Chanterelles </b></span>(Cantharellus cibarius, Cantharellus formosus, etc) - Another prized edible found on many continents (see picture above).<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Matsutake </b></span>(Tricholoma matsutake) - Highly sought after for their flavor and aroma in cooking.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Caesar's Mushroom</b></span> (Amanita caesarea) - One of the few edible Amanitas. This stately mushroom is popular in Italy. </span></span></span></span></div>
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Parasites - Feeding on the Weak</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> Parasites - Feeding on the Weak</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Parasitic</span> </b>types of mushrooms also take plant hosts. Although in this case the relationship is one-sided. These fungi will infect the host and eventually kill it.<br /><br />Sometimes the line between parasitic and saprotrophic is not so clear. The honey mushroom is a known parasite yet it will also continue to live saprotrophically on the dead wood of its host. Most true parasitic fungi do not produce mushrooms and are too small to be noticed on a tree until it's too late. Some notable types of mushroom producing parasites are:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Honey Fungus</b></span> (Armillaria mellea, Armillaria ostoyae, etc) - Some species in the Armillaria genus (see pic at right) are edible, some are bioluminescent, and one colony is suspected to be the largest organism on the planet!<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Caterpillar Fungus</b></span> (Cordyceps sinensis) - A true parasite that preys on insects. This interesting mushroom may just be my favorite.<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Lion's Mane</b></span> (Hericium erinaceus) - This strange specimen possesses spiny teeth instead of the traditional cap. In addition to being edible, it's also suspected to help heal nerve tissue!<br /><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><b>Chaga </b></span>(Inonotus obliquus) - While it looks like an unassuming black mass on the side of a birch tree, this fungus has gained a huge reputation as a medicinal mushroom over the past few decades. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Endophytes - Unique Types of Mushrooms, Mysterious Symbiosis </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Endophytic </b></span>fungi deserve their own category due to their behavior. Endophytes partner with plants by invading the host tissue. However, unlike with parasitic fungi, the host remains healthy and seem to benefit with increased nutrient absorption and resistance to pathogens. Unlike mycorrhizal fungi, most endophytes can be easily cultivated in a lab without their host present.<br /><br />Successful cultivation aside, much is still unknown about this category of fungi. Many species do not produce mushrooms and their partnership with plants is not fully understood. Some mycologists suspect that certain parasitic and saprophytic fungi will reveal themselves as endophytes as the field expands </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saprotrophs - Thriving on Decay</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="bold"><strong>Saprotrophic</strong></span> mushrooms are
decomposers. They release acids and enzymes that break down dead tissue
into smaller molecules they can absorb. Thus decaying wood, plants, and
even animals can become food for a saprotroph.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think of all the dead matter on the ground. Now imagine what would
become of it if there were fewer organisms to recycle it into compost or
soil. You can easily see how important saprotrophs are to the food
chain! It's no wonder this category includes so many gourmet and
medicinal types of mushrooms. Some examples are below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - See more at: http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saprotrophs - Thriving on Decay</span><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saprotrophs - Thriving on Decay</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saprotrophs - Thriving on Decay</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="bold"><strong>Saprotrophic</strong></span> mushrooms are
decomposers. They release acids and enzymes that break down dead tissue
into smaller molecules they can absorb. Thus decaying wood, plants, and
even animals can become food for a saprotroph.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think of all the dead matter on the ground. Now imagine what would
become of it if there were fewer organisms to recycle it into compost or
soil. You can easily see how important saprotrophs are to the food
chain! It's no wonder this category includes so many gourmet and
medicinal types of mushrooms. Some examples are below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - See more at: http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently
there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a
large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of
what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4
categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These
categories describe how the the organism feeds itself. - See more at:
http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently
there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a
large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of
what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4
categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These
categories describe how the the organism feeds itself. - See more at:
http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently
there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a
large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of
what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4
categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These
categories describe how the the organism feeds itself. - See more at:
http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently
there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a
large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of
what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4
categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These
categories describe how the the organism feeds itself. - See more at:
http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Currently
there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms. That may seem like a
large number, but mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of
what's out there! We can put these various species in one of 4
categories: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. These
categories describe how the the organism feeds itself. - See more at:
http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/types-of-mushrooms.html#sthash.iuooEtQk.uYuBKFwF.dpuf</span></div>
</div>
Sravanthi Ghantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16041197896374507501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5918922829285721644.post-50151304807068330612016-11-16T03:08:00.002-08:002016-11-16T03:08:43.695-08:00About Mushrooms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most of us enjoy the occasional walk in the
bush, some more than others. Some people will go for an easy going stroll
through the local park while others will go on a two day hike in rough
forest and harsh conditions. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have different reasons for doing this,
maybe it helps us relax or get away from it all, some people do it for
sport, others like to bond with nature and some just love the wild, the
trees and the birds!!! Whatever the reason, we decide to go for a bush walk,
we wake up early in the morning have breakfast, put on our hiking boots,
pack some lunch and hot tea, throw the camera bag over our shoulders, hop in
the car and have a great day in the wild!!! Lots of photos are taken. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When the film is
developed, we look proudly over our colorful creations and remember all the
different landscapes we saw, maybe some plants or trees that looked lovely
against the sunlight and some snaps of friends who joined us on the hike.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This site is exactly like the title suggests,
a small glimpse into the world of mushrooms, yes, mushrooms, the little
plant like organisms that we walked right past or even stepped on during our
hike but didn't even see them. Or maybe we did see them but paid no
attention or maybe didn't even recognize them as mushrooms and if we did, we
called them toadstools and carried on walking. </span></span>
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Sravanthi Ghantahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16041197896374507501noreply@blogger.com0