Dear Lynn:

Do mushrooms have any nutritional value? Thanks,
Emily

Dear Emily:

Besides adding a wonderful earthy taste and meaty texture to foods, mushrooms also contain essential nutrients. There are many health benefits to eating mushrooms. They are a great source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and selenium, nutrients often lacking in our highly processed-food diets. In addition, mushrooms contain virtually no fat or cholesterol. Naturally low in sodium, mushrooms are also a good source of fiber.

One word of caution: Some varieties of mushrooms are toxic, so if you're fond of foraging in the woods for your supper, make sure you know which mushrooms are safe to eat. If you do your hunting and gathering in the supermarket, there is no need to worry.

Sincerely,
Lynn Grieger, R.D., C.D., C.D.E.

RESOURCES:

• Get cooking with these healthy mushroom recipes!
  Mushroom Pasta Salad
  Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms
  Warm Mushroom Salad