Our mushroom this week is well-renowned for it’s anti-inflammatory properties and benefits in the body.  The Porcini Mushroom (Boletus Edulis) is a anti-aging, disease fighting powerhouse. This fungus contains a compound called ergosterol which is capable of cytotoxicity, a process that helps the body to attack enemy cells.

Studies on aging have identified the health markers that play the most crucial roles in living a long, vibrant life.  More than any other marker, anti-inflammation surfaced as the most important by far for reaching the golden years and enjoying great physicality and mental health along the way.  Inflammation is the expressway to disease in the body, so this comes as no true shock.  So stock up on inflammation fighting foods, like the Porcini Mushroom.

Nutritional Profile: 

Vitamin B1-Thiamine is an important vitamin since it helps the body to break down sugar and use it as fuel within the body.  It is also supportive of both heart and nerve health.

Vitamin B6- Helps the immune system to function optimally.  It aides in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids while maintaining healthy lymph node function. Vitamin B6 also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Vitamin B9- Folate helps to strengthen and maintain healthy liver function.  Folate is also essential for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Vitamin B12- Folic Acid helps to preserve our neurological function and DNA synthesis. It plays a key role in the health of red blood cells and helps our nervous system work optimally as well.

Dietary Fiber- Helps to stimulate digestion, relives indigestion, and constipation issues.

Potassium- An essential mineral for the body to help with fluid regulation, cardiovascular health and protein absorption. High levels of potassium have been associated with reduced risk for stroke, improved blood pressure, as well as improved bone health.

Zinc-Helps to promote proper immune function, controls blood sugar, energy metabolism, and aides in digestion.

Copper- Another essential mineral to help promote healthy connective tissue growth, proper heart rhythm, enzymatic reactions and proper growth overall.

Key Benefits:

These mushrooms are a great anti-inflammatory agent to add to your diet. They are a strong source of copper, protein, niacin, selenium, potassium, zinc and B Vitamins. Mushrooms in general are typically a good source of dietary fiber as well.

Where can we find them? 

They are native to Italy and have been foraged in the wild there.  They lack gilles like other mushroom varieties, however they contain pores along the outer surface of the cap. They range in size from one to ten inches.  It has a meaty, rich, woodsy flavor profile making it ideal as a meat substitute.  They are also grown in China and Mexico, although these are not true porcini mushrooms. The market typically carries this mushroom year round, however there peak season is their harvest in September.  Growing season occurs between June and July.  When buying make sure they are firm to touch and free of rot, pests and damage.  Store in the refrigerator for up to one week and make sure to place them in a sealed bag. When cooking the mushroom make sure to cook it through thoroughly, since the protein they contain can be irritable in the stomach if not broken down before consumption.

Enjoy!