The Cremini mushroom is slightly smaller than the well-known PortoBello.
Its size is justified by the fact that it is picked early, when it is still small, and by its firmer consistency.
Eating 100 grams of Cremini mushrooms will add only 28 calories to your diet (each unit contains 3 to 4 calories), which can be considered interesting for those on a diet.
It is a good ally for keeping the body nourished, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals and also helps to prevent various diseases.
Benefits of the Cremini mushroom
Vitamins and minerals - nutritious and low in calories
Cremini mushrooms are low in calories, carbohydrates, sodium, fat and cholesterol.
Adding it to your recipes also gives you an extra source of selenium, which is beneficial for cancer prevention.
The benefits of cremini mushrooms also extend to the heart, as the potassium, copper, phosphorus and zinc they contain reduce the risk of stroke and control blood pressure.
The B complex and pantothenic vitamins are also present in this powerful food.
Alzheimer's disease
The niacin in the mushroom may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Research has shown that niacin found in food is more effective than supplements, so why not invest in a functional food?
This vitamin may also be useful in limiting the effects of homocysteine, an amino acid known to cause strokes and heart attacks.
Mood and sleep
The Cremini mushroom is a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that acts directly on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is essential for the production of vitamin B3.
Tryptophan is also responsible for the benefits of the Cremini mushroom, such as improving sleep quality and mood.
Cancer
Mushrooms are said to contain a compound that is important for reducing oestrogen in the body, thus helping to prevent several types of cancer, mainly breast and prostate.
The preventive benefit is justified by the presence of conjugated linolenic acid, a fatty acid that supports the binding of enzymes known as aromatase, thereby reducing estrogen production.
It is said that the growth of breast tumours is directly linked to oestrogen and this blockage reduces the risk.
Cancer cells are anti-inflammatory, and the benefits of Cremini mushrooms include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
With the strengthening of the immune system, these cells lose their strength and the possibility of their development becomes very small.
Antioxidant action
There are also benefits of Cremini mushrooms for the immune system, due to the action of L-ergothioneine, an antioxidant very functional for the protection of cells, especially when it comes to UV and radiation action and liver health.
It is also noted that this antioxidant is promising in the treatment of chronic diseases.
The food is also a source of other antioxidants such as riboflavin and minerals such as copper and selenium.
Cholesterol
If you suffer from cholesterol imbalances, know that the benefits of cremini mushrooms can be very pertinent in your diet, because the food has the presence of dietary fibre convenient for keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is closely associated with sunlight, but mushrooms stand out among fruits and vegetables.
Metabolism
Important for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, the B vitamin complex is more than present in the Cremini mushroom, which is interesting for those who want to eat in order to get in shape.
Choose your mushrooms carefully
If you're in a shop or supermarket and don't know how to choose the best mushrooms, try to find those with the smoothest texture, without scratches or any kind of stain, especially dark ones.
Also avoid those that are damp or broken.