Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi and they can be a good source of nutrients for humans and animals. In 100 grams of mushrooms there is approximately 1.5 to 6.0 grams of carbohydrate, 1.5 to 3.0 grams of protein and 0.3 to 0.4 grams of fat. Mushrooms are also high in a number of essential minerals including potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. They also contain reasonably high amounts of the B group of vitamins, particularly niacin and riboflavin. Mushrooms are interesting in that they can synthesise vitamin D that is bioavailable in humans and animals. Placing picked mushrooms in the sun increases their vitamin D content significantly, and therefore mushrooms can be a useful source of the vitamin. Freezing the mushrooms following sun exposure in the summer, for consumption in the winter, can provide a source of vitamin D when light levels are low and sun exposure on an individual’s own skin is not possible. Some of the carbohydrates in mushrooms may have immune stimulating properties.
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