Mushrooms ~ The Fungus Amungus

Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years both as food and for medicinal purposes. They are often classified as a vegetable or a herb, but they are actually fungi. While there are over 14,000 mushrooms, only about 3,000 are edible, about 700 have known medicinal properties, and fewer than one percent are recognized as poisonous. However, for a novice mushroom hunter, I recommend studying with a reputable mycologist and or reading up before hunting. The structure and color of the mushroom can tell you whether or not it is good to eat.  So, if mushroom hunting seems like a interesting way to spend your weekend, get a book and spend time getting to know what to look for; picking only those that are safe eat.
http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/mighty-mushrooms.php

 

Everyone can recognize the 'white button' mushrooms which are probably the most widely available in stores and come in small and large sizes. Then there are Portobello mushrooms, which are large brown mushrooms. Baby bellas, (see above) sometimes called crimini mushrooms are small brown mushrooms with a hearty flavor. Other mushrooms that may be slightly more difficult to find include shitake, porcini and oyster mushrooms.

Mushrooms are also a fat free food, which is helpful when you need to lose weight. What’s more is that mushrooms have no cholesterol and less than 1% of your daily value of sodium. Although not a lot, mushrooms also contain small amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fiber which aid in fat loss.
Mushrooms may be small but nutrition facts prove that they have plenty of vitamins and minerals. One cup of mushrooms includes vitamins C, D, B6 and B12, plus large doses of riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins along with minerals like calcium, iron, potassium and selenium keep you fit and in good health.

http://www.fatburningfurnace.com/blog/mushroom-nutrition-facts-%E2%80%93-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/