Research papers show mushrooms and health go
hand in hand
30 May 2009
Co-author of the best-selling CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, Dr Manny Noakes has
told Australian dietitians that a soon to be published international scientific
review confirms the strong links between mushrooms and health.
Dr Noakes said a team of CSIRO scientists conducted a thorough review of
11,000 international papers written over the last 100 years and had identified
some 3,000 papers for further evaluation.
This industry-funded examination of mushrooms and health covered topics
ranging from antioxidant activity and anti-viral properties, through to the impact
on a variety of cancers and immune function.
Addressing a special mushroom breakfast held at the Dietitians Association of
Australia conference in Darwin, Dr Noakes said the review highlighted the wide
range of health benefits being examined by mushroom researchers throughout
the world.
“I was always a mushroom lover, but the research has shown me even more
about the diversity of essential nutrients they offer – vitamin D, B group
vitamins and a range of essential minerals – all for so few kilojoules,” she said.
Accredited Practising Dietitian and healthy eating specialist, Glenn Cardwell, said
mushrooms unique nutrition profile provided growing evidence of their
importance in the Australian diet.
Mr Cardwell said research had shown that mushrooms were the only non-animal
food to provide a natural source of Vitamin D; at the same time delivering one of
the strongest antioxidant effects of all foods; a healthy dose of essential B group
vitamins – riboflavin, niacin and biotin – and a range of essential minerals such
as selenium, phosphorus and potassium.
“While many Australian are generally cautious about sun exposure, there is a
growing body of evidence that low levels of Vitamin D are contributing to a
range of diseases including osteoporosis, diabetes and some cancers.”
“Over the next 12 months the industry is planning to deliver D-rich mushrooms
for sale, providing consumers with a natural solution to the Vitamin D problem.”
Ends
For further information or to arrange an interview please contact Pam Tobin on
0417 849 471.
Released by Chris Rowley – 0415 140 253
NEWS 
