Tim Spector reveals one 'magical' vegetable that makes its own vitamin D
Professor Tim Spector has shared his thoughts on the health benefits of one vegetable, which could be especially beneficial with winter upon us
We're all aware that veggies are a health powerhouse, brimming with essential vitamins. However, one 'magical' food has been singled out by an specialist for its extraordinary benefits.
Professor Tim Spector has revealed that mushrooms, a staple in fry-ups and a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians, have even more health benefits than he initially thought.
In a discussion about mushrooms on ZOE's YouTube channel, the professor expressed his fascination with the thousands of species of this versatile fungus.
The humble mushroom, often overlooked but a stalwart in winter stews, chicken pies and vegetarian dishes, is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Supermarket produce aisles are now overflowing with a variety of mushrooms, from the classic cup mushroom and vitamin D-rich chestnut mushrooms to hearty portobellos and aromatic shiitakes. According to the expert, not only are we realising their culinary versatility and savoury umami flavour, but we're also gaining a greater understanding of their health benefits, reports Surrey Live.
Professor Tim remarked: "The fact that they're closer to animals than they are to plants as well so they're not actually members of the plant kingdom, that's crazy." He added that: "Mushrooms are potentially a real lifesaver for the planet if we can harness them right because they have an amazing amount of nutrients in them and are very very high in protein levels."
He also revealed that "if you leave them in the sun they actually, like humans, produce vitamin D."
This makes them a brilliant natural source of Vitamin D, rather than relying on supplements, he added.
Mushrooms are a great source of a range of nutrients and phytochemicals," said registered nutritionist Jenna Hope.
"They're often used to bulk out dishes as they contain fibre and protein but are low in fat and calories. They're also rich in a range of micronutrients including iron, phosphorus, B vitamins and vitamin C. Furthermore, their plant chemical benefits include helping reduce oxidative stress through their antioxidant activities.
"Mushrooms contain beta-glucans and phytosterols, both of which have been associated with a reduction in blood cholesterol. They also contain polysaccharides, a kind of carbohydrate, which have been shown to positively influence the beneficial bacteria in the gut."
Our attitudes to mushrooms are changing too. Martin Powell, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and author of Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide (martinpowell.net), points out that the UK has long suffered from "mycophobia", a distrust and suspicion of mushrooms, often because we fear they could be poisonous.
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"As we grow up, we're not encouraged to explore the mushrooms in the forest, unlike in Central Europe or the Far East where it's part of their culture," he says. "In fact, it's quite the opposite."
However, the tide is turning with a diverse range of mushrooms now found on supermarket shelves.