10 Benefits of Mushrooms
Benefit #2: Boosts the Immune System
As mentioned above, the sugar molecule lentinan boosts the immune system, which strengthens the immune system when in the face of harmful pathogens. In addition to lentinan, mushrooms also contain the immune booster sugar, beta-glucan.
Beta-glucans also known as beta D-glucans, are found in the cell walls of many mushroom types. These beta-glucans boost the immune system. Some examples of their immune boosting activities include increasing the number of Th1 lymphocytes in the blood and reducing inflammation in the body, which is deeply connected to numerous health issues. Beta glucans are found in many species of mushrooms, including the common button mushroom.
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