If you follow a low-carb diet, you have surely wondered, are mushrooms keto-friendly? Mushrooms are often regarded as a highly nutritious and healthy. However, if you are trying to maintain a strict ketogenic diet, these fungi may not be within your range.
First things first, what is the ketogenic diet?
The ketogenic, or keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is very popular these days. It can help people lose weight and gain energy, but there has also been some evidence of aiding against cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s.
However, this diet requires strict attention to carbohydrates, as it aims to use fat as a source of energy. When your body uses fat instead of carbohydrate it enters a metabolic state called ketosis.
So, are mushrooms keto-friendly?
Let’s start by talking about the benefits of mushrooms, including their nutritional content and health properties. For one, mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. All these nutrients are particularly hard to obtain for vegetables, so eating mushrooms can be a healthy decision.
Now that you know a bit more about mushrooms, let’s talk about whether they are keto-friendly or not.
These are the 7 things to know about mushrooms and the keto diet:
Tip #1: They are low in calories and carbohydrates
Mushrooms are popular because they are low in calories, which makes them a healthy choice if you follow a low-calorie diet. One cup of mushrooms has 16 calories and only 2.3 grams of carbohydrates.
By the keto standard, raw mushrooms are safe to eat daily. Yet, very few people eat raw mushrooms, so you should also take into account how to prepare them.
Tip #2: You can roast mushrooms for a keto-friendly cooking method
Since roasting doesn’t require the addition of any ingredients that could make this recipe high in carbohydrate, it is safe to eat for those following a keto diet. All you have to do is add a sprinkle of your preferred oil and roast them for a few minutes.
Tip #3: You can dry them for a keto snack any time
Dehydrating mushrooms is a good way to make a healthy keto-friendly snack. All you need to do is slice your mushrooms thin, place them on lined baking sheets, and dry them in the oven at very low temperatures.
You should keep an eye on them, and leave the door open so moisture can escape. Dehydrated mushrooms also last longer and you can use them in any meal or as a snack.
Tip #4: They can act as a carbohydrate substitute
Portobello mushrooms are the perfect ingredient to use instead of bread when you make hamburgers or sandwiches. Although it may seem weird, these mushrooms are incredibly tender and add great flavor.
You can also stuff your mushroom with meat, as this will make for a high-protein, high-fat meal that is low in carbohydrates. Use ground beef, crabmeat, or poultry to stuff your mushrooms and then bake them.
Tip #5: Mushrooms can give you fiber without the added carbohydrates
One of the hardest things for people following a ketogenic diet is getting enough fiber each day. Mushrooms, though, are very high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which makes them a great addition to your meals.
Adding a cup of mushrooms to your dish 0,7 grams of fiber. Still, you will probably eat more than one cup, so you’ll be adding a healthy amount of dietary fiber that your body certainly needs.
Tip #6: This fungus can also reduce inflammation
Another great thing that makes mushrooms keto-friendly is that they reduce inflammation. The ketogenic diet attempts to reduce inflammation in disease processes, such as cancer or diabetes.
Carbohydrates and processed foods often add to inflammation and make you feel sluggish. Mushroom, on the other hand, is a great source of anti-inflammatory compounds.
Tip #7: They can also fight oxidative stress
Most people don’t realize that oxidative stress in our bodies leads to disease, obesity, and fatigue. Mushrooms are known for helping destroy oxidative compounds, such as ROS or free radicals.
Because the keto diet is all about creating a more efficient source of energy for your body, you’ll certainly be aiding in this process by eating mushrooms.
Helping your body find oxidative stress also helps it become stronger, particularly when fighting off disease. The beta-glucans and selenium in mushrooms are great additions to the keto diet that won’t add calories or carbohydrates.
Add mushrooms to your dinner tonight!
Don’t wait any longer and add mushrooms to your keto meals from now on. Not only will they give you tons of nutrients, but they will also aid your body in reducing inflammation and damage. You can prepare them in many ways, as they are very versatile.
Enjoy mushrooms and don’t worry about your keto diet tonight! Check these out for more great recipes.
