The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white buttonmushroom, Agaricus bisporus, hence the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi that have a stem, a cap and gills on the underside of the cap. Mushroom cultivation has a long history, with over twenty species commercially cultivated. Mushrooms are cultivated in at least 60 countries. A fraction of the many fungi consumed by humans are currently cultivated and sold commercially in that the White Button Mushroom is the most widely cultivated mushroom in world. It has been bred to produce a mushroom with a uniform cap size and a thin stem. The thin stem reduces waste, since it is the round cap that is harvested and valued the most. Consumers enjoy eating this mushroom due to the many ways it can be prepared. Mushrooms are a flavorful and nutritious food group.,

Nutrition&Health Benefits:
White Button Mushroom has following nutrients. Nutritional Profile In a 100 gram serving, raw white mushrooms provide 22calories and are an excellent source of the B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. Fresh mushrooms are also a good source of the dietary mineral, phosphorus.

SELECTED NUTRIENTS PER SERVING:

White Button Mushrooms

Heart Health Benefits:
Heart disease is a leading cause of death throughout the world, but consuming button mushrooms can keep you from becoming another statistic. A major risk factor for heart disease is atherogenesis, which is the formation of plaque on arterial walls, which causes atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.

Immune System Benefits:
Specific cells in the body, referred to as natural killer cells, respond rapidly to foreign invaders such as viruses or cancer cells. Their rapid response is crucial to the immune system, as it helps the body fight disease. Eating button mushrooms can boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells.

Anticancer Benefits:
Button mushrooms protect the body from various cancer cell lines. Eating mushrooms will reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Nutritional Benefits:
Button mushrooms contribute to the recommended daily intake of several vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms contain high amounts of copper, which is needed to produce blood cells and maintain heart health. Additional nutrients are vitamins C, D and B; and the minerals selenium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc. When cooked, most of the nutrient content of mushrooms remains the same, while some nutrients lose between 5 and 20 percent of their value.