An alternative medicine expert, Rev. Fr. Anselm Adodo, has said that mushrooms are the best alternatives to red meat and chicken.
Adodo, in an interview with our correspondent, said mushrooms could be used as a remedy for high cholesterol.
“If you have been battling with high cholesterol, mushrooms could be the best remedy that you need. They are high in fibre and contain healthy enzymes. Also, they provide you with lean proteins.
“The high level of lean protein in mushrooms helps to burn cholesterol when ingested. It also helps to maintain a balance between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol. Mushrooms are highly recommended for the prevention of heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis,” he said.
Describing mushrooms as excellent sources of iron, Adodo said that the human body could absorb over 90 per cent of iron found in mushrooms.
“If you eat mushrooms, you will notice how quickly you feel energised and refreshed. Low levels of iron in the blood lead to fatigue, headache, digestive problems, and reduced kidney function.
“Mushrooms promote the formation of red blood cells and keep people healthy and active. Those suffering from sickle- cell anaemia will find mushrooms particularly beneficial,” he said.
Adodo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Pax Herbal Clinic, added that mushrooms could be effectively used to prevent breast and prostate cancers because of the presence of beta-glucans and conjugated linoleic acid.
“Beta-glucans stop the growth of cancerous cells in prostate cancer cases, while linoleic acid helps to suppress the adverse effects of excessive oestrogen production, which is one of the causes of breast cancer, especially after menopause,” he said.
Adodo also advised diabetic patients to eat mushrooms regularly because of their contents, which include fibre, water, natural insulin and enzymes that help to break down the sugar in food.
“The enzymes in mushrooms also support proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and other endocrine glands. This explains why they promote the formation of insulin and its effective regulation in the body. For people with diabetes, mushrooms are the ideal low-energy diet. They contain zero fat and cholesterol, little carbohydrate, high protein, vitamins and minerals,” he said.
