The Best 11 Healthiest Types of Mushrooms for Immunity, Benefits

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start eating more mushrooms.

“Most commonly considered a non-starchy vegetable, mushrooms are actually an edible fungus that contain fiber and various nutrients for supporting good health,” says Mary Wirtz, R.D., and consultant for Mom Loves Best.

Mushrooms are also a great source of important nutrients including B vitamins, phosphorus, vitamin D, selenium, and potassium. What’s more “mushrooms have been well-researched in helping to fight free radicals that cause cellular damage,” Wirtz says.

And she goes on: “From a nutrition perspective, mushrooms are very low in calories and a rich source of dietary fiber; therefore a fantastic method for reducing caloric intake and helping to control weight and obesity.”

Eating mushrooms regularly may also be a boon for your brain health. “While there is no specific agreed upon recommendation for the number of servings of mushrooms per week, consuming more than two servings of mushrooms per week is linked with a lower risk of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s,” says Wirtz, pointing to this research.

And, then, all nutritious benefits aside, there's the fact that mushrooms are absolutely delicious. Shiitake, crimini, oyster, trumpet, morel—these fungi are some of the most meaty, umami-packed foods outside of the animal-protein kingdom. Skipping mushrooms all together because you once had a bad experience with a raw white mushroom at a chain restaurant salad bar is depriving your health—and your gustatory wealth.

Variety is the spice of life, and consuming a wide array of mushrooms may offer variegated health benefits. “Consider adding mushrooms to your morning egg scramble, chicken salad at lunch, or homemade veggie burgers at dinner,” said Wirtz.

Ahead, 11 amazing mushrooms to load up on for your health.