What was it all about?

This project, which ran from 2011 to 2014, explored the scientific literature on the nutritional and health properties of eating mushrooms, and communicated the benefits in various forms to health professionals, researchers, media writers and mushroom growers.

The literature review revealed a significant number of health benefits. Mushrooms have compounds that help control blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels, they are high in B vitamins, the minerals selenium, copper, chromium, have compounds that kill or modulate cancer cells, provide glutamate and other compounds that help regulate appetite and enhance immunity, and have the ability to generate vitamin D.

To ensure that the health benefits of mushrooms were known, the team produced the following resources:

• The Power of Mushrooms website, and Vitamin D Mushrooms website
• Fact sheets on topics including heart health, gout, cancer, diabetes and keeping trim
• A brochure for health professionals
• Promotional materials in GP surgeries
• Presentations for health professionals
• A video on vitamin D in mushrooms
• A regular e-newsletter for doctors, nurses and dietitians
• Content for social media including the Mushroom Lovers Club on Facebook
• Content to journalists, health writers, bloggers and health professionals upon request.

ACT NOW

• Watch the project’s video on vitamin D mushrooms by Glenn Cardwell and Fast Ed Halmagyi
  
  
• Information on the benefits of mushrooms remains available in the Health & Nutrition section of the Australian Mushrooms website