Mushrooms

Big groups or other example :

morels, reishi, crocodile agaricus, or other species.

Characteristics of mushrooms
Mushrooms, sometimes called toadstools, are a type
of fungus. Mushrooms, consisting of a stem and a
cap, serve the same basic function to the parent
organism as a fruit or a flower does in plants.
Hundreds of distinct species of mushrooms exist;
they have a reputation for being widely poisonous,
but in fact, comparatively few species can cause
serious harm if you eat them.
Physical characteristic of mushroom
Most mushrooms have a stalk, also called a stem,
and a cap, which is generally disc shaped. On the
underside of the cap -- especially in edible species
you find at the supermarket -- you may see a series
of closely spaced slits, called gills; alternatively, this
space can be occupied by pores. Mushrooms vary
greatly in both size and color, and some of them,
such as puffballs, don't conform to the stalk-and-cap
shape. The parent organism of mushrooms, called a
mycelium, lies beneath the soil, and a single one of
these can cover as much as 1,500 acres.
Benefits of mushrooms
Increase your vitamin D

mushrooms are the only fruit or vegetable source of

this critical vitamin. Like humans, mushrooms

produce vitamin D when in sunlight. Exposing them

to high levels of ultraviolet B just before going to
market converts more of the plant sterol ergosterol
into the so-called sunshine vitamin. In the U.S.,
portobellos fortified with vitamin D are already being
sold, with a three-ounce (85-gram) serving providing
about 400 IU of vitamin D (Osteoporosis Canada
recommends that adults under 50 get 400 to 1,000
IU daily). William Stevens, CEO of the trade
organization Mushrooms Canada, says, A couple of
Canadian producers are already testing this
procedure. He adds that high D or sunshine
mushrooms should be in stores here in about six
months or so.
Boost your immune system
found that white button mushrooms may promote
immune function by increasing the production of
antiviral and other proteins that are released by cells
while they are trying to protect and repair the bodys
tissues. A later study showed that these mushrooms
promoted the maturation of immune system cells
called dendritic cellsfrom bone marrow. According to
he researchers, this may help enhance the bodys
immunity leading to better defence systems against
invading microbes.
Metabolism
B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates)
into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce
energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and
protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2
(riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams (31/2

ounces) of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of

your daily recommended amount, respectively, white
button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster
mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.
Antioxidant
B vitamins are vital for turning food (carbohydrates)
into fuel (glucose), which the body burns to produce
energy. They also help the body metabolize fats and
protein. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2
(riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin): 100 grams (31/2
ounces) of crimini have 44 percent and 30 percent of
your daily recommended amount, respectively, white
button have 36 and 30 percent, and oyster
mushrooms have 32 and 39 percent.
Harmful effects of mushroom
Food poisoning is a negative side effect of mushrooms
contaminated with campylobacter jejuni, a bacterium that
can be present on commercially grown mushrooms.
Improper cleaning or cooking methods, cross-contamination
from other animal-derived foods or improper pasteurization
might be the cause of bacterial contamination, according to
Al Wagner with the Texas Agricultural and Mechanical
College. If you happen to eat mushrooms that are
contaminated with the campylobacter jejuni bacteria, it
might cause nausea, diarrhea or abdominal cramping. This
bacterial strain is sensitive to extreme cold and dryness.

These symptoms can vary from slight gastrointestinal

discomfort to death. The toxins present are
secondary metabolites produced in specific
biochemical pathways in the fungal cells. Mushroom
poisoning is usually the result of ingestion of wild

mushrooms after misidentification of a toxic

mushroom as an edible species

Links:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/466272-negative-healtheffects-of-mushrooms/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/nutrition/5-healthbenefits-of-mushrooms/5/

http://www.ehow.com/info_8308611_characteristicsmushrooms.html

http://www.answers.com/Q/What_are_examples_of_big_groups_of
_mushrooms