Mushrooms

       Mushrooms are not the easiest food for the human body to digest. This is primarily explained by the fact that they contain a large amount of chitin, which is almost not absorbed by our body. In terms of structure and function, chitin is very similar to cellulose; it is also a structural polysaccharide that plays a supportive role in cell walls due to its fibrous structure. The structure of chitin is identical to that of cellulose, with one exception: at the 2nd carbon atom, the hydroxyl (OH) group is replaced in its molecule by the group -NH-CO-CH₃.

Due to the presence of chitin, mushrooms are a product that is digested slowly, and a feeling of fullness persists in humans for a long time.

As a rule, in the cell walls of mushrooms, chitin is found in a complex with other biopolymers: proteins, glycans, and melanins.

The main biological value of mushrooms is determined by the presence of a number of components in them, the most important of which are the so-called glycans – homopolysaccharides (polysaccharides composed of identical monosaccharide residues), built from glucose residues. They have a specific structure that differs from the most well-known glycans today – starch and cellulose – in the nature of the bond and the location of the glucose residues to each other (the residues of β-D-glucose are linked by 1,3-bonds).

One of the main advantages of mushroom glycans is their lack of toxicity, while they are capable of exerting stimulating effects on various components of immunity and correcting pathological conditions associated with immune system dysfunctions, bringing them back to normal.

In addition, glycans from some mushrooms have antitumor activity. Currently, preparations based on them are not used in oncology practice as the sole means for treating cancer due to insufficient effectiveness, but active research is being conducted on their use in combination therapy for cancer patients and as a means of supportive therapy. A significant advantage of mushroom glycans, in addition to their action on tumors, is their ability to significantly reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Among the advantages of mushrooms, it should be noted that they are a low-calorie product, containing a lot of protein, which includes essential and non-essential amino acids; as well as mineral elements and vitamins. However, due to the presence of chitin, which slows down the absorption of other components, a significant portion of the nutrients contained in mushrooms is poorly absorbed. Therefore, mushrooms are generally not recommended for children.

To ensure mushrooms are digested faster, they should be cut as finely as possible during preparation. It should also be noted that the stems of mushrooms contain much more chitin than the caps, so the stems should be cut smaller.

Too frequent consumption of mushrooms can lead to exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, chronic gastritis, liver and kidney diseases.

Among the negative properties of mushrooms, their ability to accumulate toxins and radioactive substances from the air, soil, and water should also be noted, so only mushrooms collected in ecologically clean areas should be consumed.