Mushrooms are one of the most enjoyed ingredients among many people. They have a high nutritional value but are low in calories. They are also cholesterol free. In addition, they are full of flavor when cooked to one’s liking. There are countless varieties of edible mushrooms.
In this article, we will focus on Baby Bella mushrooms. We’ll see whether eating raw Baby Bella mushrooms is advisable and what happens if you eat it raw. Let’s begin.
What are Baby Bella Mushrooms?
Baby Bella mushrooms are fungi with a deep brown cap and are very rich in flavor. They are also known as cremini mushrooms. Baby Bella mushrooms are in the same category as white button mushrooms and portobello under the Agaricus bisporus species.
Nutritional Benefits of Baby Bella Mushrooms
These mushrooms have many nutritional benefits, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
A cup of baby bella mushrooms provides moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus, which are important minerals for optimal health. Additionally, baby bella mushrooms are a good source of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and folate, all of which are important for overall health.
Furthermore, baby bella mushrooms are low in calories, with only 20 calories per 100 grams. They also contain small amounts of iron and vitamins, including vitamins B2 and B3.
Can You Eat Uncooked Bella Mushrooms?
The question of whether eating raw Baby Bella mushrooms is safe has recently emerged. This is not only for Baby Bella but also for other edible mushrooms.
First things first. Why do we cook mushrooms? Apart from the addition of flavor, mushrooms are cooked to help break down cell walls and other potentially harmful substances and help release the good substances so that the body can absorb them, such as nutrients.
With raw mushrooms, it is harder for the body to digest, extract and absorb nutrients.
With that said, it is possible to eat most mushrooms without any health repercussions. However, with mushrooms under the Agaricus bisporus species, which includes Baby Bella mushrooms, raw eating is highly discouraged.
Do Baby Bella Mushrooms Need to Be Cooked?
Yes. It is advisable to avoid eating raw Baby Bella mushrooms. Let me explain why.
Mushrooms of the species Agaricus bisporus, such as Baby Bella, contain a natural compound called agaritine, which is known to be a carcinogen. Studies using rodents have shown carcinogenic effects when using high concentrations of agaritine.
Truthfully speaking, it would be quite difficult for humans to consume agaritine in mushrooms in such high concentrations to the point of getting carcinogenic effects.
However, the long-term effects of small doses of agaritine have not yet been studied in humans hence it is better to tread carefully.
This does not mean that you should never eat Baby Bella mushrooms. It simply means that it is better to ensure that you cook your Baby Bella mushrooms. Cooking breaks down the toxins in the mushrooms and helps the body to easily absorb the beneficial compounds.
Freezing Baby Bella Mushrooms Raw
Like most of the other edible varieties of mushrooms, Baby Bella can safely be frozen to keep them for quite a while. After getting them and removing them from the packaging, brush them off with a paper towel them put them in a paper bag in the fridge.
Conclusion
As we wrap this up, we’ve seen that cooking your mushrooms with help you reap the benefits much more than eating them raw.
Also, read:
- What Happens If I Eat Raw Potato?
- Are crawfish harmful to humans?
- Are Cueritos/ Pickled Pork Skins Healthy For you?
Feel free to share your observations with me in the comments section!
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