By Valerie Wilson
Mushrooms seem like such an unassuming small vegetable that you probably would not realize their tremendous healing properties—packed full of heart-healthy nutrients such as selenium, potassium, phosphorus, and many B vitamins. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans that improve cholesterol levels and riboflavin, which are great for red blood cells. Most people think the only way to get vitamin D is from sunshine (which is a great source); however, you can find it in mushrooms also. Shiitake mushrooms have D2, D3, and D4 in them. If you are fortunate enough to find wild morel mushrooms, they grow in the wild and are one of the most flavorful mushrooms; they are exceptionally high in vitamin D.
Mushrooms will help detoxify the body, improve circulation, and help hydrate the body. They also have been used for a long time in the Orient for their anti-cancer properties. Studies show they contain polysaccharides -protein/peptides that have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Certain varieties of mushrooms are more medicinal, and each one has unique properties. You can use any mushroom or a combination of mushrooms in the following Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
6 cups water
2 cups rice beverage or your favorite non-dairy beverage
2 cups rolled oats
1 onion (diced)
6 cups mushrooms (cut up)
6 garlic cloves (chopped)
1/4 cup light miso
1/4 cup tahini
1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- Bring water and rice beverage to a boil in a soup pot.
- Add the rolled oats, onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Reduce to low temperature and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add the light miso, tahini, and sea salt.
- Using a hand blender, blend until smooth and creamy. You can use a blender or food processor if you do not have a hand blender.
