Nutrition Value of Mushroom Intake And Its Impact On Human Health

Abstract

Introduction: Mushrooms have been considered as ingredient of gourmet cuisine across the globe; especially for their unique flavor and have been valued by humankind as a culinary wonder. Objectives: The basic aim of this study is to find the nutrition value of mushroom intake and its impact on human health. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in University of Ha’il, Saudi Arabia from January 2023 till November 2023.  The university community served as the target population, comprising students, faculty, and staff. A structured questionnaire was developed to gather information on dietary habits, including the frequency and types of mushrooms consumed, as well as other dietary components. Health parameters such as BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels were also assessed. Dietary intake data were analyzed using nutritional software to estimate the daily intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Results: Data were collected from 300 participants from both genders. The average daily caloric intake among participants was 2,000 kcal, with mushrooms contributing approximately 5% to the total daily caloric intake. Macronutrient analysis revealed that mushrooms were a notable source of dietary fiber (10g/day) and provided moderate amounts of protein (5g/day). Micronutrient analysis indicated significant contributions from mushrooms to daily selenium intake (40μg/day) and vitamin D2 intake (10μg/day). Conclusion: It is concluded that mushroom intake within is associated with positive nutritional outcomes, including favorable lipid profiles and increased dietary fiber consumption. The educational intervention appears to have a positive impact on participants' knowledge and dietary intentions, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to promote healthier eating habits.