Mushrooms are hailed for their rich nutrient content, but Elliot Webb, an expert in the field, says we can unlock even more of their benefits with a dash of sunlight.
Founder of Urban Farm-It and author of ‘Growing Mushrooms at Home’, Mr Webb has touted a light-infused secret for elevating mushrooms’ vitamin D levels. While it’s widely known that human skin synthesises vitamin D from sunlight, few realise that mushrooms boast this sunshine talent too.
He revealed: « Mushrooms contain a compound called ergosterol, which transforms into a precursor of vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light. This means that simply placing mushrooms in direct sunlight for a short time before eating them can significantly enhance their vitamin D content. »
Normally, mushrooms have one or two micrograms of vitamin D, but Mr Webb’s trick could increase that by up to 20-fold, he claimed.
« Just 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure to your mushrooms can make a meaningful difference, » he pointed out. Amidst the widespread reliance on pills for nutrition, this simple tip offers a budget-friendly way to naturally boost vitamin D intake.
Mr Webb said: « Sun-enhanced mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, especially for those following plant-based diets. This method is widely recognised in Scandinavian countries, where wild mushrooms naturally exposed to sunlight have long been valued for their nutritional benefits. »
He further emphasised that the effectiveness of this method isn’t merely anecdotal – scientific research has validated the extraordinary impact sunlight can have on mushrooms.
« Research has shown that even exposing dried mushrooms to UV light can generate nutritionally significant amounts of vitamin D, » he explained. »In commercial settings, UV lamps have been used to enhance mushrooms in just seconds, making this a viable solution to address vitamin D deficiencies. »
Beyond vitamin D, mushrooms offer a wide range of additional health benefits. « They are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals, » Mr Webb said. « Incorporating them into your diet regularly can support overall well-being. »
How to sunbathe your mushrooms
For those intrigued by the idea of sunbathing their mushrooms at home, Mr Webb proposed a simple procedure:
- Place fresh mushrooms outdoors or on a sunny windowsill
- Expose them to direct sunlight for 15 to 30 minutes
- Ensure they are turned occasionally for even exposure
- Cook as usual to enjoy the enhanced nutritional benefits
Enhancing mushrooms with vitamin D through sunlight exposure is an uncomplicated and effective way to augment nutrition without resorting to supplements, Mr Webb concluded.
« This method is simple, natural, and requires no extra cost, » said Mr Webb. « By making this small change, people can increase their vitamin D intake and enjoy the many health benefits that mushrooms provide. »
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