Negative effects of portobello mushroom

By
Dr. Asha Jyoti
-
Negative effects of portobello mushroom

Know in one minute about The negative effects of portobello mushroom

  • The negative effects of Portobello Mushrooms can’t be neglected as it causes potential harm to the body.
  • Portobello mushrooms contain high dietary fiber that can cause indigestion and hence stomach upset.
  • As these species belong to the fungal family, the chitinase cell walls are hard to digest according to the human digestive system.
  • Studies suggested that people can develop intolerance to the presence of lectins, found in portobello which causes allergic reactions when consumed in excess.
  • Well, portobello mushrooms have both negative and positive sides. They are extremely beneficial in treating cancers and improving immune system functioning. But there are certain limitations and must be consumed in moderation.  

Introduction

What are Portobello Mushrooms? 

The Portobello mushrooms are button-shaped and most imposing-sized. They are somewhat rounded, earthen caps with black gills on them beneath. The scientific name of Portobello Mushroom is Agaricus bisporus. In this article, we are highlighting whether there are any negative effects of portobello mushroom and how it affects the body.

The rising popularity of portobello mushrooms

Agaricus bisporus, or the double-spored Agaricus is the button mushroom available fresh in the grocery stores and this mushroom is found commercially in the mushroom soup.

These days, portobello is found fresh in grocery stores as they have become a popular ingredient in Latin America. They are the fungi most widely used in America and are called, simply, mushrooms. 

Agaricus bisporus, the species that currently provides the greatest quantity of mushrooms, was first cultivated in France around 1600 and has been the favorite in Western countries.

It has many names i.e., button mushroom, white mushroom, cultivated mushroom, or champignon. In Western countries, the cultivation of Agaricus is a professional business, and for large-scale farmers, it is an industrial enterprise. 

Benefits of portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are button-shaped mushrooms, with an abundance of nutrients and possess numerous health benefits. 

1. Rich in antioxidants

Portobello mushrooms have dense levels of antioxidants that reduce inflammations and provide protection against various diseases. 

2. Vitamins Rich

They are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and selenium. 

3. Low calorie content

About 86 grams of portobello mushrooms contain only 40 grams of calories. 

4. High in Fibers

Consuming approximately one cup of portobello mushroom provides us with about 4 grams of dietary fiber that helps us stay full for longer periods of time.

5. Heart loving food

Portobello mushrooms are a heart-loving food and help in lowering cholesterol levels, thus simultaneously reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Negative effects of Portobello Mushrooms

Though this variety of mushrooms has great advantages for our overall health, it still has some disadvantages. Some of the factors include:

1. Gastrointestinal distress

  • Digestive discomfort

Portobello mushrooms contain high dietary fiber that can cause indigestion and hence stomach upset. As these species belong to the fungal family, the chitinase cell walls are hard to digest according to the human digestive system (1).

2. Allergic reactions

Studies suggested that people can develop intolerance to the presence of lectins, found in portobello which causes allergic reactions when consumed in excess (2).

3. Kidney issues

Effect on kidneys due to high oxalate content

The presence of oxalates in portobello mushrooms has a tendency towards the formation of kidney stones, People suffering from kidney ailments must limit their consumption of these button-shaped mushrooms as they can raise the risk(4).

4. Hygiene and foodborne illness

Microbial contamination

These mushrooms are vulnerable to many microbial contaminants such as E. coli and Salmonella species. They cause sickness when consumed in excess quantities. Improper storage facilities can lead to the outgrowth of harmful microorganisms on the surface of portobello mushrooms (3).

5. Food poisoning

Not having safety handling procedures during harvesting and storage can result in outgrowths of certain bacteria that can be deadly poisonous and life-threatening. 

Food poisoning from these mushrooms can cause potential health risks if they are not cooked properly or eaten raw toppings in salads and dressings. The most common poisoning is oral poisoning which has caused many deaths in China (5).

6. Gout

How eating portobello causes gout and the effect of the high purine content.

Gout is generally a painful stage of arthritis due to an increase in uric acid. Gout happens in individuals with high  uric acid levels, hence called the presence of urate  in the blood levels. 

Basically, purines break down to form urates in the body. Purines are naturally occurring chemicals created by our bodies, but they are also found in certain foods (6).

Portobello mushrooms have high levels of purine content and hence persist the risks of having gout. Moreover, these mushrooms have higher levels of purine content than the rest of the mushrooms (7).

7. Interaction with certain medication

Effect on platelet aggregation

Portobello mushrooms can cause few adverse effects with certain medications. They contain tyramine, which increases blood pressure when taken along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). They have the ability to reduce the effect of medications and antibiotics if taken simultaneously (8).

The presence of bioactive compounds like polyphenols inhibits the activation of pro-aggregatory pathways and helps in reducing inflammation. It also plays an important role in regulating blood flow throughout the body by interfering with platelet aggregation (10).

Hence, it is important to consult a doctor before consuming portobello mushrooms along with their prescribed medications.

8. Interaction with anticoagulants

The presence of Ergothioneine and polyphenols suppresses the pathways needed for clot formation. Studies revealed that consumption of Portobello mushrooms has decreased plasma fibrinogen levels and has lowered blood clotting mechanisms. 

This mechanism of anti-clotting activity proves a miracle for individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke (11).

9. Impact on blood sugar level

Portobello mushrooms are very rich in dietary fiber and low in carbohydrate content. Hence, it promises to keep blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check. The fibers present allow for slow absorption of glucose in the bloodstream and help in maintaining insulin secretion (12).

10. Fungal toxins

Recent studies confirmed that portobello mushrooms that hail from the Agaricus family produce a fungal toxin called Orellanine. If consumed, they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort to kidney failure (13).

Thus, utmost care needs to be taken before consuming this mushroom species as the toxins are not removed from cooking. One must buy mushrooms from reliable and trusted sources only.

Can Portobello mushrooms really cause cancer?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming portobello mushrooms can cause cancer. In fact, mushrooms, including portobello mushrooms, are often regarded as a healthy food choice due to their low-calorie content, rich nutrient profile, and potential health benefits.

Mushrooms are a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some studies even suggest that certain compounds found in mushrooms may have anti-cancer properties. However, it’s essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding any concerns related to specific foods and their potential impact on health.

  • Recent studies proved that these mushrooms have high levels of antioxidants that stop cancer. Some elements act as inhibitors and provide protection against breast cancers. 
  • The phytochemicals present in these mushrooms have shown significant inhibition of breast cancer cell proliferation (14).
  • Furthermore, portobello is known to increase immunity by stimulating white blood cells to fight against disease and cancer-causing agents. 

They are also known to restrict the malignant growth of tumorous cells. They kill the invading microbes and prevent infections. The polysaccharide extracts present in portobello increases immunity against cancerous cells (15).

  • Beta-glucans found in portobello mushrooms decrease inflammation caused by carcinogens like nitrosamines. The consumption of these mushrooms maintains the lipid profiling of the patient and helps in atherosclerosis (16).
  • Portobellos also possess vitamins B6, copper, and potassium that provide protection against prostate cancer. They are highly rich in antioxidants and hence a miracle in reducing the risk of prostate cancer in specially aged men (17).

Q&A

1. What’s the negative side of portobello mushrooms?

There are several side effects of portobello mushrooms when consumed in excess. They contain purines that convert uric acid to urate and lead to the formation of kidney stones. They are also responsible for the formation of gout.

2. Are portobello mushrooms good or bad?

Well, portobello mushrooms have both negative and positive sides. They are extremely beneficial in treating cancers and improving immune system functioning. But there are certain limitations and must be consumed in moderation. 

3. What are the health effects of portobello?

There are several health benefits: 

  • Low-calorie food and high-fiber diet that helps in maintaining weight.
  • They are rich in antioxidants and reduce inflammation.
  • Portobello mushrooms are highly rich in vitamins that play a major role in contributing to good health.
  • They help in reducing cholesterol levels and thus provide protection to the heart by regulating blood pressure levels.

4. Is it OK to eat portobello mushrooms everyday?

Yes, it is completely safe to eat portobello mushrooms daily but obviously in a limited amount. 1 cup of portobello is enough for per day consumption.

References

Written By: Sushmita Mukhopadhyay