Mushrooms offer impressive health benefits, from slowing cancer progression and lowering blood pressure to improving insulin resistance and supporting brain and bone health. A recent study from McGill University highlights another potential benefit: protecting lung health during the flu.
The research focuses on beta-glucan, a natural compound found in the cell walls of fungi. This fiber-like substance helps regulate immune cells, specifically neutrophils, which act as first responders in respiratory infections. While neutrophils are essential for fighting pathogens, excessive activity can cause lung inflammation and tissue damage, increasing the risk of complications like pneumonia. The study found that beta-glucan helps neutrophils control inflammation, reducing lung damage and improving respiratory function in flu-infected mice. These findings, published in Nature Immunology, suggest beta-glucan could help strengthen the immune system and minimize flu severity in humans.
Eating mushrooms regularly is a great start to incorporating more beta-glucan into your diet. Popular varieties like shiitake, maitake, and reishi are particularly rich in this immune-boosting compound. You can add mushrooms to soups, stir-fries, omelets, and salads or blend them into sauces and broths.
If mushrooms aren’t your favorite, beta-glucan is also found in whole grains like oats and barley and seaweed varieties such as kelp and nori. Including these foods in your daily meals can naturally support your immune system and overall health, making flu symptoms less severe and recovery faster.
