Interested in trying our FREE 7-day healthy diet plan? All mushrooms are fungi and they produce spores, similar to pollen or seeds, which allows them mushroom ravioli al forno spread or travel by the wind. The rest of the mushroom then matures, typically living in soil or wood.

There are many different types of mushrooms, some of which are edible including well-known species such as button, oyster, porcini and chanterelle. There are, however, many which are not edible and may cause stomach pains or vomiting if eaten, and in some cases may be fatal, such as the common death cap mushroom. Mushrooms are being increasingly researched and used for their important health benefits, with a number of varieties demonstrating medicinal properties. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and read our guide on 10 types of mushroom you need to try. Discover more in our infographic: What counts as five-a-day?

Top 5 health benefits of mushrooms1. Plant source of vitamin DMushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D. Mushrooms also contain B vitamins as well as a powerful antioxidant called selenium, which helps support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues. Shop bought mushrooms are generally safe for most people, as long as you do not have an allergy to mushrooms or a mould allergy. However, with the popularity of wild food foraging comes more risk. With so many varieties of mushroom not safe for human consumption, it’s important that you heed caution before dashing out to your nearest woodland.