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Looking for Plant-Based Meat Alternatives? Try This Mushroom Jerky!

The standard diet revolves around meat, and a lot of it! In fact, most people can't go a day without eating meat at least once. Meat has become a staple in our lives, but it's not without any health consequences.

While meat consumption in moderation is fine, many people tend to overdo it on meat-based foods. This results in health problems, specifically affecting the heart and your joints.

This is why more and more people are looking to plant-based diets to improve their health. Alternatives to meat-based foods are becoming more popular and available, and do you know one of the greatest alternatives to meat there is? Surprisingly enough, mushrooms!

Why mushrooms?

Mushrooms come in different colors, sizes, and shapes. They're all nutritious, but some varieties are more packed with nutrients. Some examples of mushrooms are portobello, crimini, maitake, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.

Health benefits of mushrooms

Mushrooms are packed with different vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients; adding mushrooms to any recipe can give it an extra nutritional boost. Here are some of the benefits of eating mushrooms:

Mushrooms are full of vitamins and minerals

Mushrooms are naturally rich in B vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism, maintaining heart health, and proper digestive health. Pantothenic acid is also known to help with nerves and hormonal balance.

Mushrooms also have minerals like copper and potassium. Potassium is used to help maintain normal blood pressure levels, while copper keeps our red blood cell count within a healthy range.

Mushrooms help the body produce more glutathione

Mushrooms are generally a good source of selenium. Selenium is a mineral the body uses to produce the most critical antioxidant in the body: Glutathione.

Glutathione is the body's first line of defense against foreign bodies and free radicals. We tend to drain our glutathione stores every day, so selenium is always an in-demand mineral, and mushrooms happen to be a great source. Mushrooms are also the best source of selenium among produce.

Source of beta-glucan

Beta-glucan is one of the latest in trending health foods. It's a type of soluble dietary fiber and has been shown to help reduce the risks of heart problems and other health concerns. Soluble fiber can also help improve gut microbial health, which can indirectly benefit our immune system.

AHCC®: The healthiest mushroom

At Quality of Life, we have recognized mushrooms' healing power and health benefits for a long time! This is why we formulate our immune health supplements featuring a patented mushroom ingredient, AHCC®.

Short for active hexose correlated compound, AHCC® functions as an antioxidant. Studies show AHCC® can help the immune system respond faster to foreign bodies and harmful microbes. It's been cited to boost antibody production, improve immune-cell activity (NK cells, macrophages, T-cells, etc.), and provides a layer of protection even in cold environments.*

For the most potent form of AHCC®, choose AHCC®-Kinoko Platinum, our best-selling supplement for immunity.*

While your adding mushrooms to your diet, try this Mushroom Jerky recipe

Unlike the typical mushrooms you see in your yard, or when you go hiking, these mushrooms are selected for the flavors they impart, their nutritional content, and how they can transform to resemble the texture of meat. Curious? Try this healthy and delicious Shiitake Mushroom Jerky recipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes + overnights marinade

Cook time: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Serving: 3

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
  • Six teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Three tablespoon chili garlic paste
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 24-ounce shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps cut into one 1/2-inch slices or left whole if smaller

Instructions

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