The active ingredients in mushroom | BETA-GLUCANS | Edible Mushrooms and Beta-Glucans | The Effect of Mushroom Beta-Glucans THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN MUSHROOMS : BETA-GLUCANS Beta-glucan molecules (or B-glucans) are one configuration of polysaccharide. As you will see, beta-glucans are found in abundance in mushrooms and are one reason why they strengthen the immune system.  The term beta-glucan refers to the way that the sugar units are attached to one another in the polysaccharide chain.  Each glucose molecule has six carbons, and the linkage between the different carbons can occur at any position.  A polysaccharide in which the molecule at the first position is linked to the next molecule at the third position is called a 1-3 beta-glucan. Most betaglucans in mushrooms are of the 1-3 variety and known to boost the immune system. Plants, by contrast, mostly contain 1-4 beta-glucans. A beta-glucan is a huge molecule. To see how large, consider penicillin, which has a molecular weight o

Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins , including riboflavin , niacin , and pantothenic acid , which help to provide energy by breaking down proteins , fats , and carbohydrates . B vitamins also play a significant role in the nervous system. Pantothenic Acid : Helps with the production of hormones and also plays a vital function in the nervous system. Riboflavin Helps to maintain healthy red blood cells. Niacin Promotes healthy skin and makes sure the digestive and nervous systems function properly. Minerals Mushrooms are also a source of important. Selenium A mineral that works as an antioxidant to protect body cells from damage that might lead to heart disease, some cancers and other diseases of aging. It also has been found to be beneficial for the immune system and fertility in men. Many foods of animal origin and grains are good sources of selenium, but mushrooms are among the richest sources of selenium in the produce aisle and provide 8-22 mcg per serving.