The white button mushroom, agaricus bisporus, is the most cultivated and widely available edible mushroom. This humble mushroom can actually play a significant role in improving several markers and preventing cancer. A Penn State study found that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. Individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms a day, about ⅛ to ¼ cup, had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not eat mushrooms at all, and an extract of white button mushrooms has been found to actually shrink tumors.
White button mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, (selenium, vitamin C, polyphenols) vitamins, (folate, vitamin B12, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin D2,) beneficial fibers, and beta glucans.
Breast Cancer
White button mushrooms might help to prevent breast cancer by lowering the activity of a protein called aromatase, which plays a role in making estrogen. Studies have found that white button mushrooms suppress aromatase activity and estrogen production.
Other studies found that white button mushroom extract decreased both tumor cell proliferation and tumor weight with no effect on the rate of tumor cell death.
A clinical trial on the effects of white button mushrooms on postmenopausal women found that taking 5-13 grams of white button mushroom extract found that the mushrooms could be a potential option for reducing estrogen-related breast cancer risk. Diets high in mushrooms may affect aromatase activity and protect against cancer in postmenopausal women by reducing the production of estrogen.
Prostate Cancer
White button mushroom extract has also shown promising results against prostate cancer.
Researchers tested white button mushroom extract on prostate cancer cell lines, in mice with prostate tumors, and in a clinical trial with 36 men with recurrent prostate cancer. The extract reduced prostate-specific antigen levels in 36% of patients. In lab tests with cancer cells, the mushroom extract slowed cancer cell growth, and in mice, a daily dose shrank tumors and lowered prostate-specific antigen levels.
A phase I clinical trial, where they gave white button mushroom tablets to patients as a nutraceutical intervention for recurrent prostate cancer, found that the mushroom extract decreased prostate-specific antigen levels without affecting blood testosterone levels.
Another study found that white button mushroom extract slowed cell growth and increased programmed cell death in the lab. In mice, it reduced tumor size and growth while simultaneously boosting immune responses with changes in genes related to cell dance, growth, and immunity.
White button mushrooms and the immune system
Studies have explored the effects of mushroom compounds such as beta-glucans and polysaccharides on immune function and the development of cancer. These studies have found that mushroom polysaccharides boost immune cells (macrophages) and slow tumor growth in mice. A study on melanoma found that the white mushroom extract showed an 82% inhibition rate, compared with 65% with a chemotherapy drug, with minimal harm to normal cells. A review of the literature found that higher mushroom intake is linked to a lower risk of various cancers. These results suggest that white button mushrooms may play a role in supporting the immune system to fight cancers.
White button mushrooms are likely such a powerful nutraceutical therapy because of their ability to lower both endotoxins and estrogens while improving the gut microbiome, providing a wide variety of beneficial nutrients and supporting the immune system.
How to Use White Button Mushrooms
White mushrooms are widely available in various forms: fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and powdered, making them versatile for weekly use.
- Fresh Mushrooms: these have a shorter shelf life, but more of the beneficial compounds are preserved.
- Cooking methods: after boiling for multiple hours, enjoy them with salt and vinegar or add them to various dishes.
- Frozen mushrooms: mushrooms can be kept frozen for long periods of time, preserving their nutrients.
- Preserved Mushrooms: Canned mushrooms are often seasoned, so watch out for unwanted additives.
- Dried Mushrooms: Drying mushrooms does not preserve as many of their nutrients, but it is a convenient way to store them and enhance their flavor.
- Powdered Mushrooms: This form is primarily used to enhance the nutritional content of dishes, particularly for boosting protein levels in baked goods.