Mushrooms don’t really get the recognition that they deserve simply because they look weird, and the fact that they are fungus. That you eat.

But so what?

There are nutrients that mushrooms can provide, and you don’t even need to shell out a lot of money when you want to go for variations – unlike oysters. Your everyday white and brown mushrooms can pack a nutritious punch, so if you’re not on the mushroom train, jump aboard and read on. They’re packed with B vitamins. B vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and folate are key to countless body processes. Some mushrooms are higher in certain B vitamins than others, so eating a variety can help you cover your bases. Example: Portobello mushrooms have more folate than Italian and crimini mushrooms, while shiitakes provide more vitamin B6 than other varieties.

Mushrooms are packed with Vitamin D. That’s right, mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources for Vitamin D, an important nutrient for maintaining bone health, nerve and muscle function, and support for the immune system. It’s difficult to meet our daily requirements for vitamin D on mushrooms along – a single serving only provides 3 percent. But that 3 percent can go a long way when you can’t get access to other vitamin D rich sources.

Mushrooms boost the immune system. Mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, which provide a whole sleuth of benefits. First, they fight free radical damage that could lead to serious health conditions, like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants have also been the focus of study for their potential role in preventing the effects of aging. If that’s not enough, mushrooms are a rich source of selenium, which is important for maintaining the health of your reproductive system and thyroid gland function.

You feel more full and satisfied. Mushrooms are a great low-calorie way to add texture and volume of flavor to your dishes. A cup of serving of raw white or brown mushrooms can only set you back about 20 calories while providing you with 2 grams of protein. If that’s not good enough, then I don’t know what is.