Morel Mushroom

Other names : sponge mushroom, Morchella, Morchella esculenta, Common morel, morel, yellow morel, true morel, Sponge morel
Morel mushrooms are a very distinctive variety of mushroom found in woodlands where there is moist soil. Although Morel mushrooms require cooking before they can be eaten, they make a delicious and healthful addition to any recipes that call for mushrooms. Morel mushrooms, like many mushrooms, have many health benefits associated with their consumption.

Special Precautions of Morel Mushroom

• Morels contain small amounts of hydrazine toxins that are removed by thorough cooking; morel mushrooms should never be eaten raw. It has been reported that even cooked morels can sometimes cause mild intoxication symptoms when consumed with alcohol.
• When eating this mushroom for the first time it is wise to consume a small amount to minimize any allergic reaction. Morels for consumption must be clean and free of decay.
• Morels growing in old apple orchards that had been treated with the insecticide lead arsenate may accumulate levels of toxic lead and arsenic that are unhealthy for human consumption.
• For safety reasons, it is important to properly identify various morel species.
  • A Verpa bohemica, or wrinkled thimble cap, is filled with a white cottony fiber substance. These should be avoided.
  • The Gyromitra esculenta or the "Beefsteak Morel", usually fruits before the true morels. It has a wavy brainy like cap and is fleshy and brittle. These are very toxic.
  • The species Morchella semilibera, or half free morel, usually has a tall stem and a cap that is not fully connected to the stem. These can be eaten, but in moderation.

Benefits and uses of Morel Mushroom are

• Improved Cardiovacular Health : Morel mushrooms can improve heart conditions due to their high levels of copper, vitamin E, and potassium. A study conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirmed this evidence of heart health aided by mushroom consumption (see Resources).
• Reduced Cancer Risk : Morel mushrooms can decrease the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer, due to their high levels of selenium and niacin. These results were noted by the Cancer Research UK study on the effects of mushrooms for cancer treatment (see Resources).
• Ideal for Weight Loss : Morel mushrooms are low in fat and calories, yet high in vitamins and nutrients, making them helpful for people trying to lose weight. A study conducted by the John Hopkins Weight Management Center shows that mushrooms may help with weight loss (see Resources).
• Increase Immunity to Illness : Morel mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which boosts the immune system and help your body resist diseases and illnesses. In a study conducted by the Department of Surgical Research at the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope confirms that high mushroom intake may increase immunity (see Resources).
• Aid in Diabetes Treatment : Morel mushrooms can help lower blood sugars and keep them balanced, making Morel mushrooms helpful for treating diabetes naturally. Always check with your doctor (see Resources).
• Antioxidatnt : Morel mushrooms provide antioxidants that protect healthy cells from disease formation. Morchella conica and Morchella rotunda are two morel species that provide the highest level of antioxidants, according to 2009 research by scientists from Cumhuriyet University in Turkey. The researchers compared antioxidant levels of seven different types of morel mushrooms to determine which were most effective medicinally for scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from their harmful effects.
• Liver Health : Consuming morel mushrooms may improve liver function. Administering Morchella esculenta, a morel species, to mice experiencing laboratory induced renal failure resulted in improved liver function and antioxidant activity, according to a 2008 study by researchers at Amala Cancer Research Centre in India.
• Macronutrients : The nutritional content of morel mushrooms provides several health benefits, including cardiovascular and weight loss support. A 1-cup serving of morel mushrooms provides 1.8 g of fiber. Fiber absorbs bile acids in the intestines and prevents them from re-entering the bloodstream and forming cholesterol, a substance that clogs arteries and causes cardiac arrest and stroke. It also slows carbohydrate digestion, along with the 2 g of protein in morels. Together these macronutrients maintain a steady blood glucose level that provides consistent energy throughout the day, preventing binging and excessive snacking.
• Vitamins and Minerals : The vitamins and minerals in morel mushrooms improves bone density, heart function and energy. A 1-cup serving of morel mushrooms provides 136 IU of vitamin D, an important nutrient for the maintenance of bone density. The 271 mg of potassium supports a normal heartbeat, and the 8 mg of iron improves oxygen utilization that provides energy.