Many of us enjoy mushrooms in whatever way they are cooked. We also know that mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and help boost metabolism. Adding to these benefits, a recent study might give you even more reasons to pile on the delicious mushroom on your plate. The study states that adding mushrooms to your regular diet may be good for the health of your gut. So, the next time you order a pizza, make sure it’s loaded with mushrooms. Or if you are having a steak, spoon mushrooms over it. You can also stir them into hot pasta for an easy dinner.

The study states, “Adding more of the edible fungi into your diet may be one way to counteract the health risks associated with the Western-style diet (WSD), which often features an abundance of fatty foods and added sugars.”

The benefits of eating mushrooms were the focus of the research by University of Massachusetts Amherst nutritionist Zhenhua Liu, who has got a two-year grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Also Read: 15 Best Mushroom Recipes For You

Because fatty and sugary foods are linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and a slew of other chronic health problems, Liu will look into whether incorporating mushrooms into Western-style diets can improve gut health and provide a disease-prevention buffer.

“Intestinal dysfunction is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms that contribute so significantly to the development of WSD-related diseases,” said Liu.

Sundried oyster mushrooms that are found in most parts of the world have a unique nutritional profile that is high in minerals, dietary fibre, and vitamin D. As a natural whole food supplement, it can improve the quality of Western-style diets and also boost general gut health, said Liu.

The study will examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these mushrooms can improve gut health. Liu said that the findings will also provide important insight into mushrooms as a whole-food approach to improve the quality of WSD and gut health.

So, remember to add mushrooms in your regular, diet. They are a nutrient-dense treat, whether in a salad, cooked in a stir-fry, or folded into an omelette.