‘Super’ mushrooms developed

ALBANY
November 12, 2008 5:50am

By Tara McHugh

"You probably wouldn’t want to sprinkle them on top of your morning bowl of corn flakes, but adding a new type of mushroom to the breakfast omelet could be a wise idea.

Scientists at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Albany, a scientific research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have teamed with Monterey Mushrooms Inc. of Watsonville to boost the vitamin D content of white, brown and portabella mushrooms.

Thanks to UV-B light -- like that in sunshine -- the company's new “Sun Bella” line of fresh mushrooms offers at least 100 percent of the recommended intake of vitamin D in each 3-ounce serving, ARS says.

An estimated 40 percent of Americans don't get enough vitamin D. The nutrient is essential for strong bones, properly functioning liver and kidneys, and a robust immune system. Some research suggests that vitamin D may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and Alzheimer's disease."

http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=10330

This is great news for Northern States and countries like Canada where we often deficient in Vitamin D. What do you think? Will you buy these Vitamin D enriched mushrooms when they hit the market? Do you like the idea of being able to get 100% of your required daily intake of Vitamin D from one mushroom?