Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Nutrivore Score for White Button Mushrooms – 1872
- White Button Mushroom Nutrition Facts
- White Button Mushroom Nutrition Varies With Cooking
- Mushroom Nutrition Varies with Variety
Health Benefits of White Button Mushroom Nutrients+−
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 3.3 mg of Ergothioneine
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 51% DV Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 34% DV Copper
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 30% DV Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 29% DV Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- White Button Mushrooms Provide 22% DV Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- How Much White Button Mushrooms Should We Eat Per Day?
By far the most commonly available mushroom, white mushrooms are also known as ‘common mushrooms’ for just that reason! Sometimes referred to as ‘table mushrooms’ or ‘cultivated mushrooms,’ when smaller in size they may also be called white button mushrooms (maybe because they’re cute as a button?). No matter what you call them these versatile mushrooms with their smooth ivory-white caps and short stems can be enjoyed raw or cooked, and are known for their mild earthy flavor that is subtle enough to appeal to the masses, which is part of the reason why they account for roughly 90% of all mushrooms consumed in the US!
Mushrooms are one of the most unusual and beneficial foods on the planet – worldwide there are approximately 14,000 species!
As a group, mushrooms are one of the most unusual and beneficial foods on the planet, and include any spore-bearing, fruiting body of a fungus – worldwide there are approximately 14,000 species! Fungi are a unique class of organism (technically their own kingdom!) that play an important role in all ecosystems, especially as contributors to the decay and recycling of plant and animal matter. Mushrooms aren’t technically a vegetable, or plant for that matter, since they don’t require sunlight to produce energy, but they have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, dating back to earliest recorded history. Ancient Egyptians thought so highly of mushrooms that they were reserved for royalty, while commoners were prohibited from eating (or even touching!) them. Currently, over 200 edible mushroom species are cultivated, though only a small fraction of them are widely available; however, wild mushrooms can be foraged from nature and are even higher in nutrient density! Along with being remarkably versatile in the kitchen, mushrooms have a long history of use in cultures across the globe for their medicinal properties.
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years, dating back to earliest recorded history.
It may surprise you to learn that white button mushrooms, along with cremini and portabella mushrooms are in fact all the same variety of mushroom – Agaricus bisporus! The difference between the three is essentially age. Immature mushrooms, which are white, are known as white button mushrooms. When still immature and brown, they are known as cremini mushrooms and when fully-grown and mature, they are known as portabella mushrooms (surprised?)! Collectively, they are one of the, if not the, most widely consumed mushrooms, grown in more than seventy countries around the world. In fact, in North America Agaricus bisporus has been the number one cultivated mushroom since the late 1800s.
White button mushrooms have been around since ancient times and are commonly found in fields and grasslands all over the world though they are now highly cultivated. (If foraging for these in the wild, take care as there are many poisonous look-alikes). They were first cultivated in the early 1700s in France before making their way to the US at the turn of the 20th century. In nature, these mushrooms tend to be brownish in color, as were those originally cultivated. However, a chance mutation resulted in a few white mushrooms discovered growing amongst a group of brown mushrooms in Pennsylvania in the 1920s. Realizing the marketable potential of this “more attractive” version (the color of white bread and white rice), the farmer’s owner (a mycologist by training) capitalized on this chance discovery and the rest is history! Today, most white-colored mushrooms sold in stores are products of this natural mutation. You could say his instincts were “right on the button!”
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Nutrivore Score for White Button Mushrooms – 1872
White button mushrooms have a Nutrivore Score of 1872, making them a super nutrient-dense food! Plus, they are a low-carb and low-calorie-density food; amazingly the calorie count of white button mushrooms is just 21 calories per cup!
Per serving, white button mushrooms are a best source (>50% daily value) of ergothioneine, and vitamin B7 (biotin); an excellent source (20-50% daily value) of copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid); and a good source (10-20% daily value) of selenium.
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White Button Mushroom Nutrition Facts
One serving of white button mushrooms is standardized to 1 cup, whole or about 96 grams (3.4 ounces). A typical medium-sized mushroom weighs 18 grams, which means: one serving of white button mushrooms contains between 5 and 6 medium-sized mushrooms. When you cook white button mushrooms, they reduce in volume: 1 cup raw white button mushrooms is equivalent to a little less than 1/2 cup boiled white button mushrooms or 2/3 cup stir-fried white button mushrooms.
White Button Mushroom Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| White Button mushroom, raw | Nutrivore Score: 1872 | Nutrient Density: Super! |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size: 1 cup, whole (96 grams) | Protein: 3.0 grams | Net Carbohydrates: 2.2 grams |
| Calories: 21 | Total Fat: 0.3 grams | Dietary Fiber: 1.0 grams |
| VITAMINS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 0.0 μg RAE | 0% DV |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 77.8 μg | 6% DV |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 385.9 μg | 30% DV |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 3.5 mg | 22% DV |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 1.4 mg | 29% DV |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 99.8 μg | 6% DV |
| Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | 15.4 μg | 51% DV |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 16.3 μg | 4% DV |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 0.0 μg | 2% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2.0 mg | 2% DV |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.2 μg | 1% DV |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | 1% DV |
| Vitamin K | 1.0 μg | 1% DV |
| Choline | 16.6 mg | 3% DV |
| Myo-Inositol | 8.6 mg | ~ |
| CoQ10 | 0.0 mg | ~ |
| FUNCTIONAL FATS | ||
|---|---|---|
| MUFA | 0.0 g | 0% DV |
| ALA | 0.0 mg | 0% DV |
| EPA + DHA | 0.0 mg | 0% DV |
| CLA | ~ | ~ |
| Linoleic Acid | 0.2 g | 1% DV |
| MCT’s | 0.0 g | ~ |
| MINERALS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 2.9 mg | 0% DV |
| Copper | 305.3 μg | 34% DV |
| Iodine | ~ | ~ |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% DV |
| Magnesium | 8.6 mg | 2% DV |
| Manganese | 45.1 μg | 2% DV |
| Phosphorus | 82.6 mg | 7% DV |
| Potassium | 305.3 mg | 6% DV |
| Selenium | 8.9 μg | 16% DV |
| Sodium | 4.8 mg | 0% DV |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg | 5% DV |
| PHYTONUTRIENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carotenoids | 0.0 μg | ~ |
| Polyphenols | 67.1 mg | ~ |
| Phytosterols | 1.9 mg | ~ |
| Glucosinolates | ~ | ~ |
| Thiosulfinates | ~ | ~ |
| Betalains | ~ | ~ |
| AMINO ACIDS & PEPTIDES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Taurine | ~ | ~ |
| Ergothioneine | 3.3 mg | ~ |
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White Button Mushroom Nutrition Varies With Cooking
The Nutrivore Score of white button mushrooms varies depending on the method of preparation.
| NUTRIVORE SCORE | |
|---|---|
| White button mushroom, cooked, boiled, drained, with salt | 1876 |
| White button mushroom, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt | 1866 |
| White button mushroom, exposed to ultraviolet light, raw | 14881 |
| White button mushroom, microwaved | 1691 |
| White button mushroom, raw | 1872 |
| White button mushroom, stir-fried | 1783 |
Mushroom Nutrition Varies with Variety
There are many varieties of mushrooms, all with different nutrient profiles, which means their Nutrivore Scores vary too! Overall, mushrooms are powerhouses of nutrition, containing an extremely impressive amount of essential vitamins and minerals per calorie!
| NUTRIVORE SCORE | |
|---|---|
| Chanterelle mushrooms, raw | 1555 |
| Cremini mushrooms, raw | 2279 |
| Enoki mushrooms, raw | 4434 |
| Maitake mushrooms, raw | 3551 |
| Morel mushrooms, raw | 22711 |
| Oyster mushrooms, raw | 2550 |
| Portabella mushrooms, raw | 1483 |
| Shiitake mushrooms, raw | 4343 |
| White button mushrooms, raw | 1872 |
If you give a shiitake about mushrooms, maybe your friends will too!
Health Benefits of White Button Mushroom Nutrients
Let’s take a closer look at all of the best and excellent source of nutrients found in a 1-cup serving of white button mushrooms and see how they benefit our health.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 3.3 mg of Ergothioneine
White button mushrooms are an amazing source of ergothioneine, providing 3.3 mg of ergothioneine per 1-cup serving!
Ergothioneine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties shown to mitigate diseases associated with aging, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, cataracts, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to enhance memory, reduce risk of depression, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve sleep. There’s evidence for a role in fetal development, female fertility, and it reduces risk of preeclampsia. Ergothioneine has even been called the “longevity vitamin” since studies show that it reduces all-cause mortality and is associated with longer lifespan.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 51% DV Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
White button mushrooms are also a great source of vitamin B7 (biotin), providing 51% of the daily value per 1-cup serving!
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. Like other B vitamins, it plays an important role in energy metabolism (serving as a coenzyme for five carboxylase enzymes), neurotransmitter production, cellular function, and the function of various organs. Getting enough biotin can help support healthy nail and hair growth. It’s also particularly important during pregnancy, with low intakes increasing the risk of premature delivery and birth defects. There’s even some evidence biotin can benefit diabetics and reduce functional disabilities in people with multiple sclerosis. Learn more about biotin here.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 34% DV Copper
These mushrooms are an excellent source of copper, providing 34% of the daily value per 1-cup serving!
Copper is a trace mineral that’s essential for all living organisms. Copper serves as a component of numerous enzymes and proteins in the body, giving it diverse roles in the growth, development, and maintenance of various organs (including the heart and brain), bone, and connective tissue. Copper is also involved in glucose and cholesterol metabolism, helps regulate gene expression, can scavenge free radicals, and is needed for the production of red blood cells. Learn more about copper here.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 30% DV Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
White button mushrooms are also an excellent source of vitamin B2 (riboflavin), providing 30% of the daily value per 1-cup serving!
Riboflavin (or vitamin B2) is a vitamin that helps form two important coenzymes involved in oxidation-reduction reactions: flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Collectively, these coenzymes are involved in antibody production, energy production, growth and development, skin and hair health, and the metabolism of several other nutrients (vitamin B6, niacin, folate, and iron). Research suggests a role for riboflavin in preventing or treating migraine headaches, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. It also possesses some anti-cancer properties due to its involvement in folate metabolism and MTHFR activity. Learn more about vitamin B2 here.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 29% DV Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
In addition, white mushrooms are rich in vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), providing 29% of the daily value per 1-cup serving!
Pantothenic acid (or vitamin B5) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor for coenzyme A—which itself is critical for metabolizing many drugs and toxins, as well as forming derivatives (acetyl-CoA and succinyl-CoA) that participate in the synthesis of cholesterol, fatty acids, melatonin, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, steroid hormones, heme, and vitamins A and D. Coenzyme A is also needed in the Krebs cycle, giving pantothenic acid a role in energy metabolism. Research suggests that a pantothenic acid derivative (pantethine) can help improve blood lipid profiles and reduce fatty streak formation and lipid deposition in the arteries, giving it a cardio-protective role. Additional research shows that panthothenic acid can accelerate wound healing, boost cellular production of the important antioxidant glutathione, and possibly help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about vitamin B5 here.
White Button Mushrooms Provide 22% DV Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
White button mushrooms are also an excellent source of vitamin B3 (niacin), providing 22% of the daily value per 1-cup serving!
Niacin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin (vitamin B3) that’s needed to produce two very important coenzymes: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). NAD and NADP are needed for over 400 enzymes involved in DNA repair, fatty acid synthesis, antioxidant systems, detoxification, and hormone synthesis, as well as the breakdown of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol. Niacin has therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia, and may also be protective against cancer and type 1 diabetes. Some research suggests it could benefit health outcomes for patients with HIV or schizophrenia as well. Learn more about niacin here.
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How Much White Button Mushrooms Should We Eat Per Day?
Whether you like them grilled, roasted, sauteed, stuffed, or in salads, soups, stews, or stir-fries, mushrooms are a phenomenal nutrient-dense addition to our plates.
Every serving of fresh, whole vegetables or fruit we eat daily reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 5% to 8%, with the greatest risk reduction seen when we consume five or more servings per day. In fact, consuming 800 grams of vegetables and fruits daily reduces all-cause mortality by 31% compared to eating less than 40 grams daily. A 2017 meta-analysis showed that 2.24 million deaths from cardiovascular disease, 660,000 deaths from cancer, and 7.8 million deaths from all causes could be avoided globally each year if everyone consumed 800 grams of veggies and fruits every day.
Eating vegetables and fruit in abundance lowers risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis and bone fragility fractures (including hip fracture), cognitive impairment and dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), neurodegenerative diseases, asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, depression, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and lowers markers of inflammation. Learn more in Importance of Vegetables and Fruit.
Covering half of your plate with a variety of vegetables (and three quarters of your plate if your starchy food is a root vegetable or winter squash) at each meal is a simple way to easily achieve the goal of 5 or more servings of vegetables daily.
Studies show that edible mushrooms have numerous health benefits which can include: antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory (meaning they affect the immune system), liver-protective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects, as well as being great for gut health. Wow!
Amazingly, a 2019 study showed that eating 100-grams of of mushrooms daily reduces all-cause mortality risk by a whopping 26%, while a 2021 study showed that eating any amount of mushrooms reduces all-cause mortality risk by 16% compared to eating no mushrooms at all! All this is to say, eating three or more servings of mushrooms per week is a great target!
But remember, it’s always best to mix up the veggies you eat day to day (aiming for a wide variety of different vegetables and fruits throughout the week), and white button mushrooms definitely have a place at the table.
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Citations
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Dubost NJ, Ou B, Beelman RB. Quantification of polyphenols and ergothioneine in cultivated mushrooms and correlation to total antioxidant capacity. Food Chemistry. 2007. Vol. 105(2):727-735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2007.01.030. ISSN 0308-8146.
Hong MH, Jin YJ, Pyo YH. Antioxidant Properties and Ubiquinone Contents in Different Parts of Several Commercial Mushrooms. Journal of The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. 2012. Vol 41(9):1235-1241. ISSN : 1226-3311
Kalaras MD, Richie JP, Calcagnotto A, Beelman RB. Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione. Food Chem. 2017 Oct 15;233:429-433. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.109. Epub 2017 Apr 20. PMID: 28530594.
USDA Food Central Database: Mushrooms, white, raw
Watanabe T, Kioka M, Fukushima A, Morimoto M, Sawamura H. Biotin content table of select foods and biotin intake in Japanese. Int J Anal Bio-Sci. 2014. Vol 2(4):109-125.
