Browsing by Author "Mhanda, F.N."

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    Minerals and trace elements in domesticated Namibian Ganoderma species
    (2015) Mhanda, F.N.; Kadhila-Muandingi, Nailoke P.; Ueitele, Isabella S.
    Edible and medicinal mushrooms are regarded as the ideal health foods. They are well appreciated for their exquisite taste and flavor and are consumed both fresh and in processed forms. Nutritive value of mushrooms is attributed to their high content of essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and low lipid content. Regular consumption of whole medicinal and edible mushrooms could introduce a functional or medicinal contribution within the individual’s diet. Medicinal mushrooms may prevent or treat "lifestyle-related diseases". The extent of the health beneficial effect will depend on the level, regularity of consumption, the relevance of medicinal mushrooms and concentrates to the particular disease. The minerals and trace elements in domesticated Namibian Ganoderma mushroom species were determined. The results show that fiber content was found highest with 45 g/100 g of dry weight, followed by calcium with 23 g/100 g, carbohydrate with 23 g/100 g, protein with 18.2 g/100 g, iron with 6.41 g/100 g, copper with 4.3 g/100 g while the least were zinc (2.89 g/100 g) and fat (1.9 g/100 g). The presence of these essential nutrients, which are nutritional requirements of human beings, implies that Ganoderma can be a valuable dietary supplement to boost the immune system and improve general health of people. It was therefore concluded that the domesticated Ganoderma has significant amount of nutrients that makes it a good fungus to be used on daily bases for health benefit.