The fungus has always secured an interesting spot in the food industry. Its nutritional benefits aren’t shared as frequently as compared to the likes of food and vegetables. Mushrooms, for example, are commonly found in burgers, pasta, and soup but have been marketed as a flavor enhancer more than anything else - but the fungus has more than restaurants are letting on. Here are the nutritional values and health benefits of fungus. Nutritional Values of Fungus  As a whole, fungus such as black fungus, mushrooms, and more contain a plethora of properties, with the standouts being Vitamin D, protein, and potassium. Because mushrooms assimilate organic matter rather than being able to photosynthesize like plants, carbohydrates are its main source of carbon and that presents a different set of nutrients to plants. Glucose, xylose, sucrose, and fructose are some carbon-based nutrients. On a slightly smaller scale, some mushrooms contain magnesium, zinc, folate, vitamin B, and fiber. This is because fungi are parasitic in nature and contain nutrients from organic material it “infects”. Despite the connotation of fungi’s identity, it is a rising superfood that can nutritionally benefit many staple dishes. Read Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons Is Fungus Goof for Your Health? Healthy Skin There aren’t many foods out there that benefit skin health to the same degree as snow fungus. The food contains large quantities of polysaccharides that have been making waves in the skincare industry. This is due to its ability to keep skin hydrated by acting similarly to hyaluronic acid, the hydration it presents helps restore the skin’s elasticity while containing antioxidants as well.  Read Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses High In Potassium Particularly found in black fungus is a high count in potassium. This nutrient benefits in the long term by assisting in preventing kidney stone formations, hypertension and even strokes. Potassium also has more immediate benefits that include moderating blood pressure, establishing bodily PH balance, digestion improvement and heart health. A versatile nutrient that fungus has in spades when consumed moderately only.  Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters Cancer Prevention According to the National Cancer Institute, the antioxidants found in mushrooms can prevent different types of cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate for starters. Vitamin D is the main nutrient found in mushrooms that accredit this ability, proving that it can prevent and treat cancer, however, this is largely dependent on the patient’s specific reaction to it. Additionally, Choline is an antioxidant known to reduce the risks of cancer altogether, however, this is less substantial.  Also read: Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits Reduces Risk Of Diabetes Not exclusive to mushrooms, its high fiber content does put it in the same league as vegetables in terms of its quantity - resulting in a solid range of choices that can reduce the risks of diabetes altogether, especially type 2. Unlike other nutrients found in fungus, fiber is best congested as a whole in a well-structured meal plan. Meaning beans, rice, vegetables, and certain types of bread perfectly complement the mushroom’s rich fiber count. Read Is Raw Onion Good For High Blood Pressure?