ACCORDING to the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), one in two Malaysian adults is currently grappling with overweight or obesity.
What's even more concerning is the upward trajectory of obesity rates in Malaysia, with projections indicating a further increase in the coming years. A report by the World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2035, a staggering 41 per cent of the country's adults will be classified as obese.
This is where the role of mushrooms comes in. In 2020, statistics revealed that Malaysians consumed one kg of mushrooms per person annually, a figure that has gradually inched up to 2.4 kg per person.
Despite this upward trend, mushroom consumption in the country remains relatively low, even though varieties like grey oyster, black jelly, ganoderma and Shiitake thrive in local cultivation.
It is apparent that many individuals may not be fully aware or informed about the health benefits of mushroom consumption. Over the years, mushrooms have been the subject of various health-related myths, spanning both modern and traditional remedies, and cutting across different cultures.
These myths have attributed mushroom consumption to a range of health benefits, from medical advantages and anti-ageing properties to longevity, detoxification and even weight loss.
Each species of mushroom boasts its unique set of nutritional advantages, thanks to its rich content of protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
A study by researchers at the Department of Biomedical Science, Universiti Malaya has shed light on the role of polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, in facilitating the breakdown of fat through the influence of various cellular processes, including cellular glucose uptake.
This study primarily focuses on grey oyster mushrooms and significantly indicates that incorporating them into one's diet may expedite weight loss.
It is high time for Malaysians to consider the potential health benefits of grey oyster mushrooms as a viable alternative to traditional diet and exercise programs for weight management. Mushrooms have long been a staple ingredient in numerous Malaysian dishes, and due to their widely recognised scientific benefits, they are frequently featured as an essential component on restaurant menus.
Most mushrooms offer a distinct flavour profile that complements a wide range of cuisines, making them a versatile addition to any dish or culinary creation. In the case of grey oyster mushrooms, they are commonly used in soups, like tom yam or clear broth, as well as in porridge and mixed vegetable dishes, where their unique flavour and texture have made them a favourite among chefs.
In another study by UM in the field of consumer psychology, a survey was administered to approximately 350 respondents within the Klang Valley.
The research found that among the seven food combinations incorporating grey oyster mushrooms in dried powder form, including frozen meatballs, pasta, pizza toppings, rice-based dishes (such as porridge), seasonings (cubes/paste), snacks (biscuits/chips), and soups, it was the inclusion of mushrooms in meatballs that garnered the highest favourability among consumers.
Similarly, in a related study, the majority of consumers expressed a preference for various mushroom varieties, with button mushrooms (20 per cent), shiitake mushrooms (15 per cent), grey oyster mushrooms (14 per cent), and white oyster mushrooms (13 per cent) ranking at the top.
Consumers appear to be particularly drawn to mushrooms for their perceived health benefits, which include cognitive enhancement, antioxidant properties, anti-ageing attributes, anti-cancer potential, cholesterol reduction, blood pressure management and heart disease prevention, with 44 per cent of respondents citing health-related reasons for their attraction to mushrooms.
Additionally, 37 per cent of consumers were enticed by the taste and aroma of mushrooms, while 19 per cent considered mushrooms as a protein source, with some individuals adhering to a vegetarian diet.
Indeed, mushrooms are a convenient addition to one's diet, as they can be easily preserved with minimal effort. Given their simplicity in preparation, they can be seamlessly incorporated into daily meals.
Individuals of all ages can reap the benefits of incorporating mushrooms into their diets, especially those who are overweight or obese, as part of a holistic approach to healthy weight management, aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and other infectious ailments.
The writer is a senior lecturer at the Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya, and one of the researchers for IIRG005-19HWB research grant
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times