Button mushrooms include white mushrooms and cremini mushrooms (such as the portobello mushroom).

As fungi, these button mushrooms are extremely rich in selenium (important in the treatment of some cancer), copper, potassium and zinc. These mushrooms also contain some protein (and hence is a good source of protein for vegetarians), B vitamins, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.

Button mushrooms are found to contain cancer preventing polysaccharides and beta-glucans, compounds which are found in greater quantities in shitake and maitake.

With a meatier taste and higher protein content, Portobello makes an especially good dish for vegetarians.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.