Aphrodisiacal and medicinal powers have been attributed to the truffle since Greek and Roman times. (1) Until recently science was trying to figure it out what is inside the truffle and why it has a mysterious reputation for almost 4000 years.
It was discovered and proven that truffle has positive and even medicinal characteristics. Truffles are very nutritious, and low in fat. It has a high protein and mineral content (including calcium and magnesium). It is delicious, and good for your health.
According to various studies worldwide, truffles:
- Contain about 60 % carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They are macronutrients, meaning they are one of the three main ways the body obtains energy, or calories. (2) At the chemical level, they contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
- Protein content can be from 20 % to 30 % for each serving
Protein is an essential part of the human diet. To keep our energy up, our metabolism running and our blood sugar levels stable, we should eat enough of protein foods every single day. Adults should eat a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight daily according to recommendations from the Institute of Medicine.
- are great source of most minerals needed by humans, like copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, sodium, potassium and calcium
- contain dietary fiber
According to many researches foods containing fiber can help to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Fiber is often split into two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. As it absorbs water, it becomes gelatinous. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. While insoluble fiber does not change its form as it goes through the digestive tract. It can be of benefit to those who struggle with irregular stools or constipation.
On a medicinal side:
- they are strong antibacterials
- truffles act as Immunomodulators
- they are strong antioxidants
- they are also believed to be anti-tumors
With all above mention health benefits of truffles we have one more important reason why to include them in your diets. They are cholesterol free.
Reference
(1) Lovato, K. (2009). Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press.
(2) Szalay, J. (2015). What Are Carbohydrates? Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com