Shiitake Mushroom and Cannellini Beans Soup

Mushrooms such as shiitake and enoki, are known for their immune-supporting properties and have been used medicinally for centuries.

Mushrooms are also a useful source of vitamin D2 – particularly important if you follow a strict plant-based diet, and do not consume animal sources of vitamin D3.

Prebiotics, are types of dietary fiber that the healthy bacteria in our gut feast on. Humans can NOT digest these types of fiber, but some types of gut bacteria can. Prebiotics allow our healthy gut bacteria to grow and thrive to improve gastrointestinal health and other areas of our health. Prebiotics may help with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, increase bone density and strength, and improve brain function.

Some of the commonly-known prebiotic foods include mushrooms, which are considered a source of prebiotics because they contain different types of fiber, such as chitin, hemicellulose, mannans, α- and β-glucans, galactans, and xylans.

Cannellini beans also provide fiber to feed our beneficial intestinal bacteria so important to maintain and strengthen our immune system.

Bone broth (if using) adds additional flavor and health benefits – is rich in easily digestive gelatin and is a source of essential amino acids.