Mushrooms are edible fungus. They provide a range of antioxidants and other nutrients that may contribute to heart health and protect the body from cancer, among other benefits. The nutritional profile will depend on the type of mushroom. Mushrooms contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These can have various health benefits. For example, antioxidants are chemicals that help the body eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are toxic byproducts of metabolism and other bodily processes. They can accumulate in the body, and if too many collect, oxidative stress can result. This can harm the body’s cells and may lead to various health conditions.