We are sure you have noticed that dishes with black truffles (Tuber melanosporum Vitt.) are becoming more and more popular and frequent in restaurants. If you have already tried some of them, such as pasta or pizzas with truffles, we are sure you already know why it is a gourmet ingredient widely demanded.
It is one of the most sought-after, scarce and difficult to obtain mushrooms today. This is because this fungus grows several centimetres below the ground in symbiosis with the roots of certain tree species, such as hazelnut, kermes oak, holm oak and oak, among others.
It also requires very specific conditions of humidity and temperature throughout certain seasons of the year, as well as a very specific type of soil, which remains moist but drains easily. For this reason, they tend to grow in some areas of northern Italy and Spain and in France. In fact, the most appropriate territory for its development is in Teruel, specifically in the Gúdar-Javalambre region, specifically in the municipality of Sarrión, which is known as the capital of the black truffle.
It is a gourmet ingredient, thanks to its flavour and its incredible aroma, which are both unmistakable, but also because it is very scarce and difficult to find. For this reason, the black truffle fetches quite a high price on the market and is consumed in small quantities. However, in this article we are not going to focus on these economic aspects, but rather on the properties of this fungus and its health benefits. We recommend you continue reading this article if you want to know more about it.
Properties of the black truffle
The nutritional properties of the black truffle are quite similar to those of other mushrooms. However, they differ in that they have a much more intense flavour and aroma. In fact, for this reason, many specialists and professionals in the sector consider that its aroma and flavour are so unique that they cannot be compared to those of any other known food.
In addition to its flavour and aroma, the truffle has other nutritional properties, among which we can find that it has the property of having large amounts of fibre and a low caloric value, so its energy intake is quite low. Similarly, we can highlight that it also contains iodine in fairly significant quantities.
Likewise, among the properties of the black truffle, we can also highlight that it contains some important vitamins, such as B2, B3, B9 and, of course, not negligible quantities of vitamin C. It also contains certain minerals, such as potassium and iron, among others, water and carbohydrates, as well as certain antioxidants.
As we will see below, all these properties of the truffle can provide certain health benefits. Finally, we must also emphasise that this fungus can also have aphrodisiac properties.
Health benefits of the black truffle
As mentioned above, the black truffle has a high fibre content, which is why it is considered that, among the benefits of the black truffle is the fact that it facilitates digestion and regulates intestinal transit. Likewise, as it contains iodine, it also favours the functioning of nervous and muscular tissues.
In the same way, it helps to stimulate the circulatory system, helps to prevent thyroid disease and can have positive effects on the regulation of cholesterol levels. For this reason, it is also recommended for people who are on a diet, as with very small amounts it can add a lot of aroma and flavour to dishes.
Its high vitamin content also provides other benefits of the black truffle for our body. Among them, we can highlight that they help with cellular oxygenation, helping the cells of our body to be in better condition. As a result, our tissues are renewed more quickly. Therefore, among the benefits of the black truffle, we can highlight that they help to keep the skin, nails and hair in good condition. Similarly, it can improve cardiovascular health and regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Similarly, the mineral content may also have certain benefits, for example, it may help to contribute to the maintenance of water concentration in the blood. Similarly, it can also help with the oxygenation of cells throughout the body and prevent some health problems, such as fatigue or anemia, among others. Finally, we can say that, as it contains antioxidants, it can also help to block the free radicals that cause our body to age, thus helping to keep our skin hydrated and rejuvenated for longer.
