Do mushrooms require cooking to be safe and nutritious?

Most mushrooms should be cooked: ​Safety: Cooking neutralizes heat-sensitive toxins (e.g., agaritine in raw white buttons). ​Digestibility: Enhances nutrient absorption (e.g., beta-glucans in shiitake). ​Taste/Texture: Uncooked mushrooms can taste rubbery or bitter. Exceptions: Some varieties like enoki are eaten raw in salads, but always source clean, trusted sources.