John Miller
Mushrooms and humans share a close genetic relationship, with studies showing that humans share about a quarter to nearly half of their DNA with mushrooms. This kinship is due to shared origins over a billion years ago, when both species evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity. Fungi, including mushrooms, share genetic characteristics with animals that they do not share with plants, such as storing energy as glycogen and producing vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Beyond genetics, mushrooms and humans share medicinal properties, with certain varieties of mushrooms boasting adaptogenic properties that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Furthermore, mushrooms possess the ability to break down waste materials and restore depleted soils, offering sustainable solutions that align with humanity's goals of living more regeneratively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetic similarity | Humans share about 50% of their DNA with mushrooms |
| Common ancestor | Humans and mushrooms evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago |
| Carbohydrate energy storage | Both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen |
| Vitamin D production | Mushrooms and humans produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight |
| Medicinal properties | Both mushrooms and humans have developed powerful medicinal properties |
| Spiritual and creative inspiration | Mushrooms have been a source of spiritual exploration and creative inspiration in art, design, and folklore |
| Environmental sustainability | Mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through their balanced interchange with the environment, offering insights for human efforts towards regenerative living |
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What You'll Learn
Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA
Humans and mushrooms share about 50% of their DNA, according to Paul Stamets, a mycologist and author. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. Mushrooms branched off on their evolutionary path but still retain genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins. On a molecular level, we share a kinship with mushrooms.
The first hypotheses about the relationship between fungi and animals emerged in the 1950s. Scientists were able to test and confirm these suspicions years later. Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. For example, both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch to store energy.
Mushrooms, like humans, produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. They also possess medicinal properties, with many varieties, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, being renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Research is ongoing, but some studies have found mushrooms help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression. Their healing abilities come from unique protein complexes and polysaccharides interacting with human cells. As herbal remedies, mushrooms offer natural alternatives to support human wellness that work in synergy with our bodies.
Mushrooms also demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, as humans aim to live more regeneratively. They can break down waste materials through their enzymatic secretions and mycelial networks. This allows mushrooms to colonize and restore depleted soils, remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
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Mushrooms and humans share key genetic traits
Both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants store energy as starch. Mushrooms, like humans, also produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants, sharing genetic characteristics that plants do not have. This was first hypothesised in the 1950s and has since been confirmed by scientists.
The shared ancestry between humans and mushrooms has led to some interesting similarities. For example, mushrooms can possess an almost artistic, whimsical spirit, inspiring creativity in art, design, folklore and more. They have also long been revered for their psychedelic compounds and ability to induce dreamlike states, which is now being explored in the treatment of mental health issues and psychological growth.
Additionally, mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through their balanced interchange with the environment, as humans increasingly aim to live more regeneratively. Their ability to break down waste materials through enzymatic secretions and mycelial networks allows them to restore depleted soils, remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
The unique protein complexes and polysaccharides in mushrooms also interact with human cells, offering natural alternatives to support human wellness. Research has shown that certain varieties of mushrooms can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health.
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Both produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight
Humans and mushrooms share a number of similarities, including the ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This shared trait is just one of many that indicate a close evolutionary relationship between the two organisms.
Indeed, humans and mushrooms share about 50% of their DNA, according to mycologist and author Paul Stamets. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. While mushrooms branched off on their own evolutionary path, they still retain genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins.
The close genetic relationship between humans and mushrooms has led to some interesting similarities. For example, both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants store energy as starch. This shared trait is one reason why mushrooms have a meat-like texture and taste, despite their very different appearances.
The meaty taste of mushrooms, in particular, is likely due to the presence of glutamate, a neurotransmitter found in some meats and other savoury foods. However, it is difficult to say whether the mushroom's genetic relationship with animals is responsible for its taste. While there is a wide range of flavours among different mushroom species, their taste is generally meatier than plant-based foods.
In addition to their shared ability to produce vitamin D, humans and mushrooms also share a number of other traits, including the use of similar proteins and polysaccharides that interact with human cells. This has led to the development of medicinal mushrooms that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health.
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Mushrooms possess medicinal properties like humans
Mushrooms and humans are related in more ways than one. Humans share about a quarter to nearly half of their DNA with mushrooms, which is more than they do with plants. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. Mushrooms branched off on their evolutionary path but still retain genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins.
Like humans, mushrooms have developed powerful medicinal properties. Many varieties, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Research is ongoing, but some studies have found that mushrooms can help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression. Their healing abilities come from unique protein complexes and polysaccharides interacting with human cells. As herbal remedies, mushrooms offer natural alternatives to support human wellness that work in synergy with our bodies.
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, are known for their stores of the compound ergothioneine, which has powerful antioxidant properties that can only be derived from the diet. Research studies have demonstrated that ergothioneine has cytoprotective (i.e., cell-protecting) properties, although there is a lack of human trials.
Additionally, a review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. This is likely due to the antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of certain mushrooms. For example, an aqueous extract of shiitake mushrooms displayed high free radical scavenging and catalase-like and cytotoxic activities, as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.
Cordyceps, a type of medicinal mushroom, has been used traditionally as a powerful tonic to improve energy, appetite, stamina, and endurance. Research in humans, animals, and test tubes indicates that Cordyceps supports healthy levels of inflammation and immune markers and may have hormone-regulatory properties that increase libido in women and improve sperm health in men.
Beyond their medicinal properties, mushrooms also demonstrate sustainable solutions through their balanced interchange with the environment, as humans aim to live more regeneratively. They show us a path of thriving within natural limits and provide solutions to environmental issues such as depleted soils, pollution, and plastic waste.
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Fungi and humans share a common ancestor
Mushrooms and humans share a common ancestor, according to genetic studies. In 1993, researchers Baldouf and Palmer published a paper titled 'Animals and fungi are each other's closest relatives: congruent evidence from multiple proteins'. They compared 25 proteins and their DNA sequences between bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi. They found that animals and fungi exhibited similarities in certain proteins that plants and bacteria did not have.
Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. Mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. While mushrooms branched off on their evolutionary path, they still retain genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins. On a molecular level, humans share a kinship with mushrooms.
There are several similarities between mushrooms and humans. Both store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch to store energy. Fungi and insects use the polysaccharide chitin to build cell walls, while plants use cellulose. Mushrooms, like humans, produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Mushrooms have powerful medicinal properties. Varieties such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Research is ongoing, but studies have found mushrooms help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression. Their healing abilities come from unique protein complexes and polysaccharides interacting with human cells. As herbal remedies, mushrooms offer natural alternatives to support human wellness that work in synergy with our bodies.
Mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, as humans aim to live more regeneratively. They show us a path of thriving within natural limits.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, humans and mushrooms share key genetic traits that connect us. Humans share about 50% of their DNA with mushrooms.
Both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch to store energy. Mushrooms, like humans, also produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Mushrooms, like humans, have developed powerful medicinal properties. Many varieties, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Mushrooms also possess an almost artistic, whimsical spirit, similar to humans.
Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics with animals that plants do not have. This is why their texture sometimes feels like meat.
Mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, as humans aim to live more regeneratively. They can also help remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
