Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have long been a source of fascination for humans, and for good reason. Beyond their culinary versatility, medicinal properties, and use in art and design, mushrooms share a surprising connection with humans on a genetic level. In fact, it has been suggested that humans and mushrooms may be distantly related, with humans sharing nearly 50% of their DNA with fungi. This discovery has led to a newfound understanding of the evolutionary relationship between humans and mushrooms, revealing a shared ancestry that dates back over a billion years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetic similarity | Humans share about 50% of their DNA with mushrooms |
| Medicinal properties | Both humans and mushrooms have medicinal properties |
| Vitamin D production | Mushrooms produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, just like humans |
| Taste | Mushrooms have a meaty taste, which may be due to their genetic relationship with animals |
| Spiritual significance | Ancient cultures revered mushrooms for their psychedelic compounds and ability to induce dream-like states |
| Environmental impact | Mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through their balanced interchange with the environment |
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What You'll Learn
Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA
The first hypotheses about the relationship between fungi and animals emerged in the 1950s. Scientists were later able to test and confirm these suspicions. Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. Mushrooms are responsible for breaking down waste and recycling usable nutrients back into the soil. They also form symbiotic relationships with plant roots through their mycelial networks.
Both mushrooms and humans have developed powerful medicinal properties. Many varieties of mushrooms, 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.
Mushrooms also possess psychedelic compounds and can induce dreamlike states, which have been used ceremonially to help people expand consciousness and work through emotional blocks. They can also break down plastics and help curb climate change.
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Mushrooms possess medicinal properties, aiding human health
Humans and mushrooms share a closer genetic relationship with each other than either does with plants. This is because 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.
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, particularly in Asia, where they are used to support immune strength and promote a long and healthy life. In recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in these functional foods, with many companies producing mushroom supplements for humans and even their pets.
Medicinal mushrooms have important health benefits and exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities. Oyster mushrooms, for example, are known for their stores of the compound ergothioneine, an unusual amino acid with powerful antioxidant properties. Lion's Mane is another example of a medicinal mushroom, used to promote cognitive function.
Research on psilocybin and other hallucinogenic mushroom compounds shows promise for treating mental health issues and facilitating psychological growth. Used ceremonially with intention and integration, mushrooms can help people expand their consciousness and work through emotional blocks.
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Mushrooms and humans share a common ancestor
Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. The first hypotheses about the relationship between fungi and animals emerged in the 1950s, and scientists were able to test and confirm these suspicions years later. The natural meaty taste of mushrooms is likely due to their shared ancestry with animals.
Fungi and animals are both Opisthokonts, and share a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants. The lineage that became fungi and animals was over a billion years removed from the plant lineage when the first true plants appeared. It is perhaps correct to call animals a specialized lineage of fungi.
Mushrooms have been revered by ancient cultures for their psychedelic compounds and ability to induce dream-like states. They were also documented in early texts for their health benefits, with some mushrooms traditionally used to extend longevity. Today, research on hallucinogenic mushroom compounds shows promise for treating mental health issues and facilitating psychological growth. Mushrooms also possess medicinal properties, with many varieties boosting immunity, fighting tumors, lowering inflammation, and supporting brain health.
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Mushrooms and humans both produce vitamin D from sunlight
Mushrooms and humans share a surprising number of similarities. One of the most intriguing aspects they have in common is their ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This connection reveals a deeper evolutionary link between humans and fungi, highlighting shared genetic traits that set them apart from plants.
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. While humans can obtain vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, dietary sources such as fortified foods and supplements are also important. Certain mushrooms, including shiitake, maitake, and portobello, have the unique ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light. This process mimics the way humans synthesize vitamin D in their skin when exposed to sunlight.
When mushrooms are exposed to UV light, they convert a compound called ergosterol into ergocalciferol, also known as vitamin D2. Similarly, when sunlight hits human skin cells, the body produces cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D3. This shared ability to produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure is a remarkable example of the interconnectedness between humans and mushrooms.
While mushrooms naturally contain some vitamin D, the amount synthesized through sunlight exposure can vary. The process requires specific conditions, including the intensity and duration of UV light. Commercial mushroom producers often utilize controlled environments and artificial UV light to enhance vitamin D synthesis. However, replicating these practices at home may not reliably increase the vitamin D content in mushrooms.
The discovery that mushrooms can produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure has important implications for human health. Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue, especially for those living in regions with limited sunlight. By exposing mushrooms to sunlight or UV light, individuals can increase their vitamin D intake through a natural and vegetarian-friendly source.
In conclusion, the ability of both humans and mushrooms to produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure highlights a fascinating evolutionary connection between the two. This shared trait showcases the intricate web of life and the unexpected ways in which humans are linked to the natural world. By understanding and appreciating these connections, we gain insight into the complex relationships that shape our planet.
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Mushrooms have been used ceremonially to induce dream-like states
Humans and mushrooms share a closer genetic relationship with each other than they do with plants. This is because 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. Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA, according to mycologist and author Paul Stamets.
Mushrooms have been used ceremonially for thousands of years to induce dream-like states. The Psilocybe genus of mushrooms produces the chemical compound psilocybin, which is converted into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is responsible for the psychedelic effects of the mushroom. Psilocybin induces changes in the brain that are similar to what occurs during dreaming. This includes increased brain function in areas associated with emotion and memory.
Neuroscientists have studied the effects of psilocybin on the brain by injecting people with liquid psilocybin while they were in an fMRI scanner. The scans showed the flow of blood through different regions of the brain, indicating how active the various areas were. The images taken while the volunteers were under the influence of psilocybin were compared with those taken when the same people were injected with a placebo.
The use of psilocybin to enter a dream-like state may have therapeutic benefits for people dealing with trauma or depression. By accessing this state, people may be able to suppress the "self-deceiving noise" that impedes their ability to change and grow. Psilocybin has also been found to increase activation in the mental imagery condition within an extended network of the brain, which may lend a status of reality to inner experiences.
The overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states supports the idea that psychedelics induce dreamlike subjective experiences that may have long-term benefits for psychosocial functioning and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms share more DNA with humans than with plants. Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA.
Mushrooms taste meaty due to the presence of glutamate, a neurotransmitter found in meats and other savoury foods.
Both humans and mushrooms possess medicinal properties. Certain mushrooms can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Mushrooms can also help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression.
Many ancient cultures revered mushrooms for their psychedelic properties and ability to induce dream-like states. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics depict mushrooms, and they were so respected that it was illegal for citizens to touch them. In China, reishi mushrooms were once reserved for royalty as they were believed to increase longevity.
Humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor that lived over a billion years ago. Mushrooms evolved separately but retained genetic remnants from our shared origins.
