Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are having a moment. Long associated with rot and decay, fungi are now being hailed as a potential solution to some of humanity's greatest problems. From tackling pollution and cleaning up oil spills to providing a vegan source of vitamin D, mushrooms are being used in everything from superdrinks to building materials. With their ability to grow on waste products, mushrooms are also a low-cost, sustainable food source. So, will the future be grown from mushrooms?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal benefits | Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-neoplastic, aphrodisiac, boosting defences to toxins, reducing anxiety, preventing cognitive decline, improving neurological impact, growth of nerve and brain cells, therapeutic potential, cancer recovery, mental health treatment |
| Nutritional benefits | High protein, vitamins B, C, D, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, ergothioneine |
| Environmental benefits | Biodegradable, cleaning oil spills, replacing unsustainable protein sources, breaking down railway sleepers coated with creosote, decomposing organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil, improving agricultural diversity |
| Fashion benefits | Sustainable alternative to leather, building materials |
| Space exploration | Building human habitats, terraforming planets, providing psilocybin therapy to astronauts |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as a superfood
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrition and are often described as a superfood. They are low in fat, high in fibre, and contain many valuable nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. For instance, maitake mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Vitamin D also assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation.
Mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Shiitake mushrooms are a good choice for vitamin B6. They are also known to keep cholesterol levels low. Research has shown that eating more than two cups of mushrooms a week can lower the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by 50%.
Mushrooms are also a good meat substitute as they are low in calories, cholesterol, and sodium. They also contain antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and inflammation that might lead to chronic diseases. They are a good source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure, and copper, which helps form red blood cells and keep bones and nerves healthy.
Mushrooms are also versatile and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making them a powerful addition to any meal. They can be chopped up and added to sauces, soups, and stir-fries. They can also be powdered and added to smoothies, shakes, coffee, tea, or even baked goods.
Additionally, mushrooms are being used in functional foods and drinks, such as mushroom coffee, which is a popular new "superdrink". They are also being used in pest controls and are being studied for their potential in medicine.
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Mushrooms in medicine
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine practices in various cultures for centuries, and modern science is now uncovering the potential medicinal properties of these fungi. While some of their benefits are already well-established, ongoing research continues to explore the full scope of their therapeutic applications.
One of the most well-known and widely studied areas of mushroom medicine is their potential for boosting the immune system. Certain mushroom species, such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa), have been shown to possess immunomodulating properties, meaning they can help regulate and enhance the body's immune response. These mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates, called beta-glucans, which are recognized by the body as foreign, stimulating an immune reaction that can also help prime the immune system to respond better to other threats. This makes them a potential tool in the treatment and prevention of a range of diseases, from the common cold to more serious illnesses.
Beyond their immune-boosting properties, mushrooms also show promise in the field of oncology. Some varieties, including Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), have been studied for their potential anti-cancer effects. In laboratory and animal studies, these mushrooms have demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, as well as enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy drugs. While the research is still in its early stages, the potential for mushrooms to play a role in cancer treatment is an exciting prospect.
Additionally, mushrooms may also have applications in mental health treatment. For example, Lion's Mane mushroom has been studied for its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties, which could make it useful in the treatment of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as depression and anxiety. The mushroom contains unique compounds, such as erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) - a protein that promotes the growth and survival of nerve cells.
The potential medicinal uses of mushrooms extend beyond these examples, and new applications are continuously being explored. From helping to manage diabetes and high cholesterol to treating bacterial and viral infections, the scope of mushroom medicine is vast. As scientific understanding of the potential benefits of mushrooms grows, so too will their integration into healthcare practices, contributing to a healthier future for people worldwide.
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Mushrooms for building materials
The world is waking up to the magic of mushrooms and their potential to create a sustainable future. Mycelium, the root-like fibres of fungi, has been identified as a promising new building material. Mycelium bricks are fireproof, waterproof, and completely biodegradable. They can be grown into specific forms, reducing processing requirements, and are lightweight yet strong.
Scientists are exploring the use of mycelium as a building material to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. Concrete and steel, standard building materials, contribute significantly to the industry's carbon footprint. Mycelium, on the other hand, is carbon neutral and can be grown on waste products, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and virgin resources.
Mycelium bricks are also self-healing. If a brick is damaged, the addition of more fungus will cause it to mend itself in a few days. This property makes mycelium particularly useful in remote settings or natural disaster areas, where construction materials may be scarce.
The use of mycelium in construction is still experimental, but it holds great potential for the future. With further development, mycelium could be used for insulation, furniture, and even as a replacement for traditional masonry. Mycelium's unique properties, including its ability to regenerate quickly and be used for 3D printing, could create a new paradigm for design in the building industry.
The enormous potential of mushrooms extends beyond construction. They can be used for packaging, alternative meat products, animal-free leather, and skincare, and even to clean up pollution and break down plastic waste. With their ability to provide nutritional and health benefits, as well as their potential applications in various industries, mushrooms truly are the future.
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Mushrooms for cleaning up pollution
Mushrooms have been used to clean up pollution and toxic waste, including oil spills, boat fuel, contaminated soil, and polychlorinated biphenyls. This process is known as "mycoremediation", a subclass of bioremediation that uses microorganisms to break down contaminants by using them as a food source. Mycofiltration, a type of bioremediation, can help keep water sources clean by using indigenous metallotolerant fungal isolates to degrade pollutants in the water before they reach larger bodies of water.
The oyster mushroom, or Pleurotus ostreatus, has been shown to purify water through its ability to remove contaminants from both water and soil. In one lab-based study, oyster mushroom mycelia were used against E. coli-inoculated water, resulting in a 99.25% and 99.74% removal rate over a 96-hour period. This same species of mushroom has been used by volunteers led by Erik Ohlsen to clean up oil spills in the Amazon, boat fuel pollution in Denmark, and contaminated soil in New Zealand.
Mushrooms have also been found to break down plastic wastes, including persistent pesticides, and even help rehabilitate radioactive sites. They can convert pesticides and herbicides into less harmful compounds, remove and recover heavy metals from contaminated water, and break down plastic. Additionally, they can remove toxins from the soil and water, and clean up our pesticide problem.
The potential of mushrooms to clean up pollution and provide sustainable solutions to environmental issues has led to the emergence of citizen scientists and mycoevangelists, who are eager to put this knowledge into practice. Mycelial networks, such as the Radical Mycology Mycelial Network, have been founded to harness this enthusiasm and provide a platform for the exchange of information and research.
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Mushrooms in art and design
Mushrooms have been a source of fascination for artists and designers for centuries, with artistic representations dating back to ancient cave paintings. The North American Mycological Association's "Registry of Mushrooms in Works of Art" project aims to understand the relationship between mushrooms and people as reflected in art throughout history.
The Somerset House exhibition "Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi" showcased the work of over 40 artists, designers, and musicians, exploring fungi's cultural legacy and potential for reimagining our relationship with the planet. Curated by Francesca Gavin, the exhibition included a diverse range of media, from neo-pastoral paintings by Graham Little to lithograph portfolios by Cy Twombly, watercolours by Beatrix Potter, and inspiring works from emerging contemporary artists.
Mushrooms have long been associated with altered states of consciousness and ritualistic practices, as evidenced in ancient cave paintings in sub-Saharan Africa and their use in ancient Siberia, Africa, and Spain. In Mesoamerica, the Mayans and Aztecs used mushrooms in divination, healing, and rituals. This association is also reflected in Christian art, such as Hieronymus Bosch's "The Haywain Triptych" and "The Garden of Earthly Delights," which depict scenes reminiscent of those experienced under the influence of psychoactive mushrooms.
Contemporary artists continue to be drawn to mushrooms for their symbolic and aesthetic qualities, often exploring themes of sustainable living, new materials, and ethical considerations in biotechnology. For instance, Turkish artist Lara Ögel's collage works, featured in the 2017 Somerset House exhibition, draw on the subconscious and the appearance of mushrooms in ruins, opening up discussions on existence, life, and survival. Similarly, Alex Morrison's paintings of mushroom wallpaper patterns reflect on the domestication and ornamentation of sub-cultural icons.
Beyond traditional art forms, mushrooms are also inspiring experimental designs in textiles and architecture. The Somerset House exhibition featured contributions from designers like Takashi Murakami, who explored the use of mushrooms in upcycled agro-waste and sustainable shoe production using mycelium.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are being hailed as the superfood of the future. They are low in fat, high in fibre, and protein and contain valuable nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
Mushrooms have been found to break down plastics in soil and seawater within weeks. They can also clean up oil pollution, degrade heavy metals, and rehabilitate radioactive sites.
Mushrooms have been found to help with tumour suppression, virus suppression, blood sugar regulation, and lowering cholesterol.
An exhibition at Somerset House in London showcased design possibilities of mushrooms, including lampshades grown from woodland tree litter and a chair made from mycelium.
Architectural historian Mae-ling Lokko has produced building blocks grown from agricultural waste. Her work combines mycelium with biopolymers to produce high-performance building materials that could replace concrete.
