Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, fibre, and bioactive compounds. They are also one of the few natural, vegan sources of vitamin D. Recent studies have shown that mushrooms contain a compound called ergo, which may have the potential to prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases. They are also a leading dietary source of glutathione, an antioxidant that is present in all living organisms. Chaga mushrooms, for example, are rich in antioxidants and may help fight inflammation and lower cholesterol. Medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity in recent years, with some claiming that they can help resolve mental health issues and enhance spiritual connections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Low |
| Nutrients | Selenium, zinc, potassium, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, vitamin D, beta-glucans, glutathione, ergothioneine, fiber, protein |
| Medicinal properties | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic |
| Culinary use | Meat replacement, flavor-enhancers, gourmet appeal |
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What You'll Learn
Medicinal mushrooms and mental health
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties. They contain bioactive compounds that can influence brain chemistry and have been shown to have calming and brain-supporting benefits. Mushrooms are also a leading dietary source of the master antioxidant in all living organisms, glutathione.
Research has shown that psilocybin therapy, or "magic mushrooms", is beneficial in relieving symptoms of treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health disorders. Psilocybin has also been shown to ease fear and anxiety in people with terminal cancer and has had positive results in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies.
Lion's Mane is another medicinal mushroom that has been shown to reduce anxious and depressive behaviors in animal studies. It stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, which are crucial to brain health. An imbalance can contribute to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Chaga mushrooms are also an antioxidant powerhouse, making them excellent for fighting free radicals and inflammation. They have been used for centuries in Siberian, Russian, and Nordic folk medicine to promote endurance and vitality.
While medicinal mushrooms may offer supportive benefits for mental health, they are not a substitute for professional medical evaluation and care. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a mental health condition or are taking prescribed medications.
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Mushrooms as a meat substitute
Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for centuries, with medicinal use of mushrooms being more common in Asian cultures. They are a good source of protein, B vitamins, fibre, and other bioactive compounds. Mushrooms are also a leading dietary source of the antioxidant glutathione, which is present in all living organisms.
Mushrooms are an excellent meat substitute for those looking to reduce their ecological footprint and adopt a more ethical and humane approach to eating. They are flavourful and can be used in a variety of vegan recipes, ranging from stir-fries to soups.
Shiitake mushrooms, native to East Asia, have a distinct smoky note and a meaty texture that makes them ideal for vegan recipes. They can be used in stir-fries, soups, and as a substitute for pork in the classic Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu. Dried shiitake mushrooms offer an intensified flavour and aroma, making them a versatile ingredient.
Oyster mushrooms are another popular choice for meat substitutes. They have a robust texture and can be fried to create a vegan taco filling or used as a substitute for clams in a New England-style chowder. Oyster mushrooms can also be marinated in a garlic-balsamic glaze and air-fried, or coated in a seasoned batter and fried to create a vegan fried "chicken" recipe.
Lion's mane mushrooms are another variety that can be shredded and used as a substitute for crab meat. They are also known for their medicinal properties, as they foster the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, which are crucial for brain health.
When using mushrooms as a meat substitute, they can be cooked in olive oil or beef fat and seasoned with garlic, butter, soy sauce, and fresh herbs to enhance their flavour and juiciness.
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Mushrooms and vitamin D
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, specifically vitamin D2. Vitamin D is one of the five biological kingdoms and mushrooms reside in the fungal kingdom. The two main dietary forms of vitamin D are D2, found in fungi and yeast, and D3, found in animals. Vitamin D3 can also be found in smaller amounts in fungi. Vitamin D is a vital nutrient, and deficiency is a public health issue, with low dietary vitamin D intakes being a contributing factor.
Vitamin D-enhanced mushrooms are the only non-animal food product with substantial amounts of bioavailable vitamin D. This makes them an important source of vitamin D for vegans and vegetarians. Mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus can produce over 100% of the recommended vitamin D intake per 75g serve. This is achieved when the mushrooms are exposed to UV light, which converts the ergosterol (pro-vitamin D2) found in mushrooms into pre-vitamin D2, and then into ergocalciferol, vitamin D2.
The vitamin D2 produced in mushrooms is stable during cooking and processing, and four servings a week of UV-exposed button mushrooms can help most Australian adults meet their vitamin D recommendations. Vitamin D-rich mushrooms are a natural, vegan, safe, and sustainable food source of this important nutrient.
While mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, they are often overlooked, and other sources such as oily fish, milk, and eggs are more commonly recommended. However, with the global focus on vegan and vegetarian diets, and the importance of vitamin D for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, mushrooms are an excellent food-based solution to increasing vitamin D intake.
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Mushrooms for immune support
Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. In modern times, they are often praised for being healthy because they contain no cholesterol or gluten and are low in fat, sugars, sodium and calories. However, mushrooms also contain good sources of protein, B-vitamins, fibre, and bioactive compounds.
Medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used for protection against infectious diseases and various cancers. They have also been used to support immune function and have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens. Certain types of mushrooms have been found to have antioxidant properties, such as Chaga mushrooms, which are an excellent source of polyphenols, and Lion's Mane mushrooms, which are packed with antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.
Mushrooms are also a leading dietary source of the master antioxidant in all living organisms, glutathione. Research has shown that the ergo content in mushrooms can prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases of ageing, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Furthermore, mushrooms have been found to have potent antineoplastic properties that slow the growth of tumours, regulate tumour genes, decrease tumoral angiogenesis, and increase malignant-cell phagocytosis.
Mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, including as a dietary supplement in powder, capsule, or liquid extract form. They can also be added to smoothies, stir-fries, or drinks such as coffee or tea.
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Mushrooms and cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used as food and medicine for centuries, particularly in Asian cultures. They are a good source of protein, B-vitamins, fibre, and other bioactive compounds. They contain immune-enhancing sugars called beta-glucans, which are found in their cell walls.
In recent years, mushrooms have been increasingly evaluated and integrated into cancer care. Common medicinal mushrooms used in cancer treatment include Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail), and Agaricus Sylvaticus (Scaly Wood). Turkey Tail mushrooms, for example, were used by Paul Stamets, a world-renowned mushroom expert, to treat his mother's end-stage breast cancer. She is now cancer-free.
Mushrooms have been shown to have antitumor and anti-cancer properties, and they can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and insomnia. In a meta-analysis of 13 clinical trials, Yun Zhi, also known as Coriolus Versicolor or Turkey Tail, was found to produce a significant survival advantage compared to standard chemotherapy. The addition of Yun Zhi to chemotherapy resulted in a 9% absolute reduction in 5-year mortality for patients with breast cancer, gastric cancer, or colorectal cancer.
Furthermore, psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms, has been found to significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients battling cancer. A single guided dose of psilocybin in terminal cancer patients resulted in an 80% "significant decrease" in symptoms of anxiety and depression, with effects lasting up to 6 months.
While the potential of mushrooms in cancer treatment is promising, it is important to consult with a medical professional before integrating them into your treatment plan, as some therapies are unproven or may interfere with the effectiveness of conventional medical treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are low in calories, fat, sugars, sodium, and cholesterol. They are a good source of protein, B vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They also contain bioactive compounds and immune-enhancing sugars called beta-glucans. Some studies suggest that mushrooms may have medicinal properties and could be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairment.
According to Robert Beelman, a professor emeritus of food science, consuming 3 milligrams of ergothioneine from mushrooms per day is recommended. This can be achieved by eating a 3.5-ounce portion of button mushrooms or 1 ounce of specialty mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or maitake mushrooms.
While mushrooms are generally considered healthy, it is important to purchase mushrooms from reputable companies that prioritize quality in production and growing. Additionally, when cooking mushrooms, it is recommended to avoid using too much oil or fat as mushrooms will soak up these substances.
