Laura Smith
Magic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, mushies, or simply mushrooms, are hallucinogenic fungi that contain the psychedelic drug psilocybin. While they are illegal in many places, they have been used privately around the world and are associated with the 1960s youth counterculture. Today, modern medical research is exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental and behavioural health conditions. Small clinical trials have shown that psilocybin may help ease treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and anxiety. In addition to their possible mental health benefits, are psychedelic mushrooms also nutritious?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Mushrooms contain protein, vitamins (including B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12), minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. They are low in sodium, fat, calories, and cholesterol. |
| Health benefits | Mushrooms may help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and improve brain health. They are also being studied for their potential use in treating mental and behavioural health conditions. |
| Psychedelic effects | Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, can cause hallucinations and affect thoughts and emotions. They have been used as a recreational drug and are associated with the 1960s youth counterculture. However, they are mostly illegal in the US and other countries, but some cities have decriminalized their possession. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are a source of vitamin D
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. While many people rely on supplements or sunshine to get vitamin D, mushrooms are the only type of produce that is a source of this nutrient.
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that contains a substance called ergosterol, which is similar in structure to cholesterol in animals. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunlight or a UV lamp, ergosterol can be transformed into vitamin D. The most common form of vitamin D in mushrooms is D2, with lesser amounts of vitamins D3 and D4. Vitamin D2 is also the form of vitamin D produced by plants, while vitamin D3 is the most common form in animal foods.
The amount of vitamin D in mushrooms varies depending on their exposure to UV light. Wild mushrooms like chanterelles and morels can contain up to 1200 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving due to their exposure to UV light. Mushrooms grown in darkened conditions, such as white button, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms, typically contain less than 40 IU. However, exposing these mushrooms to sunlight or a UV lamp can significantly increase their vitamin D content. For example, button mushrooms exposed to sunlight can produce up to 400 IU of vitamin D per 3.5-ounce serving.
To get the recommended daily amount of vitamin D from mushrooms, slice three mushrooms (or one portabella) and expose them to sunlight for at least 15 minutes. Eating a little more than one cup of maitake mushrooms can also provide the recommended amount of vitamin D without the need for sun exposure. It is important to note that cooking mushrooms in fat, such as oils, can cause vitamin D to leach out as it is fat-soluble.
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They contain B vitamins
Mushrooms are tasty and nutritious. They are a good source of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12. Vitamin B6 helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin B6.
In addition to B vitamins, mushrooms also contain vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. Mushrooms are the only produce that contains vitamin D. Exposure to UV light or sunlight can increase the levels of vitamin D in mushrooms.
Mushrooms also have medicinal properties and are thought to be beneficial in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases and potentially Alzheimer's. They can also help lower cholesterol, especially in overweight adults.
While most mushrooms are edible and nutritious, some species are toxic to humans. It is important to properly identify mushroom species before consuming them, as consuming toxic mushrooms can have serious health consequences.
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They are a good source of ergothioneine
While psychedelic mushrooms are commonly associated with their hallucinogenic properties, they also possess nutritional and health benefits. One notable aspect is their significant content of ergothioneine, a potent amino acid and antioxidant.
Ergothioneine is an amino acid with strong antioxidant properties, making it an important contributor to the health benefits associated with mushrooms. This compound plays a crucial role in preventing or slowing down cellular damage, thereby promoting overall health and well-being. By consuming psychedelic mushrooms, individuals can benefit from the protective effects of ergothioneine against cellular damage, which may contribute to maintaining a healthy body.
Psychedelic mushrooms, often referred to as \"magic mushrooms," are known to contain hallucinogenic substances like psilocybin and psilocin. While these compounds induce hallucinations and altered states of consciousness, the mushrooms themselves also offer nutritional value. Ergothioneine, in particular, stands out as a key component that makes these mushrooms more than just a recreational substance.
The presence of ergothioneine in psychedelic mushrooms highlights their potential health benefits beyond their psychoactive effects. Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. By consuming psychedelic mushrooms, individuals may be able to harness the antioxidant properties of ergothioneine to bolster their body's defences against these harmful free radicals.
In addition to their ergothioneine content, psychedelic mushrooms also contain other nutrients and compounds that contribute to their overall nutritional profile. These mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and can be challenging to obtain from non-animal sources. They also provide B vitamins, including vitamin B6, which is crucial for the formation of red blood cells, proteins, and DNA. Furthermore, psychedelic mushrooms are low in sodium, making them a suitable substitute for red meat, helping to reduce cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
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They may help to prevent cancer
While psychedelic mushrooms, or "shrooms", are mostly illegal in the US, they have a wide range of health benefits. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses and are known as "medicinal mushrooms".
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 showed that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms (or about two medium mushrooms) a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%.
Mushrooms contain vitamin D, which is essential for the immune system. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.
Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer. This is linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. For example, patients who took mushrooms were able to tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment, probably because they experienced fewer side effects.
However, it is important to note that almost all studies about mushrooms have been conducted in Asia, so it is unclear if patients in other parts of the world will respond in the same way. More clinical research on mushrooms with anticancer potential is needed, especially with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups.
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They may help to lower cholesterol
While psychedelic mushrooms are illegal in many places, they are being studied for their potential health benefits. Small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, the psychedelic in mushrooms, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The US Food and Drug Administration has described psilocybin as a "breakthrough medicine".
Medicinal mushrooms, such as lion's mane and reishi, are thought to have specific healing properties. They are often taken as a powder or supplement rather than eaten whole. There is some evidence that medicinal mushrooms may be beneficial in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases and potentially Alzheimer's.
Mushrooms have also been shown to have therapeutic properties that may help lower cholesterol, particularly in overweight adults. They contribute nutrients and plant compounds that may help prevent cells from sticking to blood vessel walls and forming plaque build-up. This helps protect the heart by maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, help to keep cholesterol levels low. They contain compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol, block cholesterol from being absorbed, and lower the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Research continues to uncover how mushrooms can ward off chronic disease and improve everyday health.
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Frequently asked questions
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as shrooms, magic mushrooms, or simply mushrooms, are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic drugs called psilocin or psilocybin. They are mostly illegal in the US and are classified as a Schedule I drug.
Psychedelic mushrooms are nutritious and provide various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D, which helps maintain and build strong bones. They also contain B vitamins, including vitamin B6, which helps form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.
Some people use psychedelic mushrooms for their perceived health benefits, which may include improved brain health, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced depression and anxiety. Small clinical trials have shown that psilocybin can make long-lasting changes in people with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. However, it's important to note that the use of psychedelic mushrooms also carries risks and side effects, such as hallucinations and flashbacks.
Psychedelic mushrooms are typically consumed by eating them or taking them as a powder or supplement. A typical microdose of dried psilocybin mushrooms ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 grams, while a full-blown psychedelic experience requires a higher dose of around 25 milligrams. It's important to exercise caution and be mindful of the legal status of psychedelic mushrooms in your region.
Yes, consuming psychedelic mushrooms carries certain risks. It is illegal to possess, sell, or give away psilocybin mushrooms in many places, including the US and the UK. Additionally, they can cause hallucinations, sound and sight disturbances, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and nausea. Combining psychedelic mushrooms with certain medications or other drugs can also lead to unpredictable and dangerous effects.
