Sarah Brown
Mushrooms have long been regarded as vegetative organisms, closely related to plants. However, recent genetic studies have revealed that mushrooms are, surprisingly, more closely related to humans than to plants. This unexpected kinship stems from the fact that animals and fungi share a common ancestor, branching away from plants approximately 1.1 billion years ago. This evolutionary insight has shed new light on the connections between different life forms, challenging our traditional understanding of mushrooms as primitive plants and highlighting their unique status in the kingdom of fungi.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Similarity to humans | Mushrooms are more closely related to humans than to plants |
| Scientific classification | Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi, which belong to their own kingdom |
| Nutritional intake | Unlike plants, mushrooms absorb nutrients from other organic matter |
| Health benefits | Mushrooms can reduce anxiety, alleviate OCD symptoms, improve depression, and ease pain |
| Spiritual experiences | About one-third of volunteers had a "complete" mystical experience after taking psilocybin |
| Safety | Magic mushrooms are non-addictive and are the least likely drug to send people to the emergency room |
| Legality | Possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms is illegal in the United States, but Denver has approved a referendum for decriminalization |
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What You'll Learn
Humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor
Mushrooms are not vegetables, fruits, or even meat. They are in a category of their own, but we often group them with vegetables for convenience. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi. They are not plants because they lack chlorophyll and do not produce their food through photosynthesis. Instead, they feed on decaying matter. Fungi belong to their own kingdom, just like animals, plants, bacteria, and protists (algae).
While mushrooms may not be vegetables, they do share a surprising amount of DNA with humans. Research has shown that mushrooms are, in fact, more closely related to humans than to plants. Animals and fungi share a common ancestor, branching away from plants around 1.1 billion years ago. It was only later that animals and fungi separated taxonomically. 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.
The idea that humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor may seem strange, but it highlights the complex evolutionary history of life on Earth. This history has been shaped by various factors, including the environment, genetic mutations, and natural selection. Over time, species have evolved and diversified, leading to the vast array of life forms we see today. While humans and mushrooms have evolved along different branches of the tree of life, they share a common root that connects them.
Furthermore, mushrooms have been used by humans for various purposes, including food and medicine. Some cultures even considered mushrooms sacred or restricted their consumption to royalty. In modern times, mushrooms have gained popularity for their potential psychological benefits. Studies have shown that psilocybin, the active compound in certain mushrooms, can induce spiritual experiences and positively impact mental health. However, it is important to approach these substances with caution, as they can also lead to negative side effects such as paranoia, nervousness, and flashbacks.
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Mushrooms are not vegetables, fruits, or meat
The classification of mushrooms as fungi can be traced back about 50 years, when they were given their own kingdom due to the vast number of species. Before this, mushrooms were considered primitive forms of plants. The distinction between mushrooms and plants is important scientifically, but it may not be as relevant in the kitchen. When preparing meals, taste, texture, and culinary usage often take precedence over the technical details of an ingredient's biology.
Mushrooms are commonly found in the produce section of grocery stores, alongside fresh vegetables and fruits. They are prized for their meaty texture, savoury flavour, and versatility in dishes. They can be sliced and sautéed, added to stir-fries, or used as a substitute for meat in recipes such as tacos, chilli, and burgers. Some varieties, like enoki mushrooms, can even be eaten raw in salads.
While mushrooms are not vegetables or fruits in a biological sense, the term "vegetable" is often used in a culinary context. In cooking, the term "vegetable" encompasses certain fruits, edible non-fruit plants, and even fungi like mushrooms. This culinary usage of the term "vegetable" is separate from its scientific definition and is based on how ingredients are typically used and prepared in the kitchen.
In summary, mushrooms are distinct from vegetables, fruits, and meat due to their classification as fungi. However, in the culinary world, mushrooms are often treated as vegetables or meat substitutes, blurring the lines between these categories.
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Magic mushrooms are the safest drug
Mushrooms share a common ancestor with animals and fungi, branching away from plants around 1.1 billion years ago. They are not vegetables, fruits, or meat, but rather a separate category. Genetic studies have shown that mushrooms are more closely related to humans than plants.
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are considered the safest "recreational" drug to take, according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. Out of almost 10,000 people who took them, only 0.2% needed emergency medical treatment. In comparison, the rates of emergency medical treatment for other drugs such as MDMA, LSD, alcohol, and cocaine were almost five times higher. Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects and could potentially benefit those with depression and anxiety. They are not habit-forming and are far less toxic to internal organs than drugs like heroin or cocaine.
However, it is important to note that magic mushrooms are illegal in many places and should not be consumed. There is a significant risk of accidentally consuming the wrong type of mushroom, as some varieties are toxic and can even be fatal. Proper identification of mushroom species is critical. While most experiences on mushrooms are positive, they can cause anxiety, panic, and depersonalization.
When taking magic mushrooms, the environment and preparation are essential to having a positive experience. People should be in a safe and familiar space, with a "sober sitter" to take care of them and provide reassurance if needed. It is also important not to combine magic mushrooms with alcohol or use them in risky or unfamiliar settings, as this can increase the risk of harm.
Overall, while magic mushrooms are considered the safest recreational drug, they should still be approached with caution and respect, and only consumed in a legal and responsible manner.
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Microdosing magic mushrooms can help with depression
Mushrooms and humans share a common ancestor, and fungi belong to their own kingdom, distinct from animals, plants, bacteria, and protista. Mushrooms are not vegetables or fruits, but rather the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi.
Psilocybin, a chemical found in certain mushrooms, has been used by indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. Psilocybin is considered a psychedelic drug that affects how the brain processes serotonin. When consumed, psilocybin is converted into psilocin by the body, resulting in psychoactive effects similar to LSD.
Microdosing psilocybin involves taking very small amounts, such as one-tenth or one-twentieth of a typical dose. While the effectiveness and safety of microdosing are still being researched, there is growing interest in its potential to treat mental health conditions, including depression.
Studies have shown that psilocybin treatment can lead to significant and long-lasting improvements in depression. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University reported large decreases in depression severity, with scores on the GRID-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale decreasing from 22.8 at pretreatment to below 10 within one week and remaining below 10 for up to 12 months.
Psilocybin's antidepressant effects may be due to its ability to reduce overactivity in the default mode network (DMN), which has been linked to depression and other mood disorders. Additionally, psilocin, the active ingredient in certain mushrooms, is a potent serotonin agonist and anti-inflammatory agent, which can increase neuroplasticity and positively impact mood disorders.
Microdosing psilocybin may offer a safe, less expensive, and more accessible alternative to full doses, particularly for individuals with mood disorders or medical conditions where inflammation is a principal factor. However, it is important to note that psilocybin experiences can vary widely, and adverse effects such as increased anxiety, poor mood, and cognitive functioning issues have been reported in some cases.
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Magic mushrooms are non-addictive
Mushrooms are not vegetables or fruits, or even meat. They are in a category of their own, but for convenience, we group them with vegetables. Different types of mushrooms have different health benefits. Mushrooms are more closely related to humans than plants, as animals and fungi share a common ancestor.
Magic mushrooms, or psilocybin mushrooms, are well-known for their hallucinogenic effects. They contain psychoactive compounds that can induce sensory experiences and alter perception, mood, and cognition. While magic mushrooms have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, religious, or recreational purposes, they are not physically addictive like other substances such as opioids or alcohol.
The lack of physical addiction is attributed to the fact that psilocybin mushrooms do not exhibit the same addictive properties as commonly abused substances. Studies show that regular mushroom users do not follow typical addiction patterns, and there is no significant physiological dependence associated with the drug. However, it is important to note that psychological dependence can develop, and some individuals may exhibit compulsive patterns of use to attain pleasurable feelings.
The effects of magic mushrooms can vary depending on the potency and amount ingested, as well as prior experiences. While there are no specific withdrawal symptoms, it may take a day or two to feel normal after ingesting mushrooms. Some lingering effects may include fatigue and difficulty distinguishing fantasy or dreams from reality.
It is crucial to understand the risks associated with magic mushrooms before experimenting with them. Although rare, there is evidence that they may trigger or worsen certain mental health conditions, and accidental poisoning can occur if toxic mushrooms are consumed. Additionally, a “bad trip" or overdose on magic mushrooms can result in severe psychological and physical effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, nausea, and increased heart rate.
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Frequently asked questions
No, we are not one-third mushrooms. While mushrooms and humans share a common ancestor, they are not the same. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of macroscopic filamentous fungi, whereas humans are animals. Fungi belong to their own kingdom, separate from animals, plants, bacteria, and protista (algae).
The idea that we are one-third mushrooms may come from the fact that mushrooms and humans share a significant portion of their DNA. Research has shown that mushrooms are more closely related to humans than to plants.
Mushrooms have various health benefits. They can reduce anxiety, alleviate OCD symptoms, improve depression, and boost the psychological state of terminal cancer patients. Additionally, they are a good source of nutrients and can be used recreationally to induce spiritual experiences.
