Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are the only non-animal food source that provides a notable amount of vitamin D. Exposing mushrooms to UV light boosts vitamin D by 4600%. However, UV light has been known to damage mycelium and cause mutations and cancer in humans. So, do UV lights hurt mushrooms?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on vitamin D production | UV light boosts vitamin D in mushrooms by 4,600% |
| Effect on mycelium | Damages mycelium |
| Effect on humans | Causes cancer and genetic damage in humans |
| Effect on bacteria | Kills bacteria |
| Effect on antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules | UV light triggers the production of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules in mushrooms |
| Effect on potency | No effect on potency |
| Effect on yield | No effect on yield |
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What You'll Learn
UV light can damage mycelium and cause mutations
UV light can have adverse effects on mushrooms, specifically mycelium. Mycelium is known to fruit best with light at the 'blue' end of the spectrum, which is why a higher color temperature is required for optimal performance. UV light, on the other hand, has been known to damage mycelium and cause mutations.
Sources suggest that exposing mycelium to UV light can lead to genetic damage, which may only show up several generations down the line. This genetic damage is caused by defects in DNA, and while some organisms can repair this damage, it can still lead to harmful mutations.
While direct sunlight is fine for a few minutes, it should not be used for extended periods, as this can also cause harm. It is recommended to use natural light from a window for a few minutes to a few hours a day, as this provides optimal lighting conditions for mushroom growth.
In addition to the potential damage to mycelium, UV-C light in particular is known to be harmful to humans. Exposure to UV-C light can cause sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution when using any form of UV light, including UV-C wands, as the potential risks may outweigh the benefits.
Overall, while UV light can be used to induce pinning and fruiting in mushrooms, it is not recommended due to the potential genetic damage it can cause. There are alternative lighting options, such as fluorescent lights or natural daylight, that can provide sufficient lighting for mushroom growth without the same risks associated with UV light.
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UV light can be used to reduce bacterial contams
While UV light is known to damage mycelium and cause mutations in mushrooms, it can be used to reduce bacterial contamination.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection technique that uses UV light, particularly UV-C (180-280 nm), to kill or inactivate microorganisms. UV-C light is virtually absent in sunlight that reaches the Earth's surface due to the absorptive properties of the ozone layer. UVGI devices can effectively inactivate microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, and other pathogens.
UV-C light has been shown to reduce or inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It does so by damaging molecules like nucleic acids and proteins, rendering the germ incapable of performing the processes necessary for its survival.
Studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of UV-A light in reducing bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus-229E. However, there are currently no studies exploring the internal application of UVA light for bacterial or viral infections.
When using UV light for disinfection, it is essential to consider factors such as distance, wavelength, intensity, and exposure time to ensure optimal effectiveness and minimize potential harm.
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Vitamin D production in mushrooms is boosted by UV light
Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining optimal health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to severe conditions like rickets. Vitamin D insufficiency affects over half of the world's population, and mushrooms exposed to UV light can help address this issue.
Mushrooms exposed to UV light have been shown to increase vitamin D production significantly. In one study, vitamin D levels in Shiitake mushrooms skyrocketed from 2.3% DV per serving to 100% DV per serving after being blasted with UV radiation for two hours. Another group of researchers achieved a remarkable 4,600% increase in vitamin D levels by suspending the mushrooms in ethanol during irradiation, protecting the vitamin D from degradation.
The process by which UV light boosts vitamin D production in mushrooms is similar to the way UV light affects human skin. In mushrooms, ergosterol is converted into vitamin D through the energy from UV light. This process can be further optimized by adjusting variables such as time of exposure, temperature, and type of UV radiation. For example, freeze-dried and powdered shiitake mushrooms exposed to 20 pulses of UV radiation produced 37 μg/g DM of vitamin D2, while 60 pulses generated 62 μg/g DM.
Additionally, the stress generated by UV irradiation induces mushroom cells to enter a protective state, leading to the production of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules. This combination of vitamin D and minerals may have beneficial effects on bone density and could potentially help prevent osteoporosis.
While UV light can be beneficial for boosting vitamin D production in mushrooms, excessive or prolonged exposure should be avoided as it can damage the mycelium and cause mutations. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and find a balance when using UV light to enhance vitamin D content in mushrooms.
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Blue light is good for mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great source of curiosity and sustenance. They are unique in that they do not require light for photosynthesis, as they do not have chlorophyll. However, light does play a significant role in the development of many mushroom species.
Blue light, in particular, has a profound effect on mushroom growth. Blue light, with a wavelength between 400 and 500 nm, promotes faster colonization times and a higher yield of fruiting bodies in some species. This mimics the natural conditions under which many mushrooms grow. For example, exposure to blue light signals to mushrooms that they have reached the outer limits of their growing medium or that they are near the surface, triggering them to begin fruiting.
In addition, blue light influences the concentration of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds in mushrooms, enhancing their nutritional profile, flavor, and shelf life. Paul Stamets, a renowned mycologist, has conducted extensive research on the influence of blue light on psilocybin mushrooms. His work has revealed that exposing mycelium to specific wavelengths of blue light increases the production of beneficial compounds, resulting in enhanced quality and size of the mushrooms.
When choosing lighting for mushroom cultivation, it is important to avoid UV light, as it can damage mycelium and cause mutations. Instead, opt for lighting with a higher color temperature, such as fluorescent lights, which provide a color temperature of 5,000K, similar to natural daylight at 6,500K. By utilizing blue light and understanding its impact on mushrooms, growers can enhance the quality and yield of their mushroom crops.
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UV light can cause cancer in humans
UV lights can damage mycelium and cause mutations and cancer in humans. UV-C light, in particular, can damage or kill every living thing it reaches. It is a mutagen that produces defects in DNA.
UV radiation is a type of energy that is released naturally by the sun and artificially by man-made sources like tanning beds and sunlamps. It is classified as a "complete carcinogen", as it is both a mutagen and a non-specific damaging agent with properties of both a tumor initiator and a promoter. Excessive exposure to UV radiation carries profound health risks, including atrophy, pigmentary changes, wrinkling, and malignancy.
UV radiation is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer and is linked to the three most common types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. These types of skin cancer affect more than a million Americans annually. In the UK, almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.
UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to cancer. The risk of skin cancer is higher for people with lighter skin tones, as they have a higher risk of sunburn. However, anyone can develop skin cancer, and even people with darker skin tones can experience skin irritation, tenderness, or itchiness when exposed to the sun. Spending time in the shade, covering up with clothing, wearing UV protection sunglasses, and applying sunscreen are recommended ways to stay safe in the sun.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, UV lights are known to damage mycelium and cause mutations in mushrooms.
A light in the 6,500 Kelvin range is best for growing mushrooms. Fluorescent lights or natural daylight are good options.
Yes, UV light can increase the vitamin D content of mushrooms by 4,600%.
Blue light is good for growing mushrooms.
Yes, UV light can cause skin burns and increase the risk of cancer.
