Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been a topic of interest for researchers in recent years, with studies exploring their potential cognitive benefits. The focus has been on the effects of mushroom consumption on brain function and mental health, including conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. While some studies suggest that eating mushrooms may improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of certain brain disorders, other studies investigating the effects of mushrooms on mental health have produced mixed results. Additionally, the compound psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has been explored for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental illnesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consumption frequency | More than 12 g per day of fresh mushrooms (equivalent to 1 or more portions per week) |
| Types of mushrooms | Lion's Mane, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybin Mushrooms |
| Cognitive benefits | Better cognitive performance, reduced odds of mild cognitive impairment, improved episodic memory, processing speed, and executive function |
| Neuroprotective benefits | Lower risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, dementia), improved mental health and mood, reduced rates of depression |
| Therapeutic benefits | Increased brain connectivity, improved mental flexibility, reduced negative thinking patterns, potential treatment for psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, anorexia, addiction) |
| Safety considerations | Do not self-medicate; serious risks associated with unsupervised use; not approved by FDA for depression treatment |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Mushrooms have been linked to a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A number of edible mushrooms have been shown to contain rare and exotic compounds that exhibit positive effects on brain cells. These mushrooms may be regarded as functional foods for the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.
Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. One such antioxidant is ergothioneine (ET), a unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that humans cannot produce on their own but can obtain from dietary sources, one of which is mushrooms. A study of elderly Singaporeans revealed that plasma levels of ET in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were significantly lower than in healthy individuals of the same age. This led researchers to believe that a deficiency in ET may be a risk factor for neurodegeneration, and increasing ET intake through mushroom consumption might promote cognitive health.
Other compounds in mushrooms may also help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Certain hericenones, erinacines, scabronines, and dictyophorines may promote the synthesis of nerve growth factors. Bioactive compounds in mushrooms may also protect the brain from neurodegeneration by inhibiting the production of beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau, and acetylcholinesterase.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom with pharmacological activities in preventing many age-associated neurological dysfunctions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Supplementation with Lion's Mane has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment.
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They can improve mood and mental health
Mushrooms have been found to improve mood and mental health. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of edible mushrooms may provide neuroprotective cognitive health benefits. For instance, the EPIC-Norfolk study found that mushroom consumers displayed better cognitive performance than non-consumers across multiple cognitive domains.
In addition, there is evidence to suggest that mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia during ageing. This is supported by the fact that studies have found a clear association between higher rates of mushroom consumption and lower rates of depression throughout the lifespan, from young adulthood through to older age.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have been shown to enhance mood and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, small clinical trials have shown that one or two doses of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, which often does not respond to traditional antidepressants.
Psilocybin has been found to increase brain connectivity in people with depression, helping to "open up" depressed individuals' brains even weeks after use. This may be due to the fact that psilocybin temporarily disrupts a brain network involved in creating a person's sense of self, allowing the brain to break out of negative thought patterns and become more flexible and fluid.
However, it is important to note that not all hallucinogenic experiences are positive, and there are risks associated with taking psilocybin without the supervision of trained mental health experts.
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They are associated with better cognitive performance
Mushrooms are associated with better cognitive performance. Several studies have found a link between mushroom consumption and improved brain function, particularly in older adults. The EPIC-Norfolk study, for instance, revealed that mushroom consumers exhibited superior cognitive performance across multiple domains compared to non-consumers. Additionally, consuming more than 12 grams of fresh mushrooms daily (equivalent to one or more portions per week) has been linked to enhanced cognitive abilities in areas such as episodic memory, processing speed, and executive function.
The positive impact of mushrooms on cognitive health may be attributed to their neuroprotective properties. Research suggests that regular inclusion of edible mushrooms in the diet may promote healthy ageing and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. Furthermore, mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can positively influence cognitive health.
While the specific types of mushrooms consumed may vary across studies, the overall trend suggests that incorporating mushrooms into one's diet is associated with improved cognitive performance. It is worth noting that the relationship between mushroom intake and cognitive benefits persists even when controlling for other factors such as socioeconomic status and overall dietary health.
In addition to the cognitive advantages, consuming mushrooms has been linked to improved mood and mental health. Studies have observed a correlation between higher mushroom consumption rates and lower rates of depression throughout different life stages. This indicates that the benefits of mushrooms may extend beyond cognitive performance to encompass overall psychological well-being.
While the majority of the research focuses on the benefits of edible mushrooms, it is worth noting that some studies have explored the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelic mushrooms, specifically those containing psilocybin, on mental health conditions. These studies suggest that psilocybin may increase brain connectivity and flexibility, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. However, it is important to emphasize that psilocybin should not be used for self-medication without the supervision of trained mental health professionals.
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They can help with episodic memory and executive function
Several studies have found a positive correlation between mushroom consumption and improved cognitive performance in both middle-aged and older adults. These studies suggest that eating mushrooms can enhance episodic memory and executive function.
One study found that consuming more than 12 grams of fresh mushrooms daily (equivalent to one or more portions per week) was associated with better cognitive performance in older adults. This included improved episodic memory, processing speed, and executive function.
Lion's Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have been the focus of several studies investigating their potential cognitive benefits. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants who took a single 1.8-gram dose of Lion's Mane performed significantly better on the Stroop task, which assesses attention and executive function. They also showed a trend toward improved episodic memory, although this was not statistically significant.
Another study found that participants who consumed Lion's Mane mushrooms for 28 days showed a trend toward reduced subjective stress. Stress can negatively impact cognitive function, so this finding suggests that Lion's Mane may indirectly improve cognitive function by reducing stress levels.
While the specific mechanisms behind the cognitive benefits of mushrooms are still being investigated, it is believed that mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to their neuroprotective effects.
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Magic mushrooms can increase brain connectivity
Magic mushrooms have been found to increase brain connectivity in people with depression. Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in magic mushrooms, helps to "open up" depressed people's brains, even weeks after use. This was discovered by a team from Imperial College London's Centre for Psychedelic Research, who analysed brain scans from around 60 people receiving treatment for depression. The results revealed that those who responded to psilocybin-assisted therapy showed increased brain connectivity during treatment and up to three weeks after.
The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, may cause trippy experiences by increasing brain connectivity. Normally unconnected brain regions show synchronised activity, suggesting the stimulation of long-range connections that the brain typically wouldn't make. This effect has been observed in both human and mouse studies. In mice, a single dose of psilocybin resulted in a 10% increase in the number of neuronal connections, which were also 10% larger, indicating stronger connections.
The findings suggest that psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants, making the brain more flexible and fluid. This flexibility may help the brain break free from the rigid patterns associated with depression. Professor David Nutt, Head of the Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research, commented that these findings are important because they confirm psilocybin as a potential alternative approach to treating depression.
It is worth noting that the effects of psilocybin on brain connectivity have been found to be consistent across multiple studies, whereas similar changes were not observed with conventional antidepressants. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of psilocybin therapy, as some people do relapse. Patients with depression are cautioned against self-medicating with psilocybin, as it may not have a positive outcome without careful safeguards and extensive psychological support.
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Frequently asked questions
Consuming mushrooms has been linked to better cognitive performance and reduced odds of mild cognitive impairment. Eating more than 12g per day of fresh mushrooms (equivalent to 1 or more portions per week) has been associated with better cognitive scores in episodic memory, processing speed, and executive function.
Yes, there are different types of mushrooms that have been studied for their effects on cognition. One example is Lion's Mane, which has been shown to enhance mood and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults.
In addition to improved cognitive performance, consuming mushrooms may also reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia during ageing.
While consuming mushrooms as part of a healthy diet is generally considered safe, it is important to distinguish between fresh and dried mushrooms as their portion sizes differ. Fresh mushrooms are typically consumed in larger amounts, while dried mushrooms are more concentrated and consumed in lower amounts.
Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to their cognitive benefits. Additionally, the psychedelic compound psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on mental health, including enhancing cognitive flexibility and improving mood. However, it is important to note that psilocybin should not be used as self-medication without proper supervision by trained mental health professionals.
