Sarah Brown
Craving mushrooms could be due to several factors. One reason could be that you're used to eating them regularly, especially if you often eat Asian food, which frequently includes mushrooms. Another reason could be their umami flavour—mushrooms, especially when well-ripened or dried, release glutamate, which unlocks umami taste receptors on your tongue, signalling to your brain that they taste good. It's worth noting that craving and consuming raw mushrooms is not recommended due to the presence of toxins and bacteria, which can be harmful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mushrooms have an umami taste, which is savoury and satisfying. |
| Routine | Eating mushrooms regularly can lead to a craving for them. |
| Nutrition | Mushrooms contain vitamin D2, which may be linked to cravings. |
| Psychology | Craving mushrooms could be a form of psychological rebellion against being told not to eat them. |
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What You'll Learn
You might be used to eating them regularly
You might be craving mushrooms because you're used to eating them regularly. For instance, if you enjoy Asian cuisine, you're probably aware that mushrooms are a common ingredient in many dishes. If you've been eating these dishes often, it's natural for your body to start wanting them. This is because most of the time, your body craves what it's used to eating.
Mushrooms are well-known for their umami taste. When you eat mushrooms, especially when they're well-ripened or dried, they release glutamate. Glutamate acts like a key that fits into specific locks (umami taste receptors) on your tongue. When the glutamate unlocks these receptors, it sends a signal to your brain that says, "Wow, this is delicious and savory!". So, you may crave mushrooms because you like their umami flavor.
It's also important to note that mushrooms contain vitamin D2, which can increase vitamin D levels in the blood. However, research suggests that vitamin D2 may not be as effective as vitamin D3, which is found in fatty fish. There is a theory that if you're lacking certain nutrients, like vitamin D, your body might naturally crave foods rich in those nutrients. However, there is currently no concrete evidence to support this theory, and it doesn't explain why the body would crave foods with moderate amounts of vitamin D2 over foods with higher amounts of vitamin D3.
In addition to vitamin D, there may be other nutritional deficiencies that could be causing your mushroom cravings. Mushrooms contain many essential nutrients, including B vitamins, potassium, and selenium. If your body is lacking in any of these nutrients, it could be prompting you to crave mushrooms. However, it's important to note that while nutritional deficiencies may play a role in cravings, the evidence is not conclusive.
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You like their umami flavour
Mushrooms have a distinct umami flavour, often called the "fifth taste", alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Umami gives foods a savoury taste that fills your taste buds with a sense of fullness and depth. When you eat mushrooms, especially when they’re well-ripened or dried, they release glutamate, which fits into the umami taste receptors on your tongue. This sends a signal to your brain that says, “Wow, this is delicious and savoury!” So, if you're craving mushrooms, it could be because you like their umami flavour.
If you've been eating the same meals over and over again, it's normal for your mind to start looking for something different to excite your taste buds. So, if you've been eating the same dishes for months or years, it's natural for your body to start craving mushrooms. This is especially true if you're someone who enjoys Asian food, as many dishes in Asian cuisine include mushrooms. If you've been eating these dishes often, it's no surprise that your body has started to crave them.
It's also worth noting that mushrooms contain vitamin D2, while fatty fish are rich in vitamin D3. Research suggests that vitamin D2 may not be as effective as vitamin D3 in increasing vitamin D levels in the blood. However, there is a theory that suggests that if you’re lacking certain nutrients, like vitamin D, your body might naturally crave foods rich in those nutrients. While there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, it's an interesting possibility to consider.
In addition to their umami flavour, mushrooms also have a unique texture that can be appealing to some people. They can be crispy and crunchy when cooked properly, adding another layer of appeal to those who crave that texture. So, if you're craving mushrooms, it could be due to a combination of their umami flavour, their texture, and your body's natural desire for variety in your diet.
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You're expressing your freedom
Craving mushrooms could be a sign that you're expressing your freedom and individuality. Psychological rebellion, or reactance, occurs when being told not to do something makes you want to do it more. Eating mushrooms can become more tempting if you associate them with forbidden fruit. By choosing to eat mushrooms, you may feel like you're standing up for your choices and expressing yourself.
It's also possible that you're craving mushrooms simply because you're used to eating them regularly. If you frequently consume Asian cuisine, for instance, you may be accustomed to the presence of mushrooms in your meals. Over time, your body may naturally start to crave these familiar foods.
The umami taste of mushrooms could be another factor in your cravings. Mushrooms, especially when well-ripened or dried, release glutamate, which activates the umami taste receptors on your tongue. This sends a signal to your brain that you're consuming something delicious and savory, making you want more.
While mushrooms do contain vitamin D2, it's doubtful that your body is specifically craving this nutrient. Vitamin D2 can increase vitamin D levels in the blood, but research suggests it may not be as effective as vitamin D3, found in foods like fatty fish. Thus, if you were deficient in vitamin D, it's more likely you would crave foods rich in vitamin D3 rather than mushrooms.
If you're craving mushrooms, it could be a sign that your body is seeking variety and excitement in your diet. Indulging in your mushroom cravings can be a way to express your freedom to choose what you eat and enjoy the flavors and textures that appeal to you.
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You're low on vitamin D
There are several reasons why someone may be craving mushrooms. Firstly, mushrooms have a strong umami flavour, which is often described as savoury and delicious. When you eat mushrooms, they release glutamate, which fits into umami taste receptors on your tongue. This sends a signal to your brain that the mushrooms taste good, and can lead to cravings.
Another reason for mushroom cravings could be that you are used to eating them regularly. For example, if you often eat Asian cuisine, which frequently includes mushrooms, your body may start to crave them if you haven't eaten them in a while.
It has also been suggested that mushroom cravings could be caused by a vitamin D deficiency. Mushrooms contain vitamin D2, which can increase vitamin D levels in the blood. However, there is currently no evidence to support the theory that the body craves foods with moderate amounts of vitamin D2 to address a deficiency. Instead, the body may be expected to crave foods rich in vitamin D3, such as salmon, herring, cod liver oil, canned tuna, egg yolks, and milk.
While there may be other reasons for mushroom cravings, it is important to note that eating raw mushrooms is not recommended due to the presence of toxins and bacteria. Cooking mushrooms reduces the risk of ingesting these harmful substances.
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You're craving variety in your diet
Craving mushrooms can mean that you're after some variety in your diet. If you're eating the same dishes week after week, it's normal for your mind to start looking for something different to excite your taste buds. Mushrooms have a well-known umami flavour, which is what makes certain foods taste deliciously satisfying. This could be why you're craving mushrooms—you're used to having them regularly, and your body is now craving their savoury deliciousness.
However, it's important to note that eating raw mushrooms is not recommended. Even the white button mushroom commonly used in salads has toxins, and cooking mushrooms is necessary to reduce the risk of ingesting these toxins. Mushrooms are cultivated on horse manure, which is generally sterilised before use, but it is still a medium for bacterial growth. There is a considerable risk of pathogenic bacteria on raw mushrooms. Cooking mushrooms also reduces the risk of ingesting agaritine, a carcinogen found in mushrooms.
If you are craving mushrooms, it could be a psychological rebellion. This happens when being told not to do something makes doing it more tempting. Eating mushrooms might feel like standing up for your own choices and expressing who you are.
There is also a theory that if you're lacking certain nutrients, your body may crave foods rich in those nutrients. Mushrooms contain vitamin D2, so craving mushrooms might be a sign that your body needs more vitamin D. However, there is currently no evidence to support this theory, and it doesn't explain why the body would crave vitamin D2 over the more beneficial vitamin D3, found in fatty fish.
If you are craving mushrooms, it's important to consume them safely by cooking them thoroughly.
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Frequently asked questions
You may crave mushrooms because you like their umami flavor. Mushrooms are well-known for their umami taste, and when you eat them—especially when they’re well-ripened or dried—they release glutamate, which unlocks umami taste receptors on your tongue.
Raw mushrooms contain toxins and bacteria that are destroyed when cooked. Eating raw mushrooms can cause shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, can cause shiitake dermatitis or flagellate dermatitis, which causes a rash with whip-like marks on the body.
Heating mushrooms to over 145°C removes the risk of toxins and bacteria. Cooking mushrooms in a small amount of heart-healthy oil, like olive or avocado oil, can boost heart health.
Yes, craving mushrooms can be a form of psychological rebellion, where doing something that is forbidden or told not to do can feel like a stand for your own choices and expression of self.
While mushrooms contain vitamin D2, there is no evidence to support the theory that the body craves foods with moderate amounts of vitamin D2 over those rich in vitamin D3, such as fatty fish.
