Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are important because of their potential health benefits. Mushrooms, or shrooms, are hallucinogenic and can be consumed in a variety of ways, including raw, cooked, brewed into tea, or in soup. They contain psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that can be converted into psilocin, a chemical with psychoactive properties. While the use of mushrooms has been associated with youth counterculture and is illegal in many places, research has shown that they could be beneficial in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. However, it is important to note that there are risks associated with mushroom consumption, including the possibility of poisoning and unpredictable side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Source of antioxidants, vitamins (B, B6, B12, D, etc.), fiber, protein, minerals, zinc, selenium, potassium, and amino acids |
| Medicinal value | Wards off chronic diseases, improves gut health, boosts immune function, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, helps manage type 2 diabetes, and lowers the risk of cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and obesity |
| Flavor | Savory, rich, and flavorful |
| Texture | N/A |
| Other | Low in calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol |
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What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms have been used for their hallucinogenic effects for thousands of years
- Mushrooms can be dangerous as some are extremely poisonous
- Mushrooms can cause a bad trip, leading to terrifying thoughts
- Mushrooms may have health benefits, such as easing depression and anxiety
- Mushrooms are illegal in many places, but some cities have decriminalised them
Magic mushrooms have been used for their hallucinogenic effects for thousands of years
Mushrooms are important for a variety of reasons. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help prevent several health conditions such as cancer and diabetes. They are also low in calories and can be used as a meat substitute in recipes, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
One particular type of mushroom, known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms", is notable for its hallucinogenic effects. Magic mushrooms contain the prodrug psilocybin, which turns into the psychedelic psilocin upon ingestion. Psilocybin is part of a group of drugs called psychedelics or hallucinogens, which can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted.
In Mesoamerica, native peoples have a long history of using magic mushrooms for religious communion, divination, and healing. Mushroom stones and motifs have been discovered in Guatemala, and a statuette depicting a mushroom resembling Psilocybe mexicana was found in a tomb in the Mexican state of Colima, dating back to around 200 CE. The Aztecs knew the Psilocybe species as "teōnanācatl", meaning "divine mushroom", and it was reportedly served at the coronation of the ruler Moctezuma II in 1502.
Today, some people continue to use magic mushrooms in the hopes of having a unique, spiritual, or enlightening experience. Additionally, microdosing, or taking very small amounts of psilocybin regularly, has become a popular practice with the aim of improving mental health and productivity. Researchers are also investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, particularly in the treatment of mental health disorders such as substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Mushrooms can be dangerous as some are extremely poisonous
Mushrooms are a tasty and nutritious addition to many meals, but it is important to be aware that some mushrooms are extremely poisonous and can be fatal if ingested. Out of the approximately 100,000 known fungi species worldwide, about 100 are poisonous to humans. While most mushroom poisonings are not fatal, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between edible and toxic mushrooms to avoid serious health risks.
One of the most well-known poisonous mushrooms is the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), which contains alpha-amanitin, a potent toxin that can cause liver and kidney failure within 6 to 24 hours of ingestion. This mushroom closely resembles edible straw mushrooms and Caesar's mushrooms, making it easily mistaken for a safe variety. Other highly poisonous mushrooms include the Webcap, Deadly Angel, and Fool's Conecap, all of which can lead to severe health issues and, in some cases, death.
The toxins found in poisonous mushrooms can vary, with some containing amatoxins, orellanin, or arabitol. Amatoxins are particularly dangerous as they block DNA replication, leading to cell death and affecting vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Orellanin causes kidney failure and death if left untreated, and arabitol can cause gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.
To stay safe, it is essential to only consume mushrooms from reliable sources and to properly identify mushrooms before cooking or eating them. Familiarizing oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species, as well as their characteristics and habitats, can help prevent accidental poisoning. Additionally, some toxins are heat-stable, so cooking toxic mushrooms may not always render them safe to eat.
While mushrooms can provide various health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution and properly identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid the dangerous and potentially fatal consequences of ingesting poisonous varieties.
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Mushrooms can cause a bad trip, leading to terrifying thoughts
Mushrooms are a fungus that is commonly added to meals. They are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in calories, sodium, and cholesterol. Mushrooms have been linked to several health benefits, including improved gut health, reduced risk of cancer and diabetes, and lower blood pressure. They can also aid in weight loss and enhance immune function. However, it is important to distinguish between edible and non-edible mushrooms, as some wild mushrooms contain deadly toxins and high levels of heavy metals.
While mushrooms offer various health advantages, certain varieties, particularly "magic mushrooms," can induce a "bad trip," leading to terrifying thoughts and challenging experiences. Magic mushrooms contain the hallucinogen psilocybin, which can trigger intense and sometimes distressing episodes. In a survey of almost 2,000 people who had previously used psilocybin mushrooms, more than 10% reported that their worst bad trip had put themselves or others at risk of harm. The key feature of a bad trip is often described as a loss of self or ego dissolution, which can be frightening and disorienting.
During a bad trip, individuals may experience terrifying thoughts and feelings of losing control. It is crucial to prepare and create a safe and peaceful environment when using hallucinogens to mitigate the risks associated with bad trips. Having a sober buddy present can provide support and assistance if needed. While bad trips can be scary, some participants in studies have reported that these experiences led to valuable insights and positive personal growth. It is important to approach the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms with caution and be aware of potential risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
To avoid bad trips, users should follow certain guidelines, such as choosing a calm and familiar setting, meditating or relaxing, and abstaining from other substances like cannabis or alcohol, which can alter the experience unpredictably. Additionally, activities like climbing, looking in mirrors, or engaging in sexual activities with unfamiliar partners during a trip are discouraged due to their potential for unpleasant or unexpected outcomes. While bad trips can be transformed into valuable experiences through storytelling and sense-making, the only way to guarantee avoiding a bad trip is to refrain from using hallucinogens altogether.
In conclusion, while mushrooms offer numerous health benefits and can be a nutritious addition to one's diet, certain varieties, such as magic mushrooms, can induce bad trips with terrifying thoughts and feelings of losing control. It is essential to approach these substances with caution, prepare adequately, and prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment to minimize potential risks.
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Mushrooms may have health benefits, such as easing depression and anxiety
Mushrooms are a versatile group of functional foods with many culinary applications and health benefits. They are a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B6, potassium, zinc, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and other nutrients, which may help to prevent several health conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, when consumed as part of a nutritionally balanced diet.
Mushrooms are also being studied for their potential mental health benefits. Research indicates that controlled psilocybin therapy shows potential for the treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders, including depression and anxiety. A 2019 study considered online questionnaire responses from 410 people from various countries, some of whom had anxiety. The responses suggested that microdosing with psychedelics led to significant improvements in both anxiety and depression. Another study from 2021 also used surveys to measure the potential benefits of microdosing with psychedelics, with similar results.
Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound in mushrooms, shares similarities with serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays an important part in mood regulation. It is thought that psilocybin may help restore the balance of serotonin in the body, thereby easing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While the research is promising, experts have yet to reach conclusions about the benefits of mushrooms for reducing anxiety and depression. It is important to note that the effects of psilocybin may vary from person to person, and taking it outside of a controlled setting has risks, including the potential for undesirable and harmful effects.
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Mushrooms are illegal in many places, but some cities have decriminalised them
Mushrooms are important because they have been used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes for thousands of years. They are believed to have hallucinogenic effects and can be consumed in various ways, such as being eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. However, mushrooms can also be dangerous, as some varieties are extremely poisonous and can cause violent illness or even death.
"Magic mushrooms" or "shrooms" are terms used to refer to psilocybin mushrooms, which are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic that can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time, and emotions. While some people seek out these mushrooms for their perceived benefits, they are illegal in many places due to their mind-altering properties.
In the United States, psilocybin mushrooms are considered a Schedule I drug, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute them. However, there has been a movement to decriminalize these substances in certain cities and states. For example, in November 2020, the District of Columbia passed Initiative 81, allowing for the possession and non-profit distribution of psilocybin mushrooms. As of February 2023, a few other US states, including Colorado, have also decriminalized psilocybin mushrooms.
The decriminalization movement is driven by advocacy for the potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. Research suggests that they could be beneficial in treating psychiatric and behavioral conditions. Additionally, psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of use in ceremonial and spiritual practices, particularly in Central American cultures.
Despite the growing decriminalization trend, it is important to note that the possession and use of psilocybin mushrooms are still prohibited in most places. The United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, adopted in 1971, requires its members to prohibit psilocybin and restrict its use to medical and scientific research under controlled conditions. This has been reflected in the drug laws of many countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. In recent times, small clinical trials have shown that psilocybin mushrooms can make dramatic and long-lasting changes in people suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. They have also been shown to be beneficial in combating cluster headaches, anxiety, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and various forms of substance abuse.
In Central America, Aztec and Mazateca cultures believed mushrooms had divine properties and used them during coronations and other important events until at least the 1500s.
The discovery of the effects of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic found in certain types of mushrooms, has led to it being described as a breakthrough medicine by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Mushrooms are important in nature because they are a food source for many organisms, they help in decomposing organic matter, and they contribute to the carbon and nutrient cycles in ecosystems.
