I can’t remember when I first discovered mushrooms, but I remember the flavor was subtle earthiness that made me feel in some unique way connected to nature. It tasted wholesome and nurturing.
I am sure I had no clue of the medicinal value of what I was eating at a young age, I just knew I liked it! When they are cooking I can smell the earthiness and yumminess, be it a stew, sautéed or grilled!
Please don’t eat mushrooms from your yard or forest without the advise of a professional trained in edible mushrooms, not all are edible. Some are very poisonous.
Mushrooms are types of fungi that not only offer great medicinal and nutritional value but also help support the earth, her ground, plants, water, air and us. Mushrooms are not mold or yeast. However, to err on the side of caution if you have candida, discuss mushroom consumption with a qualified health professional.
World Wood Web!
Mycelium are tine thread like structures that make up mushrooms and fungi. While mushrooms might be the most familiar part of a fungus, most of their bodies are made up of a mass of thin threads, known as a mycelium. We now know that these threads act as a kind of underground internet, linking the roots of different plants. Wow, did you get that? Mycelium act as underground communication network between plants of all kinds.
That tree in your garden is probably hooked up to a bush several yards away, thanks to mycelia. Because of this network of communication the mycelium helps boost the immune system of plants and trees and helps transfer nutrients and water between plants connected to the underground network of mycelium.
The largest living organism in the world is a 2,000 plus year old 2200 acre bed of mycelium in Oregon. It’s the World Wood Web! http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141111-plants-have-a-hidden-internet
Another interesting fact
Mushrooms are also powerful detoxifiers of the soil in the ground. They can break down hydrocarbons in petrochemicals turning them into harmless chemicals. You can listen to mushroom expert Paul Stamets describe how mycelium and mushrooms do this natural very beneficial task at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaTFgZoGz-4 They also break down rock over and over creating soil.
Health benefits
Records show mushrooms have been studied extensively for their health promoting properties. The use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians called them their plant of immortality.
Almost every mushroom you find in your local store has many health benefits, even the white button mushroom is a powerful promoter of health.
Yes, mushrooms are a superfood, and one of the most health-promoting foods on the planet! Likely 50% of edible mushrooms are considered functional foods. Functional food means that they have a potentially positive effect on health beyond the basic nutrition they provide.
They are low in calories, fat and are cholesterol-free. Mushrooms contain a moderate amount of fiber and over a dozen minerals and vitamins, including copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc and a number of B vitamins such as folate. Mushrooms exposed to sunshine can also contain Vitamin D and some also contain B12 depending on the soil conditions they grow in. https://foodrevolution.org/blog/health-benefits-of-mushrooms/
There are around 2,000 edible varieties of mushrooms, but only a handful are available at your local grocery store or market.
They include:
- white, or “button”
- brown cremini
- portobello
- shiitake
- oyster
- wood ear
- enoki
Seasonal varieties available at farmer’s markets and some grocery stores include:
- morel
- chanterelle
Countless scientific studies have revealed a variety of ways mushrooms can be useful helping with adverse conditions and in improving overall health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6056353/
Amazingly, research has identified more than 200 conditions that may benefit from the consumption of mushrooms and more than 100 different positive health benefits they can produce for the body.
Potential Health Benefits
Promotes healthy gut flora https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/
Enhances immune function
Protects from neurological disease
Are anti-aging
Aids in weight loss
The help with diabetes
They help protect the liver
Mushrooms detoxes heavy metals
Are anti-cancer
Is heart protective
Are anti-inflammatory
They make bones stronger
Enhance digestion
Are anti-viral and antibacterial
Help with Rheumatoid arthritis
Are anti-mutagenic
How to consume more mushrooms
There are so many great recipes for mushrooms. One of the things I like best about using mushrooms in recipes is that they can have the same texture as meats. I recently made a Creamy Mushroom Chowder (OMG so delicious!). We use a combination of shiitake, crimini and portobello mushrooms. The portobellos give a dense meaty texture. Therefore it’s a great replacement for giving dishes that meaty feel. Each type of mushroom has a unique flavor to add to the meal or recipe. If you would like my recipe for the Creamy Mushroom Chowder send me a message.
Enjoy your mushrooms as burgers, chowders, soups, grilled, sautéed or baked. They are versatile!!
Healthy Wishes,
Wally Bishop I.N.H.C., C.N.C., C.I.C.P.
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Sources
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141111-plants-have-a-hidden-internet
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6056353/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/
The contents of this blog are not and should not be considered medical advice. This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. Never quit taking prescription medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.