Mushroom Mania: Benefits & Risks
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals - you can find all of these beneficial macronutrients in mushrooms! As research continues to grow, scientists are making miraculous discoveries regarding our fungi friends. Mushrooms have been found to protect against chronic illnesses, support weight loss, and enhance our overall well-being. Read on to find out how you can increase your mushroom intake and increase your health!
Why Mushrooms?
From their unparalleled nutritional value to their medicinal properties, mushrooms have captured the attention of scientists and health enthusiasts alike. While mushrooms are a relatively healthy, low-calorie food choice, the nutritional impact it has is powerful. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants- all of which are important to maintain a healthy diet. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet may sound easy, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various types of mushrooms first. This is because some mushrooms are actually highly toxic and can be harmful to humans when consumed.
Types of Mushrooms
- Poisonous Mushrooms. This goes without saying, but you want to avoid the toxic ones (and no, we’re not talking about your ex). Some examples of poisonous mushrooms include Death Caps and Destroying Angels.
- Psilocybin. aka shrooms, mushies, magic mushrooms, or golden tops. Mushrooms containing psilocybin are considered psychedelic drugs because they can alter your brain via the prefrontal cortex. As a result, these mushrooms can cause hallucinations and intense visions.
- Consumable Mushrooms. These types of mushrooms can be consumed for their health benefits. Examples of consumable mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, Boletes, Morels, and more.
Benefits of Mushrooms
Taking only the edible mushrooms into consideration, they can provide an array of health benefits including:
- Decreased risk of cancer
- Lowered sodium intake
- Lowered cholesterol
- Improved brain health
- Improved gut health
- Healthy weight loss
- Healthy immune system
Want to learn more about what mushrooms can do for you? Listen to my podcast here.
