Mushrooms and Fungi by Rafael

Mushrooms and the world of fungi has recently been gaining popularity, and for good reason. Many studies are showing promising things from incorporating the mycological world into your routine. While the recent buzz about fungus has been catching the world’s attention, the use of mushrooms by humans is by no means a new concept. Archaeological evidence from  El Mirón Cave in Spain   is potentially suggesting human use of edible mushrooms from  18,000 years ago! This article in no way is attempting to cover the entire fungal world, but instead will barely scratch the surface. My hope is that after reading this, your interest will be piqued, and you’ll continue the millenia old human-fungus interaction.

Kingdom Fungi is such a hugely diverse world that it is hard to know where to begin. Actually, mycology is thought to be the most understudied section of the scientific world, with millions of fungal species yet to be discovered. We’re going to keep our scope of interest here limited to 3 mushrooms that have gained a lot of attention lately. While these 3 species might have very exciting possibilities for your wellness routine, they are just one small fraction of the edible/medicinal world that is out there for you to explore. I invite you to continue researching this exciting world.

We’re going to start our exploration by looking at a polypore named Reishi. Known as the “mushroom of immortality” in China, it has been used for at least 2000 years (potentially as far back as 6,800 years ago in Neolithic China!!). With a history rooted in Taoism and Asian culture this mushroom can be found in art, poetry and literature. This is a very popular ingredient incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas. Like many other mushrooms, Reishi is being studied for potential anti-cancer properties. A powerful bitter, Reishi may improve digestion. While many extracts are available in stores in the pill form, some prefer a more traditional approach by simmering the broken-up mushroom in water for around an hour. Like the medicine contained within, the bitter taste can only be described as powerful!

Continuing with the theme of mushrooms that have massive Asian popularity, we are going to move onto discussing turkey tail mushrooms. Like Reishi and many other mushrooms, turkey tails are being studied for their tumor-inhibiting possibilities. In fact, in Japan, those undergoing chemotherapy regimens commonly  are given an extract of turkey tail called PSK (polysaccharide-K) to lessen side effects and make pharmaceutical action more effective. It’s been extensively studied in Japan and clinically used for certain conditions. Turkey Tails may be a great aid to digestion and some people like to drink a tea 30 minutes prior to eating. I personally love to make a mushroom stock and add it to any recipe calling for a veggie or mushroom stock addition. Turkey tails impart a uniquely earthy taste that will surely make them a favorite.

The final mushroom we’ll discuss is lion's mane,  a striking white mushroom that tastes absolutely delicious. Not only does it have a delicious, meaty taste, but it could have potential cognitive/brain-support benefits! Research is underway to show how this mushroom could increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), meaning that it could increase your brain’s neuron production. Some early studies suggest that it could help with recovery from a stroke. Of all the mushrooms we’ve discussed so far, this has got to be the easiest to incorporate because of its culinary potential. Mock lion’s mane Crab Cakes are a favorite and they can be sauteed to be imitation steaks! Full of nutrition and hard to distinguish from animal protein, they really should make their way onto more of our plates.

Compounds within mushrooms have several ways that they can be absorbed properly into your body. Mushrooms are made from chitin, which is the same material that makes beetle shells so strong. Raw mushrooms are not better, and in fact, for many wild species, not recommended. Some of the more medicinal mushrooms are types of polypores that are sometimes very woody. While a lot of benefits- like protein and vitamins- can be gained from the culinary types by doing a simple sautee (including taste!) or a short decoction in simmering water, more medicinal benefits can be had from a double extract of water and alcohol.  While most of the more reputable brands' supplements will be made this way, it isn’t hard to do yourself. There is also something very soothing about brewing up a pot of mushroom tea and connecting to the fungal world in your kitchen.

When sourcing a mushroom product from a company, selection matters. Some companies have proven track records and third-party analyses. When it comes to your body and an expected health result, quality matters. Looking for standardized products that have been tested to assure that they contain a reliable amount of beneficial compounds is key. Some companies, like Paul Stamets’ Fungi Perfecti, use standardized mycelium that has a definite amount of extracted compound contained. Other companies that use mycelium products may not have a standardized amount of supplement, meaning that you may be getting enough of the active compounds you’re looking for. Some users prefer to seek out 100% mushroom fruiting body extracts to assure the desired benefit. When seeking whole mushrooms and not extracts, it is essential to know that you are getting what you are paying for. Doing a little bit of research to assure you’re buying from a reputable company can go a long way for your health. If you are foraging for mushrooms, be sure to know common look-alikes and potentially toxic mushrooms in your area. If you can’t correctly identify the mushrooms you’ve harvested- leave them in the woods, so you won’t get sick! If a mushroom doesn’t smell fresh or is covered in insects; it’s best to avoid taking it home. Remember that when you are harvesting, that conservation is key and to be respectful towards the lands that you are gathering on. A small effort towards sustainability will assure that these medicines are available for generations to come. Fungi is the cornerstone to a  healthy environment, so keep that in mind when you head out with your collecting basket.  Always store fresh mushrooms in paper or breathable materials like cotton- never plastic. If you have dried mushrooms, it’s best to store them in a dark location in a glass jar at room temperature. And, of course, be sure to consult any supplement use with a qualified health professional!

Regardless of the edible mushrooms you choose to ingest, studies are showing that mushrooms can be a part of an immune boosting and preventative diet. Incorporating mushrooms into your everyday diet may be associated with lower rates of cancer. Packed with Vitamin D (some mushrooms can increase Vitamin D content by upwards of 100% of your recommended value by laying them out in the sun for 30 minutes) that the American diet is generally lacking. Mushrooms also have more protein by weight than animal proteins and are extremely sustainable. Whether you’re after a wild foraged umami meal or a boost to your immune system, mushrooms may offer a host of possibilities for you.