Mushrooms — What Are They?

It may surprise you to find out that mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of mycelium networks and sometimes stretch for miles underground, inside of food sources such as trees. Unlike plants, they breathe oxygen and breathe out CO2 and in many respects are genetically closer to humans and other animals than plants!

Nutritional Value of Mushrooms

Credited by some to have a huge role in the evolution of humanity, mushrooms have a huge array of health benefits, particularly for those interested in eating a vegetarian diet. Mushrooms are a source of both protein and carbohydrates and are also a great way to get B vitamins, such as riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid. They also contain selenium, potassium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus as well as, most famously, vitamin D.

Health Benefits

Different mushrooms are credited with different benefits to the human body. Mushrooms are usually the principal active ingredient in nootropic supplements due to their cognitive benefits. Some species also have anticarcinogenic and antiviral properties, which is why they have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicines in cultures across the planet.