Personally, I am not a big fan of mushrooms but sometimes they find their way into my restaurant salads and/or main courses. I guess my reticence about eating mushrooms stems from the potentially fatal impacts wild, non-consumable mushrooms can have on the body and brain. However, there are a number of health benefits of eating safe mushrooms including:
Nutrient Rich: Mushrooms are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food source of fiber, protein, vitamins (including B vitamins, vitamin D), and minerals (such as selenium, potassium, and copper).
Cardiovascular Health: Mushrooms contain antioxidants and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They also contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that may help lower cholesterol levels.
Immune System Support: Mushrooms are a good source of selenium and vitamin D, which are essential for a healthy immune system. They also contain polysaccharides that may have immune-boosting properties.
Bone Health: The high content of vitamin D and copper in mushrooms contributes to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Antioxidant Power: Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, such as ergothioneine and glutathione, which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Cognitive Function: Studies suggest that mushrooms may have beneficial effects on brain health. They contain compounds that may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Weight Management: Mushrooms are low in calories and fat, making them a filling and healthy food choice for weight management
So, if your current diet does not include mushrooms, feel free to include these as there are LOTS of health benefits to be had.
And concerning psychedelic mushrooms: Dave Matthews admitted in an interview that he wrote some of his songs under the influence. Here is his most famous song, although probably not one of the ones written while on mushrooms! “Crash Into Me”
