Welcome to Myco Universe
I specifically remember the enthusiasm for mycology I had in my latter years of university. Yes, the plant kingdom “vined” around my heart, but so did the intriguing world of fungi. I want to talk about the nutrition profile and benefits of mushrooms in general as well as their environmental gold star they have long earned.
While mushrooms may not fall under the category of plant-based foods, they possess a remarkable nutritional profile that makes them a force to be reckoned with in the realm of nutrition. These extraordinary organisms are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Moreover, mushrooms are rich in protein and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal.
For those on a vegan diet, the chewiness of a mushroom can stave off meat cravings. Mushrooms are rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), selenium, copper and do offer some potassium, vitamin D (be sure to keep them in sunlight for 20 minutes before consuming), folate (vitamin B9), thiamine (vitamin B1), iron, phosphorous, vitamin B6, and zinc. Mushrooms offer some protein (about 3g in a 100g serving), soluble and insoluble fibre (1g), 0g of fat and just 25 calories.
Mushrooms are one of the only vegan food sources of vitamin D, aside from fortified milks and cereals, breads. The selenium in mushrooms is ample enough per serving to call it rich. We need selenium for its anti-oxidizing properties, especially in combination with vitamin E. An immune system defender that prevents free radicals from damaging the body. There is some evidence to link selenium deficiency to heart disease and cancer. A study in elders in China showed that poor cognition related to a low selenium level. (1)
Store your mushrooms in the fridge at 0-2C in a brown paper bag. Use them within a week. Wipe them with a damp cloth or rinse in cold water and pat dry with absorbent towels. But do this right before using.
But the wonders of mushrooms extend beyond their nutritional value. Their unique ability to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients plays a crucial role in the environment. By decomposing dead plant and animal matter, mushrooms contribute to soil health and nutrient cycling, ensuring the sustainability and regeneration of ecosystems. Additionally, certain species of fungi have the power to absorb heavy metals, pollutants, and even oil spills, acting as natural environmental cleaners. The potential of mushrooms to transform our environment and improve our health is astounding, and delving into the study of mycology only deepens our appreciation for these fascinating organisms.
Mushrooms have an extremely vast root system, known as the mycelium. This mycelium extends 300 miles down into the earth and is excellent at absorbing and breaking down hydrocarbons. In a forest ecosystem, it can protect the soil and plants around it by breaking down toxins. But the mycelium offers a carbon store that we didn’t ever consider in the over-pollution equation. Mycelium can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store carbon in the soil. Some of the carbon is further broken down into carbohydrates, which nourishes the soil! Rich soil welcomes diversity of plant and animal life. Improving the ecosystem can offer even more carbon sequestration when the forest ecology is well functioning. In fact, the soil can hold two to three times more carbon when it has a diversity of plants in any ecosystem.
Biodiversity begins and ends in the soil. From the seedling to the decaying matter, allowing nature to recapture what belongs in nature is how our planet has survived. Now, we’ve added complexity through controlling our world through chemistry, synthetics and ultimately warming our planet. And every time, nature comes to our aid.
Sources:
(1) Balch, P. A. (2012). Prescription for herbal healing, 2nd edition: An easy-to-use A-to-Z reference to hundreds of common disorders and their herbal remedies. Penguin Books.
(2) Mycelium matters: How mushrooms can address climate change. (n.d.). BBC. Retrieved June 29, 2023, from https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/climate-academy/mycelium-matters
