The Magic of Mushrooms

Mushroom steak, mushroom coffee, mushroom supplements . . . You can’t walk more than a few aisles in the grocery store these days without running into some kind of new mushroom product. Fresh white button mushrooms are increasingly joined by specialty varieties like lion’s mane, maitake or oyster mushrooms. There’s sparkling cordyceps tea and chaga coffee boasting a range of health benefits, mushroom chips and even chocolate bars infused with reishi.

Well, mushrooms are pretty magical. They’re a hearty, umami-rich meat substitute. They’re a generous source of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. And they can grow on waste materials.

Mushrooms are low in calories and contain fiber, protein, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals. They may have health benefits including:

• Immune system: Mushrooms can activate microphages, which help the body fight off foreign bodies and illnesses.
• Vitamin D: Mushrooms contain Vitamin D2, which converts into Vitamin D3, which is important for bone health, metabolism, and immunity.
• Heart health: Mushrooms contain vitamin B, which helps maintain heart health, and beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that improves cholesterol levels.
• Antioxidants: Mushrooms produce substances that protect the body from free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which protects tissues from chronic inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory: Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatories that reduce inflammation in blood vessels in the brain.
• Potassium: Mushrooms can help counteract the effects of sodium, which contributes to high blood pressure.
• Selenium: Mushrooms contain selenium, which can improve bone health, strengthen teeth, hair, and nails, and rid the body of free radicals.

Psilocybin versus Escitalopram (SSRI) for Depression

This trial did not show a significant difference in antidepressant effects between psilocybin and escitalopram in a selected group of patients. Secondary outcomes, side effects, etc, generally favored psilocybin over escitalopram.

Psychedelics and mental health: a population study

21,967 respondents (13.4% weighted) reported lifetime psychedelic use. There were no significant associations between lifetime use of any psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, peyote) and increased rate of any of the mental health outcomes. Rather, in several cases psychedelic use was associated with lower rate of mental health problems.

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