shown to have measurable effects on our bodies. Oyster mushrooms are indicated as having anti-cancer (slowing tumor growth) activities, chanterelles are strongly antifungal and anti-bacterial and Cauliflower Fungus are linked to increased brain activity and have memory strengthening properties.
Bill Jones is an author, chef and food consultant Deerholme.com
O
ne of the emerging trends in recent years is the rise in awareness of the power of certain mushrooms to have positive impacts on the body. Mushrooms are different than most plants and animals and some contain characteristics of both – particularly at the genetic (ie DNA) levels. Some mushroom compounds act as poisons, some chemicals interact strongly with brain function (for example the hallucinogens in magic mushrooms) - many more mushrooms have positive impacts on body functions and generally
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Mushrooms as Medicine boost the immune systems (or help the body perform functions more efficiently). Keep in mind one of our most powerful antibiotics is based on the penicillium mold (a simple form of fungi).
Medicinal mushrooms do not have to be complicated. One of the more common edible and beneficial mushrooms is the Shiitake. Available fresh or dried, these mushrooms have been used as a health tonic and immune system booster in China for several thousand years. In our local wild mushrooms, several edible varieties have been
Much research is now focusing on the effects of fungi on metabolism and you can now find a wide array of dietary supplements based on mushrooms, the most popular of these are the Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail and the Cordyceps. Each of these mushrooms has specific functions in the medicinal world – but they have been associated with affecting our body in positive ways. Even the common button mushroom has multiple benefits, providing
