As scientists look to evidence of what might help treat people with COVID-19 or, at the very least, bolster their immune systems, quacks are proposing all sorts of things we should eat and do to protect ourselves. There is no evidence that mushrooms will protect us from the novel coronavirus, but there is evidence aplenty that eating mushrooms is a smart way to go to promote good health.
There are more than 10,000 types of mushrooms. Some are poisonous. But, overall, mushrooms are low in both calories and fat and present no health risks and many benefits.
Harvard Health reports on one recent cross-sectional study showing that people who eat more than two servings (one and a half cups total) of mushrooms each week, compared with people who eat less than one serving a week, had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment.
Another recent observational study of 36,000 men, over 13 to 25 years, shows a link between eating mushrooms and reducing the risk of prostate cancer. The study found that men who ate one or two three-ounce servings of mushrooms a week had an eight percent lower risk of prostate cancer than men who ate no mushrooms. And, men who ate three or four servings of mushrooms a week had a 17 percent lower risk of prostate cancer.
Arden Fanning Andrews reports for The New York Times that one mycologist–a biologist who studies mushrooms or fungi–Paul Stamets–calls mushrooms “nature’s miniature pharmaceutical factories.” You can watch his TED Talk on six ways mushrooms can save the world, here.
Another mushroom expert says that mushrooms can soak up and chaperone waste from our cells. Their digestive system is much like our digestive system.
Experts say that we have yet to find most of the mushrooms in the world. And, there’s lots more to discover about their benefits. For now, here’s more on what we know:
In Japan, families often treat themselves with mushroom drinks instead of Tylenol or Advil. Mushrooms are thought to boost people’s immune systems. Some types of mushrooms also have high antioxidant content.
Some mushrooms are also thought to help you focus and clear your mind. Some are thought to help you concentrate. Some mushrooms might help with memory. Other mushrooms apparently improve the health of your gut and skin.
Shitake mushrooms, which are relatively easy to find, have a lot of vitamin D, selenium and zinc. All of these ingredients are also good for the health of your skin.
Reishi mushrooms allegedly lower people’s stress levels and keep them from feeling sleepy. They make you chill.
Here’s more from Just Care:
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