More often than not in life, it’s what we’ve forgotten or don’t know that sneaks up on us. Many are unaware of ancient mushrooms’ miraculous, health-creating powers and mystical mojo. From Shakespeare to Disney’s Fantasia, Alice in Wonderland, The Three Bears, or Super Mario Brothers, mushrooms hold high position in the pantheon of holistic, curative, plant foods.With a few notable “toadstool” exceptions, mushrooms are edible fungi that typically grow in grassy or wooded areas, and flourish by feasting and extracting nutrients from dead and decaying plant and animal matter. For millennia, Chinese medicine has used over 100 species to treat a wide range of illnesses. Japanese studies discovered those who eat certain mushrooms all their lives have a lower cancer risk. Ancient Egyptians believed eating mushrooms brought long life.
It’s bioactive compounds in some exotic mushrooms, like cremini, oyster, portabella, maitake, and turkey tail that arouses the immune system’s intelligence to defend and discourage chronic disease.
For eons, shiitake has symbolized longevity in Asia. Shiitake fortifies the immune system, fights gingivitis, inflammation, and its fiber keep things flowing. WebMD discloses shiitake effective against some of the more serious viruses we face today: HIV and hepatitis B. Shiitake is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, hardening of the arteries, diabetes risk, eczema, treat prostate or breast cancer, and is an anti-aging agent. It is also used for herpes and stomach ache.
Large, white, shaggy lion’s mane mushrooms benefit aging seniors’ brain, heart and gut. The NIH explains: “The brain’s ability to grow and form new connections typically
declines with age, which may explain why mental functioning gets worse in many older adults.” NIH studies discovered lion’s mane contains two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells.
Additionally, animal studies found lion’s mane may help protect against Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane and extracts have been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane contains compounds that stimulate brain cell growth and protect them from damage caused by Alzheimer’s.
A study in NIH shows older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that consuming 3 grams of powdered lion’s mane daily for four months significantly improved mental functioning, but these benefits disappeared when supplementation stopped.
NIH research discovered lion’s mane may help speed recovery from brain or nervous
system injuries by stimulating the growth and repair of nerve cells. In fact, lion’s mane extract has been shown to reduce recovery time by 23–41% when given to rats with nervous system injuries. Lion’s mane extract, tincture or powder may also help reduce the severity of brain damage after a stroke. In one study, high doses of lion’s mane extract given to rats immediately after a stroke helped decrease inflammation and reduce the size of stroke-related brain injury by 44%.
The family of edible fungus holds vitamins A, C, B-complex, D, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, protein, and copper. The potassium in shiitake and maitake mushrooms relaxes blood vessels, hence, reducing blood pressure. Packed with fiber, mushrooms improve digestion, lower blood sugars, and fill you up quicker.
Mushrooms are effective preventing breast and prostate cancer due to the significant presence of beta-glucans and conjugated linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is also particularly helpful in suppressing harmful effects of excess estrogen. The antioxidant ergothioneine in mushrooms provides protection from free radicals, boosts immune response, and helps purge abnormal, man-made compounds in our food and air that cause significant damage and diseases.
Seven studies in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention showed the higher the level of selenium in large quantities in mushrooms, the lower bladder cancer risk.
Mushrooms are an outstanding means of obtaining selenium that benefits seniors’ bone health by adding to bone strength and increased durability. The trace mineral also strengthens teeth, hair, and nails. Antioxidant selenium rids the body of free radicals and strengthens immune response.
The FDA recently approved the use of stigmatized psychedelic psilocybin in magic ‘shrooms for a drug trial for treatment-resistant depression. A 2017 Scientific Reports showed depressed patients who took it in a controlled, clinical setting saw their symptoms ease weeks after treatment. The team believes the compound reset participants' brain circuits.
Embrace what’s been known for millennia and achieve a higher quality of late life health, happiness, and metal clarity.
Garlicky Mushrooms
4 tbsp. unsalted butter (grassfed)
1 tbsp. olive oil (or avocado)
½ onion chopped
1 pound cremini, button, and shiitake mushrooms
2 tbsp. dry white wine (optional)
1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
4 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
4 cloves garlic minced
Himalayan salt and pepper to taste
Heat butter and oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high and sauté onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add mushrooms and cook (about 4-5 minutes).
Add wine and cook 2 minutes, then reduce slightly. Add thyme, parsley and garlic. Cook 30 seconds. Reserve a little parsley for garnish
Season with salt and pepper and parsley and serve.
Chef Wendell hosts Eat Right Now on WISH TV 8 CBS Indianapolis. He can be reached at 317-372-2592 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .