You don’t have to be Mario to go bananas for mushrooms. There’s a reason why these types of fungus – that come in a wide variety of shapes and colors – are all the craze these days. They are full of nutrients, brimming with taste, and backed by all manner of prized immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and health-positive properties.
Aside from all of that, mushroom foraging is also a fun and adventurous way to explore the great outdoors while reaping a host of physical XP points — these nutritional powerhouses offer a range of benefits for your mind and body. In this blog article, we’ll explore the many health benefits of mushroom foraging and why you should add it to your routine. So grab your basket and join us on a journey into the world of mushroom foraging.
Mushroom foraging 101
Wild mushroom foraging has been a beloved pastime for centuries. While the exact origins of mushroom foraging are not entirely clear, it is believed to have started in Europe during the Middle Ages when people began to cultivate mushrooms for medicinal and culinary purposes — traditionally, these magic fungus have been a staple in medical practices since the dawn of time.
As foraging became more popular, people began to explore the wilds in search of these edible treasures. During the 18th and 19th centuries, mushroom foraging became a trend-worthy activity for the wealthy, who would hire mushroom hunters to gather them in the forests and fields.
In the early 20th century, mushroom foraging took on a new dimension with the rise of amateur mycology clubs. These clubs were dedicated to the study and identification of mushrooms, and members would often go on forays to find and identify different species — it also became a rather lucrative trade to some. Mushrooms quickly had their own little market, with such species as Cordyceps sinensis – the yartsa gunbu mushroom – napping over $2,000 for a single ounce.
In the 1960s and 1970s, mushroom foraging experienced yet another surge in popularity due to the hippie counterculture movement — although this movement was less about the culinary magic of the mushroom and more about the “hey I can see sounds now” quality of them.
The 90s flipped the script, and mushrooms shrugged off their Woodstock antics and became a “super-food.” From shiitake to lion’s mane, mushrooms were now seen as a natural and wholesome food source, and many people began to incorporate them into their diets.
Today, mushroom foraging is still a popular activity around the world. With the rise of environmentalism and the focus on sustainable living, more and more people are turning to foraging as a way to connect with nature and reduce their impact on the environment.
Let’s look at some of the benefits – not just the tangible – of mushroom foraging.
The health benefits of mushroom foraging
Here are some fun facts about mushrooms:
- They are used around the world, in different religions and ceremonies, due to their hallucinogenic properties.
- They are one of the most adaptable and easily available veggies.
- Some have supplanted proteins in many menus due to their “meat-like” taste.
- They are considered the ultimate organic food — fungi recycle all nutrients of decaying matter, so each one is the equivalent of a mini atomic bomb’s worth of vitamins and minerals. Concentrated nutrients in a small package.
- One of them – we’ll get to that one in a bit – is called the “viagra” of the Himalayas.
Now, let’s sum up some of the health benefits that come with foraging for mushrooms.
Mushroom Foraging Is a Fun Activity
Mushroom foraging is great because it’s an activity you can enjoy with your friends or family. You can go on a hunt around your neighborhood or take a trip to a local park and see what type of mushrooms you can find there. It’s sort of like Pokemon Go, only instead of looking at your screen and trying “to catch ‘em all” you’re experiencing reality — the tangible and not the digital.
The best part is that even if you don’t know what type of mushroom you’re looking at, there are plenty of resources online that can help you identify the different types of mushrooms in your area. Or, you can partake of a wild mushroom foraging class — get in touch with like-minded individuals, and make a hobby out of the whole experience.
You Can Learn New Things While Hunting Mushrooms
While foraging for mushrooms, you might run across some interesting plants and animals besides just mushrooms themselves. Also, if you’re lucky enough to find some rare species like lion’s mane or black morel mushrooms, they could be worth quite a bit on the market.
This allows you to explore new territories and expand your horizons — which is a great psychological exercise. It allows you to come out of your comfort zone.
It can improve your mood.
Mushrooms contain high levels of antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and boost brain function. Mushrooms also contain ergothioneine, an anti-inflammatory compound that can help preserve memory and prevent cognitive decline. Mushroom foraging may also help you sleep better at night because wild fungi contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps regulate melatonin levels in the body.
Mushroom nutritional facts.
Mushrooms are rich in several important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. A 100-gram serving of raw button mushrooms provides about 1 gram of protein and 4 grams of fiber. It also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Aside from that, they are high in antioxidants, rich in vitamins and minerals, and have potential immune-boosting properties
Mushrooms and cancer
Mushrooms have anti-cancer properties that fight cancer growth, stop metastasis, and cause apoptosis — the death of cancer cells.
It may reduce your risk of cancer by boosting immune function and protecting against cellular damage due to free radicals produced by radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.
Great for diets
Mushrooms can help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and decreasing appetite. They can also help lower blood pressure.
Mushrooms contain potassium and magnesium — two minerals that lower blood pressure by relaxing arteries and reducing stress on the heart muscle. Mushrooms also have cholesterol-lowering properties due to their ability to inhibit LDL – bad – cholesterol production while increasing HDL – good – cholesterol levels in the body.
A sexual dynamo
Some mushrooms, like the Yartsa Gunbu, are considered nature’s Viagra — for a good reason. Historically, kings, emperors, knights, and the rich – particularly in the Orient – have used them in order to boost their sexual prowess.
Studies have shown that certain mushrooms – due primarily to their zinc value – are the ultimate sex mineral. They improve sperm count and fertility in men — a handful of mushrooms can help you sustain your sex drive all night long. Not only that, but they are also great vasodilators – which reduce the blocking of arteries. This means that they can increase the blood flow to the penis.
And, to top it all off, some mushrooms, like the white button, also stop the conversion of testosterone to estrogen — ramping up and improving a man’s sexual stamina.
Where to find resources on mushroom foraging?
If you are interested in learning more about mushroom foraging, there are many resources available to help you deepen your knowledge and skills. Here are some places to start:
Local mushroom foraging groups: Look for groups or clubs in your area that specialize in mushroom foraging. These groups often organize foraging outings and workshops and can provide valuable advice and guidance for beginners.
Books: There are many excellent books on mushroom foraging, ranging from beginner’s guides to advanced identification manuals. Look for books written by reputable authors with extensive experience in mushroom foraging.
Online forums and communities: The internet is a great resource for connecting with other mushroom foragers and sharing information and tips. Look for online forums and communities dedicated to mushroom foraging.
Workshops and classes: Many botanical gardens, nature centers, and community organizations offer workshops and classes on mushroom foraging. These can be a great way to learn hands-on skills and connect with other like-minded individuals.
Local experts: Seek out local experts in your area who have extensive experience in mushroom foraging. They may be able to offer personalized advice and guidance, as well as recommend the best spots to find mushrooms in your area.