Page 126 - TA Magazine Winter 2022

Why you should start incorporating fungi to your diet, by DR. UMA NAIDOO
mushroom
magic

As a nutritional psychiatrist, one of my principles for eating for im-
proved mental health is to include lots of fiber-rich and nutrient-dense
plant foods into meals. One such food is mushrooms.

Mushrooms are a highly versatile “meaty” plant food that, interestingly, are actually
fungi, not vegetables. They also come in a variety of types. There are mushrooms we eat,
which are cooked in soups or veggie dishes; adaptogenic mushrooms, which tend to be This variety is still illegal in most parts
consumed as teas, and toxic or hallucinogenic versions, which have been getting a lot of of the world. They contain Psilocybin,
attention recently for their suggested mind-altering benefits. Simply put, these varieties which is suggested to have powerful
of mushrooms have unique mood-boosting potential that are worth discussing. abilities to alter brain chemistry in a way
22 Mushrooms as Food I’m sure we all first think of the classic white button that greatly improves symptoms of de-
Y ANDERSON WINTER 20 most essential nutrients for mental fitness. Shiitake mushrooms are a hearty, edible of their therapeutic benefits. However, I
pression and anxiety.
mushrooms, but there are many more we can include in cooking that have notable

ed therapies is growing. Recent clinical
trials have demonstrated strong evidence
Mushrooms are one of the few plant sources of vitamin D and vitamin B, two of the
120 health benefits. Research behind these psychedelic-assist-
strongly encourage anyone with an inter-
mushroom that contains nearly all of the amino acids needed to support healthy
est in trying psychedelic mushrooms to
brain function, cellular activity, and structure. Portobello mushrooms—a popular
helps maintain energy levels and resist brain fog. Porcini mushrooms are naturally
edgeable in the most updated research.
high in the antioxidant ergothioneine, which has been linked to reduced risk of cog-
C meat alternative in burgers and sandwiches—are notably high in potassium, which first consult with a psychiatrist knowl-
TRA nitive decline and depression. In Nutritional Psychiatry, we know that
the many nutrients, antioxidants, and
Adaptogenic Mushrooms Another category of mushroom is that of the fiber contained in mushrooms support
adaptogenic variety, which have been getting attention recently due to the develop- improved mental fitness and emotional
ment of infused teas and elixirs. Reishi mushrooms, for example, are rich in beta well-being. I promote the use of a whole-
glucans and ganoderic acids. They have been shown to reduce symptoms of depres- some, nutritious diet as a means of im-
sion and fatigue. proving gut health, mental fitness, and
emotional well-being. Mushrooms should
Meanwhile, lion’s mane is a medicinal mushroom that has powerful effects in sup- be a component of a plant-based diet and
porting the nervous system and mental health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of are highly nutritious, containing bioactive
Alzheimer’s, memory loss, and boost overall mental function. Beverages containing each compounds like beta-glucan that activate
of these mushroom varieties have become popular as coffee alternatives for those sen- the immune system. They are also excel-
sitive to caffeine. They help support energy and focus without being overly stimulating. lent sources of gut healthy, dietary pre-
biotic fiber. The adaptogenic versions are
‘Magic’ Mushrooms Psychedelic or “magic” mushrooms are a final variety of rapidly gaining presence throughout the
mushrooms that have become a hot topic in regard to mental health. field of wellness, while the psychedelic ver-
sions offer great opportunities in research
for additional therapeutic means.

Ask yourself: How will you introduce JAN NAKHONKAE
these foods to your current diet? TA