About the benefits and dangers of mushrooms
Basidiomycetes are especially valuable elements of the biological structure. The benefits and harms of mushrooms are due to the combination of certain chemical elements and the ability to absorb toxins from the environment. Basidiomycetes are edible and poisonous, they are actively used in the production of medicines.
The benefits and harms of mushrooms
Chemical composition
The benefits of mushrooms for the human body lie in their chemical composition. Edible basidiomycetes are rich in protein and can become a substitute for meat products, which may become one of the possible options for solving the global problem of hunger on the planet in the future. Proteins, getting into the body, break down into amino acids, among which there are:
- replaceable: can be produced in the body on its own through the breakdown of fats;
- irreplaceable: they are not synthesized in the body, they get only from the outside.
Both edible and poisonous mushrooms contain amino acids.
For 100 g of the product there are:
- 4 g of protein - when dried, the proportion increases by 75%, broth cooked from dried mushrooms is superior in nutritional value to meat broth: in old specimens, when the substance decays, choline is released, which causes poisoning and gives signs of intoxication;
- 3 g of fiber (long carbohydrates) - are in the stem;
- 1.3 g of fatty acids - the most valuable of them are lecithin, glyceride, completely assimilable and preventing the accumulation of cholesterol.
The benefits of mushrooms for the human body is an accelerated enrichment with antioxidant substances, represented by B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Also, the composition of basidiomycetes includes trace elements represented by magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, sulfur and iron. And also a number of organic acids that allow the human body to fully develop. The rich chemical composition provides a person with the necessary substances for normal development and stable life, to remove cholesterol.
Poisonous mushrooms are rich in alkaloids, in particular muscarine. The largest amount of it is observed in red fly agarics and pigs. In large quantities, muscarine causes hallucinations, severe poisoning and causes significant harm to human health, up to and including death. In small doses, the substance is not harmful, it is used in the treatment of many diseases and as an analgesic. When basidiomycetes are burned, ash is formed, which contains trace elements, which allows them to be used as a mineral fertilizer for the soil.
Acids impart a specific aroma, thanks to which Basidiomycetes spread their spores. Insects flock to it and transfer spores on their paws. Mushrooms are 85-94% water. Instances grown in hot weather lose moisture and become toxic.
Applications
Mushrooms are actively used in baking, winemaking, the creation of rennet cheeses, sweets, etc. Many modified yeasts have been created.
Useful qualities of mushrooms used by humans:
- Enzyme production, the composition of which is very complex, but at the same time it is important for a person.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
Fungal enzymes are used for different purposes:
- pectinase: for clarifying fruit juices, separating cells and subsequent fusion of different protoplasts (conducting experiments);
- cellulases: for processing raw materials, roughage, decomposition of paper waste residues or cell membranes for genetic engineering;
- proteases: for protein hydrolysis;
- amylase: for starch hydrolysis.
- Mushroom body hoods are used:
- in folk and traditional medicine;
- to create special powders added to livestock feed. With their help, livestock grows quickly, and for chickens it is an irreplaceable source of energy.
- Mushroom malt is able to slow down the crystallization of sugar, is used in molasses production, to improve the taste of confectionery and ensure a long shelf life.
In nature, the mushroom kingdom is the most valuable source of natural antibiotics. Even in ancient times, porcini was used against frostbite and ulcers, white birch was used in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Today, the extract from these mushrooms is sold in pharmacies and is used in the treatment of tumors and diabetes. The alkaloid hercedine, isolated from porcini mushrooms, is used in the fight against angina pectoris.
The fungus is a natural antibiotic
Scientific evidence proves that not only the edible mushroom is a source of nutrients. Red and brown lepioleta (toadstool) is a source of hallucinogenic substances that are used for the production of antidepressant drugs, pain relievers used in the last stages of cancer to alleviate the suffering of the patient. The Japanese Yarsagumba mushrooms have unique healing properties. Collect it as soon as the snow cover melts. Women and men use it to correct reproductive problems. A stinky fly agaric produces chloride.
Mushrooms are useful for weight loss - on their basis, the preparation "Ganoderma" was created, which helps to completely cleanse the body of toxins, containing all the vitamins and minerals necessary for weight loss without harm to health.
Malicious features
Despite their rich composition, forest mushrooms can be dangerous to humans. Improper storage and non-compliance with the rules of technical processing cause tangible harm. Any edible mushroom is a heavy food, therefore, their use is contraindicated for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys. Mushroom dishes should not be consumed by people who are allergic to mold. One or two mushrooms are enough for such a person to die.
Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. It is too heavy food for them. Mushroom dishes at night are not recommended for healthy people. Products are digested for a long time due to chitin and fiber contained in its composition. This can cause the stomach to stop.
All Basidiomycetes accumulate toxins from the environment, so it is better not to eat mushrooms collected in the city, near landfills, factories. Most of the toxins do not decompose even with prolonged heat treatment. Canned mushrooms have contraindications for use. They are the most common cause of botulism infections.
Conclusion
Mushrooms are good for human health and are used in various fields of activity: food, pharmaceutical industry, agriculture.
The most useful are forest mushrooms. In nature, there are unique specimens, the use of which can cure many diseases. Globally, the cultivation of mushrooms will help solve many of the problems of drug shortages and hunger around the world. When going into the forest for mushrooms, it is useful to have an atlas with you with the names and descriptions of all edible specimens.
