# Of Mycelium and Men: Health Benefits of the Humble Fungi *By James Hills — Updated February 2021* The humble mushroom – you enjoy it on a pizza, packed in a sandwich or loaded into a stew. But have you ever stopped to consider this unassuming fungus as something *more *than a delicious accompaniment? Mushrooms are an incredibly biodiverse group of organisms. Experts estimate that the Kingdom Fungi has between roughly [two and four *million* species](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28752818/), each distinct in its flavour, appearance and beneficial properties. Fungal mycelium – the branching, interconnected networks that give rise to mushrooms – can be vast, stretching over three and a half square miles in some cases. In other words: fungi are diverse, sprawling, and their connection to humans can’t be understated. Don’t discount the humble mushroom. Some mushrooms have been used in East Asian cultures for centuries, prized for their health and wellness benefits. Others, which make their way onto the dinner table, also have surprising health benefits. In this article, let’s highlight both ends of the fungal spectrum – from superfood adaptogen mushrooms to the everyday button mushroom. ## Sipping on Superfoods Long before people coined the term “superfood,” cultures across the world – especially in East Asia – used certain mushrooms in herbal medicine practice. Harvested locally and often ground to a powder to make a beverage, people used these mushrooms to improve immune response, boost mental clarity, stimulate digestion, improve mood and more. ### Guys Night Out Ideas: 35 Fun Activities and Things to Do With The Boys when planning a guys night out it is essential to focus on planning a night a as unique as the men invited ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/9RsBtbXw5-Xz5nyGr_ROLg.375) ### A Mexican Mancation Guys Weekend at Villa Del Palmar Loreto Villa Del Palmar Loreto is a great spot for a guys weekend or Mexican Mancation adventure in Baja. ManTripping [Read More](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/go/9RsBtbXw5-Xz5nyGr_ROLg.1470) ### Amazing Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand 16 Days A 16-day tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand covering Hoi An, Halong Bay, Angkor temples and Phuket beaches, ideal for culture and beach lovers. 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Luckily, companies like [Rritual Superfoods](https://rritual.com/) offer powdered forms of these healthy fungi that are mixed with herbal spices like cinnamon and ginger. Make them into a warm winter beverage by adding hot water or tip a bit into your morning smoothie to reap the health benefits. ## Cooking with Mushrooms A mushroom doesn’t need to be a superfood to make an impact (though it certainly helps). Even the standard button, cremini and portobello mushrooms – all the same mushroom, *Agaricus bisporus*, in different states of maturity – have health benefits. These everyday mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, niacin, riboflavin and other basic nutrients. And this study [in *The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry*](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095528632030485X) found that consuming *Agaricus bisporus* was associated with higher immune function and lower inflammation. Together, that's enough evidence to work more mushrooms into your daily diet. Just be sure to cook them first; raw button mushrooms contain mild toxins that die with heat exposure. The bottom line: for your meals, try to work in more common mushrooms, and to supercharge the benefits of humble fungi, reach for superfoods like Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Chaga mushrooms. Whatever you do, don’t discount mushrooms. They’re plentiful, powerful and have a long history of helping humans. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 25 February 2021 Last Updated: 25 February 2021 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Which Style Of Amazon Cruise Should You Pick To Explore World's Largest River? 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