One of the top questions searched on Google about functional mushrooms is, “will they get me high?” The answer no, but a lot of folks don’t even know what functional mushrooms are to begin with. So let’s see what all the fuss is about when it comes to functional mushrooms and the misconceptions behind them. We spoke to the experts at UMBO, creators of the functional mushroom bar, co-founded by former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Rashad Evans, Pro-Bowl NFL Quarterback, Jake Plummer and Advocate & Educator, Del Jolly, the three of which have come together to share their knowledge of functional mushrooms. Being 100% certified organic, using adaptogens to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes, they are the perfect addition to your morning. Here are Jake, Rashad and Del’s top 5 misconceptions about functional mushrooms that they want the world to know. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are the Top 5 Misconceptions Surrounding Functional Mushrooms?
Misconception #1: Mushrooms taste gross
Sure, and so does apple pie if it’s prepared incorrectly. The good news is, the word foodie is relatively new! People take food seriously these days and cooking with mushrooms is all the rage. Lionsmane, Crab cakes, king trumpet ramen, oyster carnitas oh my! We’ve come a long way from mushroom soup from a can. Personally, mushrooms are some of my favorite foods in the world — I can’t imagine not liking them!
Misconception #2: I eat well, I don’t need mushrooms
Wrong! A diverse diet which includes the fungi kingdom is very important. Imagine if someone promoted the fact that many plants are poisonous? And then we stopped eating vegetables. You’d certainly see a decline in health if broccoli and spinach were revered as unsafe to eat! Mushrooms contain a lot of amazing vitamins, minerals, and compounds that can support overall health and well being. We all need to be eating more mushrooms.
Misconception #3: All mushrooms are created equal
Mushroom is kind of a loaded word these days. Mushroom supplements and mycelium on grain products should fall into two different categories. Mycelium is the “roots” of mushrooms and are, by themselves, very beneficial. But when ground up with the grain it’s grown on, we’re not quite sold on that. They call it mycelial biomass. Organic fruiting bodies, what you think of when you see a mushroom, are what Umbo uses. We believe in organic fruiting bodies and nothing but the organic fruiting bodies…currently. Again mycelium is very important. And we hope to include mycelium without the substrate it’s grown on AND organic fruiting bodies, in the future.
Misconception #4: I have mushrooms on my pizza, aren’t I getting the benefits?
Yes and no. We categorize mushrooms into 3 groups. Gourmet, functional, and medicinal. While some mushrooms like Lion’s Mane fit all three categories, these categories can help. Think of the gourmet category like button mushrooms at the grocery store or portobello. Certainly they contain great benefits, but mostly are considered food. Reishi, turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane all fit the functional category. Lot’s of functionality and health benefits, but not traditionally used as food. And then there is the legal landscape of psilocybin containing mushrooms, that can be referred to as medicinal mushrooms. Mushrooms are very diverse and can cross categories, but a variety of types from these categories can assure the most health benefits.
Misconception #5: I don’t want to trip, I’m not sure about taking mushrooms
Functional mushrooms will not take you on a trip! They do not have any psychoactive ingredients and are 100% legal. Psilocybin mushrooms that will get you high, also known as medicinal mushrooms, have certainly come a long way in the last three years, but they are currently 100% illegal. Not 99%, 100%. Yes, you can find shady companies online selling this. But unfortunately you can find just about anything on the internet. For this reason, Del Jolly, Co-Founder of both Umbo and Unlimited Sciences is helping to advocate for more research on the subject. The research at Unlimited Sciences collects real-world data on psychedelic use so that we can more quickly understand how to use these drugs safely and effectively for our health and overall wellbeing. You can reap the benefits of taking mushrooms without tripping, trust us. For a legal trip, like the ones done in studies at universities like John Hopkins — those are done in a clinical setting, meaning a therapist and guide is present to take you through the experience and be of any additional safety assistance.
