Lightning Bolsters Mushroom Growth: 14 Fascinating Mushroom Facts
Mushrooms are incredibly unusual creatures, and we sometimes don't think about where else they might exist besides the forest, yet they live alongside us: as yeast, cultures for dairy products, mold, and even in the human body, where several types of mushrooms reside, though not all are safe for health.
Interesting Mushroom Facts
- Long before trees appeared on Earth, giant mushrooms grew on our planet.
- There's an edible mushroom found in the wild that tastes like fried chicken meat. This mushroom is called "sulfur shelf" (Laetiporus sulphureus).
- Scientists speculate that Vikings used hallucinogenic mushrooms to increase their battle fury.
- Japanese researchers conducted a study and found that lightning strikes into the ground lead to an increase in the number of mushrooms in that area.
- Deer are practically the only animals that "dilute" their diet with hallucinogenic mushrooms.
- In 2004, Chinese scientists conducted a study which found that consuming mushrooms with green tea reduces the risk of breast cancer by 90%.
- Mushrooms, in terms of their composition, are more similar to fauna than flora representatives.
- "Death cap" is one of the most dangerous types of mushrooms, consumption of which can cause liver and kidney problems.
- Some countries have legalized the sale of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
- Some mushroom species have the property of "dissolving," so they need to be eaten within a few hours after picking.
- Mushrooms decompose plants after they die. In just a few months, they can turn a tree into fertile soil. Without mushrooms, the Earth would be buried in waste, and life on the planet would disappear.
- Mushrooms are used not only as food but also in the preparation of medicines. Modern research shows that mushrooms can be useful in making antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antioxidants. They are also an integral part of bioremediation - a complex of methods for cleaning water, soil, and the atmosphere. For example, mushrooms can be used to process industrial waste.
- Mushrooms are very nutritious food. Some types can be a good source of vitamin B, along with essential minerals like copper and potassium. At the same time, they contain only a small amount of fats, salts, and carbohydrates. Portobello mushrooms contain more potassium than bananas.
- Before the invention of synthetic dyes, mushrooms were used for dyeing wool and other natural fibers. They can produce strong, vibrant colors.
