Grappling With Nature Series - No 8 (Dwelling on Fungus) | Mixed Media Project

Mushrooms. When I think of them, I conjure up foraging in the woods for wild edibles. Mushrooms are a type of fungus. As a child, I was taught to avoid mushrooms in the wild, for they were all poisonous. It was only as an adult that I discovered that wasn't correct.

First, a mushroom is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. When we think of a "toadstool", the word generally refers to a poisonous mushroom. ¹

The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus; hence, the word "mushroom" is most often applied to those fungi that have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, sing. lamella) on the underside of the cap. Those are the variety I'm most familiar with. The gills produce microscopic spores which help the fungus spread across the ground or its occupant surface.¹

What I wasn't aware of and not familiar with were the numerous health benefits of mushrooms. People thousands of years ago knew the value of mushrooms and incorporated them into their diets and for medicinal purposes.

We've all seen the varieties of mushrooms in our grocers produce isles. Through research, I discovered that the selection of mushrooms has been expanding lately for numerous reasons. First, mushrooms are packed with nutritional value, while being low in calories. But many people still overlook them because of their unusual appearance. I'm sure individuals understand that these produce items are a fungus.

However, this type fungus is one humans need in their lives. I had no idea that mushrooms are the only source of vitamin D located in the produce aisle. They also contain some fiber—about a gram per cup. While that might sound nonessential, the type of fiber is beta-glucan, which is beneficial for blood sugar and cholesterol management. And, one cup of mushrooms is only twenty (20) calories.²

Also, mushrooms are delicious with something called ‘umami’ (pronounced o’o-MAH-mee’), which is the fifth element of taste after sweet, salty, bitter and sour. Mushrooms are dynamic because they’re savory, with a hearty flavor that comes to life even more when they’re cooked. They taste almost meaty, but without the fat and cholesterol found in many animal proteins.

Not sure if mushrooms are for your taste. Take a closer look at some of the most popular types of mushrooms—and what makes each so great.

• White Button: Also known as ‘crimini mushrooms.’ Perhaps the most common type of mushrooms you’ll see at salad bars and supermarkets. These contain selenium, a trace mineral that’s important for cognitive function and a healthy immune system that purportedly supports prostate health.

• Portobello: Portobellos are an excellent source of riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2), a vitamin that's important for energy production as it helps the body break down carbohydrates into sugar for fuel. Portobellos are also a good source of selenium.

• Porcini: Many of us aren't consuming enough potassium. These mushrooms are a good source of this mineral, which keeps your brain, heart, and muscles functioning properly. Porcinis also contain ergosterol, a compound needed to make vitamin D3. Finally, these mushrooms possess antioxidant properties that may help the body ward off damage from free radicals.

• Reishi: This variety is currently consumed in high quantities for its potential immune system and cardiovascular benefits. These pack beta-glucan, that type of fiber I mentioned earlier, which also helps activate and support the function of immune cells. Reishi mushrooms also contain ganoderic acid, a substance that is said to support healthy cholesterol levels.

• Shiitake: Shiitakes are a good source of soluble fiber, which supports healthy cholesterol levels. They also contain beta-glucans found in reishi mushrooms. Plus, shiitakes contain a compound called lentinan, which helps to strengthen the immune system.

• Enoki: These mushroom are rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin (vitamin B3), which promote cardiovascular health and are key for energy production.

• Maitake or ‘Hen of the Woods’: These mushrooms actually resemble the feathers of a fluffed chicken and are a popular ingredient in dietary supplements and powders. Preliminary animal studies suggest these funny-looking mushrooms may promote a healthy insulin response and support healthy blood sugar levels. ²

The numerous health benefits mushrooms provide outweigh any negative connotation connected to them. For example, mushrooms are a source of several key elements for one's health:

1. Immune support;
2. Full of antioxidants;
3. Balance blood sugar;
4. Brain health and cognition;
5. Support the nervous system;
6. Increase energy and stamina; and
7. Support a healthy inflammation response ³

One item I'd like to highlight is the misconception about a particular type mushroom. The Cordyceps. You've probably heard about or seen the widely popular television series or interactive video game The Last of Us. Well, the concept of the virus or fungus was a play upon the fear of a Cordyceps fungus that was believed to have caused the destruction of humans.

In fact, Cordyceps, with hundreds of different species, is a parasitic fungus that preys on insects. Traditional healers used the fungus as a powerful tonic to improve energy, appetite, stamina, and endurance and was described by old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine as a "treasure". Cordyceps has been touted to possess unique properties that support immune function, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall well-being.

Strangely enough, an expensive market exists for these type mushrooms, with a gram costing more than $20,000 per kilogram and sold almost exclusively in Asia. It’s a rare combination of a caterpillar and a mushroom and is found at high altitudes in the Himalayan Plateau.³

As an adult, I've come to love mushroom in a variety of dishes. And had no idea that mushroom extract even existed for medicinal purposes.

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For my current mixed media art project, I utilized the stable diffusion program, StarryAI to retrieve the image of a female sitting atop a mushroom.

After completing the still version, I uploaded the image to Mosh (f/k/a) PhotoMosh and added the filter "SMEAR". Below is the result that turned out to my liking.

Next, I experimented with another filter "Solarize". I love the monotone version and decided to share it here.