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The Fungi at MaMa Jean's
Fungi have been around for billions of years, maybe even older than what we originally thought—possibly half a billion years older. Take a moment to think about that. Imagine the history of Earth as a 12-hour clock. Humans only show up at about 11:59 and 58 seconds. Civilization itself has only existed for a fraction of a second on that clock. Meanwhile, fungi have been here since at least 8:00. They might even go back further, maybe as far as 10:00.
Twice in Earth's history, fungi were the dominant organisms for millions of years. The first time was when life began on land, and the second was during the largest mass extinction event. Through it all, fungi have managed to survive while an estimated 99% of all other species have gone extinct. Today, there are about 100,000 known species of fungi, but experts believe we’ve only scratched the surface, identifying maybe 5% of all existing fungi. Estimates suggest there could be between 1.5 to 5 million species out there. Fungi form their own distinct kingdom, separate from plants and animals, and surprisingly, they're more closely related to us humans than to plants.
Fungi thrive in nearly every corner of the globe, surviving in extreme environments where no other life forms can exist. Some can even endure the harsh conditions of outer space, like the vacuum of space, extreme temperatures, and intense radiation. This has sparked theories that fungi may have originated in space and seeded life on Earth.
Fungi have proven to be incredibly resilient and adaptable, possibly as long as life itself has existed. Their survival strategies are fascinating, and we’re just beginning to uncover how beneficial they could be to us. Historically, fungi have been used for culinary, religious, and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. For instance, Reishi mushrooms have been utilized for similar health benefits for over 2,000 years. However, the most significant breakthrough came in the early 20th century with the discovery of antibiotics, arguably one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Penicillin, derived from molds, revolutionized medicine by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Beyond antibiotics, fungi have contributed to the development of fungicides, cholesterol-lowering statins, psychotropic drugs for mental health, immunosuppressants for organ transplants, and anti-cancer medications. Many of these fungi-based treatments are available over-the-counter, and while quality varies, they offer promising health benefits.
Take Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi, which have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia. They’re believed to enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and may even support neurological health. Studies also suggest they could have anticancer properties and positively affect blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Cordyceps, another remarkable fungus, grows parasitically on insects. One species, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, commonly called “Caterpillar Fungus,†controls its host’s behavior, driving it to climb before dying—a strategy evolved millions of years ago. These fungi are known for boosting respiratory health, enhancing immunity, and possibly fighting cancer.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are celebrated for their potential to improve cognitive function and nerve regeneration. Research indicates they may help combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Maitake mushrooms, often referred to as the “King of Mushrooms,†are rich in nutrients and have been linked to cardiovascular health and immune system support.
Red Yeast Rice, used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains compounds similar to statins, which lower cholesterol levels. In clinical trials, it has performed comparably to pharmaceutical statins and even outperformed them in some cases.
S. Boulardii, a tropical yeast, is renowned for combating C. Diff infections and supporting gut health. Brewer’s yeast, another versatile fungus, provides essential B-vitamins and minerals, improving energy levels and aiding digestion.
Fungi will undoubtedly play a key role in future medicine and nutrition. Their resilience and adaptability hold untapped secrets. As we explore these ancient survivors, we continue to learn from them. Drop by your local MaMa Jean’s to explore the world of fungi!
*Written by Ran Cummings*
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