For more than 5,000 years, humans have turned to mushrooms. Some cultures revere them as medicine. Others fear them as poison.
In Asia, mushrooms are considered sacred and are woven into traditional medicine. In the West, their reputation has been clouded by their toxic varieties. Yet worldwide, people continue to prize them for a different reason: flavor. Mushrooms carry a distinctive savory note called umami — now recognized as the “fifth taste,” alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Antioxidants and Cancer Research
Scientists are now looking at mushrooms as more than food. They are investigating their role in protecting the body from disease.
“Mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants,” researchers say. These compounds — including glutathione and ergothioneine — help neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage cells.
One meta-analysis found that women who ate about 18 grams of mushrooms a day — just a few slices — had a 34 percent lower risk of breast cancer. For example, UCLA Health notes that daily mushroom intake may lower cancer risk and improve overall health.
That association didn’t show up with other types of cancer. Researchers believe the gap may be due to limited studies, not necessarily a lack of effect. Still, the findings have drawn attention in public health circles.
Other research points to a possible nonlinear relationship: in 11 of 17 case-control studies, higher mushroom consumption was linked to a lower cancer risk. Some scientists suspect mushrooms’ anti-estrogen properties may play a role.
Clinical trials are underway. One study is testing whether daily white button mushroom supplements can reduce breast cancer risk in obese, postmenopausal women.
Effects on Depression
Mushrooms may also have an impact on mental health. They contain amino acids like tryptophan and serotonin, both linked to mood regulation, appetite, and sleep.
Researchers are especially interested in psilocybin, the compound that gives certain mushrooms hallucinogenic properties.
“It reactivates the brain’s serotonin system,” scientists explain, suggesting that the chemical may help people with depression feel more connected and in control.
A recent systematic review published on PubMed found psilocybin significantly reduced depressive symptoms, with stronger effects than traditional antidepressants.
The FDA has already approved psilocybin for use in clinical trials targeting treatment-resistant depression. At the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, researchers are running trials to test whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can help people whose depression has not responded to other treatments.
But experts stress caution: more studies are needed before mushrooms can be formally considered a psychiatric treatment.
A Source of Fiber and Nutrients
Mushrooms are also a solid source of fiber. Depending on the variety, one cup can provide up to 3 grams. That helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol.
They’re rich in beta-glucans — compounds that support the immune system — and in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. Current health guidelines recommend about 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day.
Mushrooms also supply copper, iron, and phosphorus. They contain vitamin D, important for bone health, and choline, which supports memory and muscle movement.
The nutritional mix makes them a valuable food, even though they provide only a modest amount of protein.
Hair, Skin, and Aging
Beyond their role in diet, mushrooms are making their way into beauty and skin-care products.
Copper, found in high amounts in mushrooms, helps produce melanin — the pigment that gives hair its color. This may slow the graying process.
Some cosmetic companies use mushroom extracts in creams and serums, citing their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Those compounds, including glutathione and ergothioneine, protect cells from damage and may slow visible signs of aging.
Other varieties, like the reishi mushroom, are believed to improve blood circulation to the scalp, delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. Some commercial hair treatments now include reishi extracts as an active ingredient.
The Bigger Picture
Researchers agree that mushrooms are not a cure-all. They stress the need for more clinical studies before claims about cancer prevention or antidepressant effects can be confirmed.
Still, mushrooms remain a valuable food — nutrient-rich, versatile in cooking, and part of human culture for thousands of years.
