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The Future of Nutrition Is Fungi: How Oyster Mushrooms Are Becoming India’s Superfood BETi

The Future of Nutrition Is Fungi: How Oyster Mushrooms Are Becoming India’s Superfood

The demand for healthier, plant-based, and sustainable food options has sparked a wave of innovation in the food industry. Among the rising stars are oyster mushrooms, celebrated for their versatility, high protein content, and eco-friendly cultivation. These nutritional powerhouses are not only a fantastic meat substitute but also thrive with minimal resources, making them a top choice for health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers in India and beyond. Why Mushrooms Are Making Waves Mushrooms have long held a place in culinary traditions worldwide, valued not just for their flavor but also for their remarkable health benefits. Unlike most plants, mushrooms offer unique nutritional properties that rival animal-based foods, making them a standout in disease prevention and immune support. Historically, many cultures have harnessed their bioactive compounds for medicinal purposes, leveraging their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Health Benefits of Mushrooms Mushrooms are packed with essential nutrients that promote overall well-being: Oyster Mushrooms: The Ultimate Superfood Oyster mushrooms stand out as a nutrient-dense superfood, brimming with protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to optimal health. Nutritional Highlights Sustainability Superstars Oyster mushrooms are among the most eco-friendly crops to cultivate. They require minimal energy, water, and resources, making them a sustainable food choice. Grown on agricultural waste in warm, humid conditions, they’re easy to produce both commercially and at home. Even after harvesting, the leftover substrate can be repurposed as fertilizer or animal feed, creating a closed-loop system that maximizes the mushroom’s life cycle. Oyster Mushrooms in Indian Cuisine Known locally as dhingri, oyster mushrooms thrive in India’s temperate and tropical climates. Their fleshy texture and mild flavor make them a versatile ingredient in Indian dishes, from rich curries and hearty soups to vibrant stir-fries. As a popular meat substitute, they’re gaining traction in households and restaurants alike. Health Benefits in Focus The Future of Fungi in India As awareness of health and sustainability grows, oyster mushrooms are poised to become a staple in Indian diets. Government and private initiatives are promoting mushroom farming, while innovative companies are introducing ready-to-cook products, mushroom-based flours, powders, health supplements, and even beverages. Innovations on the Horizon This mushroom revolution is set to enhance dietary diversity and improve nutrition across India, offering a sustainable, delicious, and health-packed solution for the future.

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A Vegan Diet’s Savior: The Mushroom and Its Impact On Veganism

A Vegan Diet’s Savior: The Mushroom and Its Impact on Veganism

In recent years, veganism has started to grow in popularity with people wanting to make the switch to plant-based foods for health benefits, sustainability, and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Due to these reasons, vegan diets often tend to consist of whole foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and most importantly, mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in protein as well as contain a lot of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, making them a great option for people who are considering the vegan lifestyle. They can be used in a wide variety of dishes as they are versatile and act as a nutritional powerhouse in the vegan world. Mushrooms: The Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse & Meat Substitute Mushrooms, as we know, are a nutritionally rich food that can support a vegan diet in a balanced way. Although not as much as legumes, they also provide a good amount of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, copper, potassium and selenium. They also contain good amounts of antioxidants such as glutathione that helps to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Regular eating of mushrooms may help lower cholesterol, support immunological function, and potentially lessen the incidence of certain malignancies due to polysaccharides and antioxidants. They also include beta-glucans and other fibers that act as prebiotics, that help to maintain a healthy gut and overall digestion. They are often known as the “meat” of the plant world due to their fleshy texture and umami taste, along with the ability to absorb flavors and provide a perfect satisfying bite. This makes mushrooms a great substitute for meat for people trying to follow to a vegan diet. Some popular mushroom options to be used for cooking are shiitake, portobello, king trumpet and Oyster mushrooms. Culinary Versatility of Mushrooms Mushrooms can be prepared in several ways through cooking methods like grilling, roasting and sauteeing. Various dishes that can be used and prepared are: Popular Mushroom Dishes The Sustainable and Ethical Impact Mushrooms have also proved to be a great sustainable food choice as it requires minimal resources, water and energy to be produced compared to agriculture and livestock. They can be grown on agricultural waste and only require a warm and humid environment to grow which is easy to replicate at commercial scales as well as at home. Even after harvesting, the remaining substrate can be used as fertilizer and further enrich the soil or even be used as animal feed, creating a nutrient loop and making entire use of the mushroom’s life cycle. Since people have started following a vegan lifestyle have switched to mushrooms from meat, it has impacted their ecological footprint as well as promoted sustainable and eco-friendly food systems as mushroom farming not only supports ecosystems and biodiversity while also offering significant advantages over growing of livestock for meat. Conclusion Mushrooms truly are the heroes of vegan nutrition and diet. The unique combination of taste, nutrition, and sustainability makes mushrooms the perfect candidate for anyone who is trying to follow a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply want to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, mushrooms provide limitless opportunities to feed your body and pleasure your palette. References

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World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought and The Importance Of Mushrooms

World Day To Combat Desertification And Drought and The Importance Of Mushrooms Introduction World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought Every year on 17th June, the world comes together for Desertification and Drought Day to raise awareness on the growing crisis of land droughts, desertification and land erosion. Initiated by the United Nations, this day not only raises awareness to these issues but also allows us to work on combating these threats that affect our ecosystems. Theme of 2025 The theme of 2025 is “Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities,” tells us about the worldwide struggle of restoring 1.5 hectares of land that have faced drought and desertification by 2030 and to look beyond normal solutions to save our lands that contribute to the environment, climate, our food security, and millions of livelihoods. So How Do Droughts And Desertification Affect Us? Droughts Droughts occur when the land undergoes evaporation and transpiration at a high rate, leaving it all dry and cracked, and creating land that is not capable of agriculture or living. This process of drought formation has become more common and intense due to the rising temperatures of the climate. Desertification Desertification refers to when a thriving land is gradually converted into a desert that can no longer support families and their livelihoods. Traditional methods of farming that have no regard for sustainability, deforestation, global warming, overgrazing are all reasons that contribute to and accelerate droughts and deforestation. The acceleration of this leads to more severe effects in our society such as migration, loss of livelihoods, poverty and lack of food resources. The Hidden Strength of Fungi Fungi’s Role in Ecosystems As we all know, fungi are master decomposers that also connect our ecosystems together with networks of mycelium. Not only do they connect our ecosystems, but they also distribute information and nutrients throughout that help forests and environments to adapt and survive environmental changes. Being able to protect and revive our lands does not only start from growing plants and trees and stopping soil erosion and deforestation, it begins from healing and treatment of the soil itself. The Ecosystem’s Engineers That Are Allies To Sustainability and Land Protection Fungi as Decomposers Fungi are nature’s decomposers that help to break down all types of organic matter into nutrients and minerals that are essential for plants and trees for their growth. Along with forming nutrient networks, fungi help to bind the soil together, increase water capacity, improve soil structure, and composition with the help of substances like glomalin, that is crucial for restoring desert lands as well as maintaining healthy soil for fertile lands. Mycorrhizal Fungi As allies to land protection, a key type of fungi, known as mycorrhizal fungi, plays a huge role in preventing desertification and drought formation. They form symbiotic relationships with trees and plant roots, where they help to absorb nutrients, especially when drought conditions are present. Arbuscular Mycorrhiza This type of fungi contains something known as arbuscular mycorrhiza that enhances the plant’s resistance and adaptability to drought by helping the plant roots reach underground water reservoirs. This mycorrhiza present in this fungus also triggers genetic and cultural changes to enhance drought resilience. Soil Recovery and Climate Benefits Mycorrhizal fungi also aid in soil recovery when deforestation or wildfire occurs, ensuring plant growth and soil infertility prevention. This fungi also aids against climate change as it helps forests absorb carbon dioxide more efficiently, which improves oxygen production as well as reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. BETi’s Contributions Biotech Era Technologies India (BETi), located in Indore India, is at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture through mushroom cultivation. By providing high-quality mushroom spawn and ready-to-use cultivation kits, BETi enables farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices that improve soil fertility and reduce chemical dependency reliance on chemical inputs. Their training programs and consultancy services on mushroom cultivation farming further empower communities to combat land degradation by integrating fungal fungi-based solutions into agricultural practices. Restoration of Lands and Their Success Stories: Fungi in Land Restoration Incorporating fungi into land restoration gives us a sustainable and long-term strategy that shall help us with the prevention of land desertification as well as ensure land fertility and health is maintained. Using fungi can aid in soil recovery, enhance water capacity as well as aidconcern in in the reproduction of new plants. They also help with sustainable agriculture and protecting fungal systems in forests as they act as biofertilizers, minimize soil disturbance and reduce chemical use reliance on chemicals. Success Stories Conclusion: Addressing Global Challenges Droughts and Desertification have caused major issues in food scarcity, poverty and livelihoods of people and have affected the health of our planet severely. It is now time to recognize our mistakes and take action by using sustainable solutions such as the use of fungi to restore our degraded lands, to slowly improve climate conditions and to create a more sustainable and green future. BETi’s Call to Action On this World’s Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we at BETi invite urge you to join our efforts to understand this natural solution to desertification and to help protect and conserve our planet, empower farmers to build on their traditional practices methods using scientific methods, and practice sustainable and green efforts! References   How Fungi are Key to Restoring the World’s Degraded Land Restoring Degraded Land with Fungi

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Cordyceps -Explore the amazing Mushroom

What if I tell you that there is a mushroom which has numerous medicinal properties and provides us with energy, endurance, immunity and many other functional benefits? Of course, there will be a question in your mind about the name of this mushroom, so let me take you on an exciting journey about this magical mushroom where we will discover everything about it. So, without making any more delay let’s begin our journey of a healthy life by revealing the name of this fantastic mushroom which is Cordyceps.  Cordyceps is a fungus which is a one stop solution to many common diseases. Although there are more than 600 species of this mushroom, two of them (C.sinensis and militaris) have gained major attraction and popularity in traditional Asian medical practice. Among them, the wild variety Cordyceps sinensis, stands out among the medicinal cordyceps. It is a fascinating type of fungus and shows a unique life cycle and has a long history of being used as TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) and in ASIA.   Cordyceps are found in Himalayan regions in India, and have also been reported in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand in India and known with many names like “KEERA GHAS”, “HIMALAYAN VIAGRA” and “HIMALAYAN GOLD”. This fungus grows with the help of caterpillars, and due to its unique lifecycle Cordyceps sinensis can’t be commercially cultivated and therefore harvested from the wild. Cordyceps sinensis mushroom is very rare and expensive as it involves a lot of hard work by the people of all age groups 15 to 65, to collect them from extreme heights in summer season. In fact, it is even more expensive than gold. Because of its high cost it becomes unapproachable for the market and meet the huge demand. On the other hand, Cordyceps militaris, which is successfully cultivated commercially in the laboratory, in an artificial environment is a cheaper alternative for the same. The most valuable, medicinally important compounds like Cordycepin, Adenosine and Beta-glucans besides other beneficial compounds are present in both the species and therefore have been mentioned in ancient healing textbooks.  C.militaris can be cultivated artificially on vegetarian substrate with all important biomolecules even sometimes higher, compared to C.sinensis (also known as caterpillar fungus) being very expensive due to its wild collection. Due to this reason, militaris makes it best candidate to be consumed as medicinal mushroom and nowadays it’s an important topic of interest for researchers and scientists. Isn’t it very cool if we can explore the potential of this natural medicinal wonder herb and replace the synthetic ones…  USES AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CORDYCEPS MUSHROOM Many studies confirm the positive impacts of cordyceps mushroom in human health when taken as a supplement on a regular basis. Benefits of cordyceps: Click here to purchase cordyeps mushroom. Cordyceps has numerous roles in human health, but the most recognized benefits of this mushroom are increased energy and endurance. That’s why it is sometimes preferred as athlete mushroom or energy mushroom. This mushroom also surprisingly has immense potential to reduce over two-thirds of cancer related deaths because of the high amount of antioxidants they have. It has to be noted that, there is not enough data about the safety of cordyceps use for pregnant and lactating women besides the autoimmune diseases, therefore more deep studies are awaited for the usage by them. If you want to know how this fascinating mushroom grows and how it contributes to our nutrition and health? Then keep an eye on our upcoming exciting blogs.  Written by : Ms. Pragati Nayak (Pursuing M.Sc. Biotechnology) Student Trainee BETi Edited by: Dr. Pooja Dubey Pandey (M.Sc. Ph.D. Biotechnology) Founder BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. REFERENCES: Kanitta Jiraungkoorskul and Wannee Jiraungkoorskul Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction – PMC (nih.gov)Pharmacogn Rev. 2016 Hardeep S. Tuli,1 Sardul S. Sandhu,2 and A. K. Sharma1 Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin – PMC (nih.gov)3 Biotech. 2014. Bao-qin Lin and Shao-ping Li Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug – Herbal Medicine – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011.

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Explore the World of Mushrooms: A Quick Guide

“The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart”-Judy Garland Mushrooms are a staple ingredient in many kitchens and can be found in a variety of dishes. From soups and stews, to pizzas and salads, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you are a food enthusiast or just appreciate the nutritional benefits of mushrooms, joining the mushroom craze is a great way to add flavor and valuable nutrients to your daily menu. In this blog, we will explore the different varieties of mushrooms and how you can incorporate them into your daily life to enjoy their wonderful benefits. Mushrooms are a unique type of fungi that grow on various substrates. They are diverse in terms of size, colour, shape, and taste. There are over 10,000 varieties of mushrooms in the world, with some being edible and others being dangerous. Here are some of the most popular varieties of mushrooms: White Button Mushroom One of the most commonly consumed mushrooms in the world is the white button mushroom. These mushrooms have a mild flavour and a spongy texture that pairs well with a wide range of dishes. They are also a good source of Vitamin D and Vitamin B. White button mushrooms, also known as Agaricus Bisporus, are the most commonly consumed mushroom in the world and are widely available in grocery stores and restaurants. They are native to Europe and North America and have a mild flavour and a firm texture. CHARACTERISTICS White button mushrooms have a round, firm cap with a smooth surface and a slightly curved stem. The cap is usually white and can range in size from small (about ¾ inches) to large (over 3 inches). It has a mild taste with a slightly earthy undertone. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews. White button mushrooms are a good source of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, copper, and potassium. They are versatile in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as omelets, stir-fries, salads, and pasta dishes. They are also commonly used as a topping for pizzas and burgers. Oyster Mushroom Named for their distinctive shape, oyster mushrooms are popular in many Asian dishes. Oyster mushrooms are a popular type of specialty edible mushroom world-wide that are enjoyed for their delicate flavor and unique texture CHARACTERISTICS Oyster mushrooms have a mild, nutty flavor and a delicate texture that is both chewy and tender. They are generally white to light brown in color, with a flat, oyster-like cap that ranges from 5 to 25 centimeters in length. Oyster mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contain high levels of potassium, iron, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, and are low in calories and fat. Oyster mushrooms prefer to grow in a warm, humid environment, and are often cultivated on a substrate of sawdust or straw, therefore in India cultivation and demand is increasing. They can also grow naturally on dead or decaying wood. These mushrooms are a versatile ingredient in many dishes, including stir-fries, soups, stews, and risottos. They can also be grilled or sautéed and used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Shitake Mushroom Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are known for their robust, earthy flavor. They are often used in Asian cuisine and are known to have immune-boosting properties. CHARACTERISTICS Shiitake mushrooms have a thin, umbrella-shaped cap that ranges in color from light to dark brown. The cap can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and can have a rough, dry texture. They have a rich, savory flavour that is often described as meaty or earthy. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in soups, stir-frys, and sauces. Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. Shiitake mushrooms are grown on logs or sawdust, and require a specific growing environment and conditions. They are one of the most commercially cultivated mushrooms in the world. Chanterelle Chanterelle is the common name of several species of fungi in the genera Cantharellus, Craterellus, Gomphus, and Polyozellus. Chanterelle mushrooms are a rare and exotic variety that are prized for their nutty, fruity flavor. They are often used in high-end restaurants and cost a premium price. CHARACTERISTICS Chanterelles typically have a vibrant golden to orange color, although some species may also be pale yellow or white. They have a funnel-shaped cap with a wavy or undulating margin and a smooth or slightly wrinkled surface. The cap is often shallowly or deeply lobed, giving it a unique and intricate appearance. They contain high levels of copper, vitamins D, and vitamin B. Chanterelle mushrooms can vary in size, with caps ranging from a few centimeters to over 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter. The overall size depends on the species and the growth conditions. Their flavor is delicate, nutty, and slightly peppery. Cooking enhances their taste, bringing out their unique earthy and savory notes. They can be found in various forest ecosystems, including deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as mixed woodlands. Portobello: Portobello mushrooms are a popular type of mushroom that offer various health benefits and a unique flavor profile. They are large, meaty mushrooms that are often used as a vegetarian substitute for meat. CHARACTERISTICS Portobello mushrooms are large mushrooms that can measure up to six inches in diameter. They have a brownish-colored cap and a stem that is usually about two inches long. They have a meaty texture and a savory flavor that is described as umami. They are often used as a vegetarian meat substitute in recipes. Portobello mushrooms are low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and contain important nutrients like vitamins

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Oyster Mushroom: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Optimal Health to avoid  Medicines

Well said in Ayurveda, “When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.” In today’s health-conscious era, many individuals are seeking nutrient-rich foods to optimize their well-being.  In the pursuit of maximum health, it is essential to select foods that provide both nourishment and flavor. Oyster mushrooms, scientifically known as Pleurotus and Dhingri in hindi, are not only delicious but also valuable to one’s well-being. These distinct mushrooms have increased in popularity in recent years due to their remarkable nutritional profile, making them a nutritional powerhouse for supporting optimal health. These are often overlooked in favour of more traditional sources of nutrition, but they have a number of amazing properties that make them a standout option. Oyster has many coloured species and these Pleurotus spp. are high in critical nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a well-rounded food option. These nutrients are essential for energy metabolism, neuronal function, immunological support, and antioxidant defence. Packed with essential nutrients and unique health benefits, oyster mushrooms offer a valuable alternative to traditional protein sources like milk, eggs, meat, etc. There is a need to develop the knowledge of oyster mushrooms so that we can move forward for our own well-being. Oyster mushrooms are high in vitamins including niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), folate (B9), and pantothenic acid (B5), all of which are necessary for energy production, brain function, and skin health. These mushrooms are one of the few plant-based vitamin D sources. The conversion of ergosterol, a substance present in oyster mushrooms, into vitamin D is stimulated by exposure to sunlight or UV light. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunological function, and mood modulation. They contain minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are essential for a variety of body activities. Potassium promotes heart health, phosphorus promotes bone health, copper assists iron absorption, and selenium functions as an antioxidant, preventing cell damage. They are an incredible source of fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system, blood sugar regulation, and promoting a feeling of fullness. Consuming fiber-rich foods such as oyster mushrooms can aid with weight management and prevent constipation.  On the other hand, dietary fiber is typically insignificantly low in milk, eggs, and meat. Oyster mushrooms have been recognized for their potential immune-boosting properties. They include beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber related to improved immunological function. Beta-glucans increase the activity of immune cells, including macrophages and natural killer cells, which aid in the body’s defense against infections and illnesses. These mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases. They are an excellent source of ergothioneine (sometimes used as medicine), a unique antioxidant with neuroprotective characteristics. This is an amino acid only produced by bacteria and fungi so we need external source for its supply. It’s level decreases with age. Oyster mushroom supplies the highest amount of ergothioneine as per a Japanese study in 2013.   They are naturally low in cholesterol and fat, making them an ideal choice for anyone attempting to reduce their consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol. For people who are lactose intolerant or live a dairy-free lifestyle, oyster mushrooms offer a lactose-free option. While milk is a wonderful source of calcium and upto vitamin D, oyster mushrooms are also high in these minerals. In addition, unlike dairy milk, they do not contain cholesterol. They can also be used as a plant-based protein alternative for eggs. They have a comparable protein level but are lower in calories and fat. Additionally, oyster mushrooms lack the cholesterol present in egg yolks instead lovastatin present in oyster mushroom helps control cholesterol. These mushrooms have a meaty texture and umami flavor, making them a tasty meat replacement, particularly red meat, which can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat and has been linked to a variety of health problems when ingested in excess. While meat is a good source of protein and minerals like iron and zinc, oyster mushrooms can provide equivalent levels of these nutrients while being lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. That’s why oyster mushroom is known as “Delight of Diabetics” with many published field studies of diabetes control. Oyster mushrooms are a wonderful complement to any diet due to their exceptional nutritional profile, versatility in cooking, and health-promoting properties. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to diversify your food sources, oyster mushrooms provide a number of benefits that make them deserving of a prominent role in your diet. Making informed dietary choices and selecting nutrient-rich options like oyster mushrooms can assist us in prioritizing food as a source of nourishment and wellness over relying entirely on medicine.Furthermore, growing oyster mushrooms have extra benefits. Agriwaste used as substrate or growing medium, very less water requirement, capacity to grow without soil, and cost-effectiveness make them an appealing option for environmentally responsible and economic super-food production. We can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resilient food system by adopting oyster mushroom cultivation. The best part is that Oyster mushrooms can be dehydrated and powdered which becomes even more high in nutrition and can be added to any food or drink of your choice.So, why not give BETi oyster mushrooms a try and uncover their potential for maximum health and well-being? For more such information keep on reading the BETi Blogs. Written by- Ms. Paridhi Soni Pursuing M.Sc. Applied Microbiology Student Intern, Team BETi Edited by- Dr. Pooja Dubey Pandey M.Sc., Ph.D. Biotechnology , Founder Director , BETi Innovative Pvt. Ltd. References Lesa, K. N., Khandaker, M. U., Mohammad Rashed Iqbal, F., Sharma, R., Islam, F., Mitra, S., & Emran, T. Bin. (2022). Nutritional Value, Medicinal Importance, and Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus). Journal of Food Quality, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2454180 Yin, Z., Liang, Z., Li, C., Wang, J., Ma, C., & Kang, W. (2021). Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides from edible fungus: A review. Food Science and Human Wellness, 10(4), 393-400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2021.04.001 Podkowa, A.,

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Mushrooms – The Unsung Super Heroes- Serving this Planet Selflessly

Fungi are older than plants on earth. The researchers have found that green algae and major lineages of fungi were present 1000 (Ma) million years ago and land plants appeared by 700 Ma possibly affecting Earth’s atmosphere, climate and evolution of animals. The Earth cools when you take away carbon dioxide and the biggest cooling effect came from the reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by fungi and plants. Mushrooms are fungi which may be edible, medicinal or toxic (poisonous) but in every form it is playing a hidden vital role for our mother earth and us. More than 14,000 mushroom species have been identified, about 10% of which are macro-fungi. Edible mushrooms are macro-fungi that can be seen with the naked eye in the form of fleshy fruit bodies. Fungi are master decomposers that keep our forests alive. Without fungi to aid in decomposition, all life in the forest would soon be buried under a mountain of dead plant matter.  According to Cardiff University biosciences professor Lynne Boddy. “Fungi are the garbage disposal agents of the natural world. They break down dead, organic matter and by doing that they release nutrients and those nutrients are then made available for plants to carry on growing.” Mushrooms cannot synthesize their food like plants but are saprophytic in nature i.e. they feed on dead organic matter which could also be the agriculture waste or crop residue which is unmanageable by our farmers. The mycelium (the vast root systems of mushrooms), goes deep into soil and absorb carbon dioxide from nature which keeps climate-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere (some fungi can store 70 percent more carbon in the soil!) and can break some of the stored carbon into carbohydrates, which then act as nutrients for the soil. For maintaining healthy and sustainable environment; it is time to give attention to our primitive organism fungi which helped in creating the living conditions on earth millions of years ago. Mushrooms are the “ultimate recyclers” as they convert waste from other sectors of agriculture into medium used to grow mushrooms. Thus, mushrooms  playing a very import role as Unsung Superheroes, serving this planet selflessly besides providing a healthy food and future. By- Dr. Pooja D. Pandey (Ph.D. Biotechnology)  References Heckman D S,  Geiser D M, Eidell B R,  Stauffer, N L Kardos. Molecular evidence for the early colonization of land by fungi and plants. Science 2001;293(5532):1129-33. Hassan El-Ramady 1,2,* , Abdalla N , Badgar K , Llanaj X, Töro˝s G, Hajdú P, Eid  Y . Edible Mushrooms for Sustainable and Healthy Human Food: Nutritional and Medicinal Attributes. Sustainability 2022, 14, 4941

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