One general nutrition advice fitness experts give is that abs are made in the kitchen. Sure, you have to put in hours in the gym to achieve the body that you are after. But exercising is just one part of a larger equation. That is particularly true if you want to lose weight. Simply put, if you want to achieve your weight loss goals, you have to pay attention to your daily diet and watch the calories that you consume and burn.
Food contributes much to weight loss (and weight gain). If you are well on your way to losing weight, all calories matter. Now if you enjoy magic mushrooms regularly, you are probably wondering how many calories are there in each serving. After all, every calorie counts, especially when you are nearing your fitness goal.
How Many Calories Are There in Magic Mushrooms?
Not much is known about the nutrient content of magic mushrooms. A lot of that has to do with the previous ban on magic mushroom research. As such, you will find practically nothing regarding nutrition facts about magic mushrooms.
According to an entry on My Fitness Pal, an app that helps users count calories and more, A 0.125-ounce serving of dried and cured magic mushrooms contains a gram of carbs, two grams of proteins, and eight calories.
As for the nutrient content of magic mushrooms, it is safe to assume that shrooms have a few similarities with edible mushrooms.
Edible Mushroom Nutrition Facts
Although little is known about the actual nutrient content of magic mushrooms, it may be safe to assume that they contain the same nutrients as edible mushrooms. Of course, serving sizes for edible and magic mushrooms will differ widely so take that into account when accounting for your daily diet as well as your computation for your calories for the day.
A cup of edible mushrooms is equivalent to 70 grams. This serving is equivalent to 15 calories, about two grams of carbs, two grams of protein, and 0.2 grams of fat.
Proteins
Mushrooms are a moderate source of protein. A cup of edible mushrooms contains about two grams of protein.
Carbs
A single serving of mushrooms contains about two grams of carbs. But aside from that, mushrooms have a low glycemic index. This simply means that because they contain a low amount of carbs, they do not adversely affect your insulin or blood glucose level.
Fat
Edible mushrooms also contain a small amount of fat. Specifically, they contain polyunsaturated fat. This type of fat is considered to be healthy because it can help bring down LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, polyunsaturated fat may help lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Vitamins and minerals
Aside from containing a moderate amount of carbs, fat, and protein, mushrooms are also an excellent source of fiber. As such, it is good general nutrition advice to incorporate mushrooms into your daily diet.
Edible mushrooms also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. In fact, nutritionists consider mushrooms as an excellent source of minerals like copper, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Mushrooms also contain a few essential vitamins, including vitamins B3 and B5 and vitamin D.
Magic Mushroom Compounds
Psilocybin is the active compound found in magic mushrooms and is primarily responsible for the hallucinogenic effects most people are familiar with.
But according to researchers, magic mushrooms contain other compounds that are believed to enhance the effects of psilocybin. This effect is similar to the entourage effect in cannabis.
Although THC and CBD are responsible for the effects of marijuana, other cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, terpenes, and flavonoids are believed to work with each other synergistically.
The same can be said about the different magic mushroom compounds. Here is a brief look at each of the compounds that may be found in magic mushrooms.
Psilocybin
Psilocybin is found in about 200 species of mushrooms, most of which fall under the Psilocybe family. The compound may also be found in Dictyonema Huaorani, a type of lichen native to Ecuador.
It is worth mentioning that it is not psilocybin itself that is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of magic mushrooms. Instead, the compound is broken down into another compound called psilocin. Psilocin is the magic mushroom compound that interacts with the receptors in the brain.
Aeruginascin
Aeruginascin is a magic mushroom compound that was discovered in the eighties by Jochen Gartz. More recently, researchers from the Czech Republic's University of Chemistry and Technology found this magic mushroom compound in Psilocybe cubensis.
Aeruginascin has a chemical structure that is similar to the venom found in some toads. Current research suggests that this compound may be responsible, at least in part, for the feeling of euphoria you get after ingesting magic mushrooms.
ß-carbolines
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology discovered ß-carbolines in four members of the Psilocybe mushroom family.
According to the study conducted by researchers, ß-carbolines are similar to some of the compounds present in a few ayahuasca ingredients known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs.
MAOIs are thought to enhance and prolong the effects of DMT. In magic mushrooms, ß-carbolines are believed to enhance the effects of psychedelic shrooms.
Baeocystin
Baeocystin is another compound that is found, not only in magic mushrooms but as well as other mushroom species.
First discovered in 1968, this magic mushroom compound is believed to have a similar effect to psilocybin. Some anecdotes indicate that it can help relieve anxiety without causing hallucinations.
Norbaeocystin
Norbaeocystin was discovered at the same time as baeocystin. Little is known about this magic mushroom compound, especially regarding its psychoactive effects due to the small number of studies centered on it.
Norpsilocin
Norpsilocin was discovered in 2017 by a team of researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology.
The experts believe that the magic mushroom compound is closely related to baeocystin and has a similar relation to it like psilocybin is to psilocin.
One key difference between norpsilocin is that it cannot enter the brain as psilocin does. However, it is worth mentioning that tests reveal that the magic mushroom compound might be more potent than psilocin.
What Are the Different Mushroom Types?
Although some people consider mushrooms as vegetables, they are neither plant nor animal. They are fungi.
To date, there are about 14,000 species of mushrooms. Of these, there are roughly 3,000 species that are classified as edible. But out of 3,000 species, people consume only 200 species and cultivate 100 species.
Broadly speaking, mushrooms can be classified into four categories: saprotrophic, endophytic, mycorrhizal, and parasitic.
Saprotrophic mushrooms
Saprotrophic mushrooms help in the decomposition process by releasing acids and enzymes. These mushrooms feed on decaying matter like dead plants and animals.
Because of their important role in decomposing dead plants and animals, saprotrophic mushrooms are crucial to the food chain.
Many edible and medicinal mushrooms belong to this category, including Reishi, Shiitake, Morels, Oyster, and White Button mushrooms.
Endophytic mushrooms
Endophytic mushrooms are an interesting group of mushrooms because of their unique behavior. These fungi invade plants and then partner with their host.
The host plant remains unharmed. In fact, it can even benefit from the invasion of endophytic mushrooms as they help in nutrient absorption.
Mycorrhizal mushrooms
Mycorrhizal mushrooms have a special affinity with plants and trees. These mushrooms attach and weave themselves with plant roots.
Once attached to the roots, they help their host get more moisture and nutrients. The mushrooms, on the other hand, benefit by accessing sugar from their host plants.
Truffles, Matsutake, Porcini, Chanterelles, and Caesar's mushrooms are but a few of the species that belong to this category.
Parasitic mushrooms
Parasitic mushrooms infest plants until they kill them. Lion's mane, Caterpillar fungus, Chaga, and Honey fungus are some of the more well-known parasitic fungi.
Health Benefits of Eating Edible Mushrooms
Although edible and medicinal mushrooms have been used by a diverse array of cultures for thousands of years, they are grossly underappreciated. Reading nutrition facts about mushrooms can leave you wondering why aren't more people eating them. They are a good source of macronutrients like protein, carbs, and good fat. But aside from that, they contain a few essential minerals and vitamins, like potassium and vitamin D and B. Plus, they provide a moderate amount of protein which can make you feel fuller without necessarily adding a ridiculous amount of calories.
But aside from these, edible mushrooms can provide a few health benefits.
Improve gut health
Edible mushrooms can help boost stomach health by providing beneficial bacteria with the food needed to thrive and multiply.
Cell damage prevention
Some types of edible mushrooms like white button mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants like glutathione and ergothioneine help combat inflammation and oxidative stress which lead to chronic diseases.
Boost brain function
As people age, their brains can suffer from cognitive decline. When you add mushrooms to your diet, their antioxidants can help improve your brain health.
Bolster bone health
When some edible mushrooms are exposed to ultraviolet light, they can boost their stores of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for bone health.
Minimize the risk of diabetes
Most edible mushrooms contain a moderate amount of fiber. Fibers, in turn, offer a few health benefits. For one, it can help lower the risk of diabetes. Additionally, the polysaccharides found in mushrooms can help lower oxidative stress which contributes to diabetes risk.
Side effects
Although mushrooms offer plenty of health benefits, they do have a few potential downsides.
For one, if you are allergic to mold, it is highly likely that you are allergic to mushrooms. However, mushroom-related allergies are quite rare.
Consuming inky cap mushrooms with alcohol can cause symptoms like flushing, tingling, and rapid heartbeats. These symptoms can last up to five days after eating this type of mushroom. In some people, edible mushrooms can cause stomach issues.
However, one of the biggest risks of eating mushrooms, especially from unknown or dubious sources is poisoning. There are some edible mushrooms that look like poisonous mushrooms. If you are trying magic mushrooms, make sure that you buy from trusted sources. When foraging for shrooms, learn to identify magic mushrooms. Or better yet, why not consider growing shrooms?
Poisonous mushrooms foraged from the wild can cause stomach problems, organ damage, and in some cases, death.
The Benefits of Using Magic Mushrooms
While it is possible for magic mushrooms to contain the same calories, fat, protein, carbs, and other nutrients, most people do not use them for sustenance.
Traditionally, magic mushroom use has been associated with the quest for the inner self and the spiritual. However, as more researchers become interested in psilocybin mushrooms, more and more potential health benefits are being uncovered.
Combatting depression
Magic mushrooms are currently being investigated for their possible use to help manage depression.
In one study released in 2022, experts divulged that people with depression that have been treated with magic mushrooms were able to keep their depression levels low even for up to a year after being treated.
Certainly, more research needs to be done on the subject. However, with the current information available, magic mushrooms look promising in managing depression, especially under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional.
Keeping headaches at bay
One study conducted in 2017 indicates that the psilocybin content of magic mushrooms can help people suffering from migraines and cluster headaches.
However, another study contradicts the result of the other research. According to the researchers, magic mushroom use may trigger headaches, the severity of which is dosage-based. However, headaches induced by magic mushroom use may not be as severe.
Staying on top of substance addiction
Some experts are currently looking at using psilocybin mushrooms to help cigarette smokers give up their bad habits successfully. Other research studies are focusing on the potential of using magic mushrooms on people who have been misusing other substances like alcohol.
In one of these studies, researchers were able to help people to reduce their urge to drink. In another study, experts found out that psilocybin can help smokers stop their habit and reduce cravings.
Providing relief from PTSD and anxiety
While current information remains largely limited, researchers are optimistic that magic mushrooms can help in managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD and anxiety.
In one study conducted on mice, experts discovered that giving rodents low doses of psilocybin alters their fear response.
In another study where 51 cancer patients participated, it was discovered that various doses of magic mushrooms can help improve quality of life while minimizing anxiety.
The Risks of Magic Mushroom Use
Magic mushroom use can come with a few downsides. For starters, using magic mushrooms can result to a bad trip. This issue typically arises when new users take on a large dose.
But aside from that, magic mushroom use can result in the triggering of existing mental health conditions.
Additionally, accidents and injuries can occur, especially when magic mushroom use is done without preparing the immediate environment. Risks for such increase when consuming shrooms with other substances like alcohol.
But probably one of the biggest risks of magic mushroom use is poisoning. This typically happens when using misidentified mushrooms taken from the outdoors. It certainly doesn't help that some magic mushrooms are look-alikes of some poisonous mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for magic mushrooms to take effect?
The effects of magic mushrooms can be felt between 30 and 45 minutes. However, there are a few variables that will indicate the actual time you may feel the effects, including the dosage, magic mushroom species, your metabolism, and your current mental state.
The effects can last between four to six hours. However, it is not unusual for the magic mushroom effects to last beyond that.
Can you prevent a bad mushroom trip?
In psychedelic circles, bad magic mushroom trips aren't inherently bad. In fact, you can use the experience as a tool for the healing process.
If you want to avoid a bad trip, there are a few things that you can do, starting with your preparation. Ideally, you should ingest shrooms in a safe environment, preferably with people who can comfort you and attend to your needs while the effects of magic mushrooms linger.
When scary thoughts or memories begin to set in, it might be tempting to resist these. However, experienced magic mushroom users that it is better to face this head-on.
Before beginning the trip, it will be beneficial to set a goal. Your goal does not need to be specific. After the trip, sharing your experience with close friends and meditating will allow you to process your journey.
How long do shrooms stay in your system?
Once the psilocybin in magic mushrooms is broken down to psilocin, the latter can stay in your urine for up to 24 hours after ingestion.
Psilocin can take as much as 15 hours to leave your body. In human hair, the metabolites of magic mushrooms can stay for up to three months.
The actual rate of excretion will vary depending on a few factors. For example, the higher your dosage, the more time it will take before the magic mushroom compounds leave your body.
Healthier individuals are able to process magic mushroom compounds faster than those with kidney conditions. Additionally, if you have had sufficient sleep and water, it will take a shorter time to excrete psilocin from your body.
Finally, metabolism plays a crucial role in the rate of excretion. Metabolism is influenced by age, weight, and genetics.
