Share
Found in temperate regions, the honey mushroom is a genus composed of an array of parasitic fungi that grow on wood. It feeds on dead plant materials and has long life spans. Honey mushroom is of various types and all are not edible. A few are dangerous to eat. Others including ringless honey mushrooms are good for eating. But, you must cook them before consuming them as the raw honey mushroom is poisonous.
Honey mushrooms’ colour ranges from white to yellowish-brown depending on the species. Stems of honey mushrooms grow in tight clusters and some of them have a distinct ring under the stem.
If you want to taste honey mushroom and drain out its benefits, you should specifically stay away from deadly galerina which looks like a honey mushroom but is toxic to humans. Deadly galerina is usually dark brown and its height is smaller than honey mushrooms. Also, its tan gills and convex cap make it distinct from the former.
Notably, having honey mushrooms has various health benefits. Let’s know about a few of them.
Contains Antioxidants
Honey mushrooms can help you get rid of harmful free radicals and protects against chronic conditions, thanks to their strong antioxidant properties. This food item can prevent oxidative damage to your cells.
Helps in Fighting Against Cancer
Honey mushroom contains a compound called Armillaria mellea, that can kill cancer cells present in the liver, says a study published in the journal Onco Targets and Therapy. Honey mushroom helps in the fight against leukemia and esophageal cancer too.
Improves Brain Health
According to a research published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the honey mushroom can protect you against neurodegenerative disorders and improve brain function. Scientists have found that extracts of Armillaria mellea can boost neuron function and reduce protein buildup in the brain, one of the reasons behind the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
