Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi | Merlin Sheldrake & Prof. Tim Spector

Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier from ZOE Science & Nutrition - download our FREE guide: They’re not a plant or an animal — fungi are their very own kingdom of life. And their unique composition means they offer novel, often unbelievable, benefits to our health. Certain species of fungi are currently used to treat conditions ranging from cancer to depression. The love of mushrooms (or mycophilia) has grown in recent years. And at the heart of this movement is biologist Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, author of the bestseller Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures. In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan, Merlin, and ZOE Co-Founder Prof. Tim Spector ask: Why are mushrooms so special? If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to , and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program. Follow ZOE on Instagram: Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction 01:40 - Quickfire round 04:25 - What are fungi? 10:13 - The connection between fungi, plants & gut health 16:38 - The human impact on fungi 23:14 - Mushrooms and mental health 32:13 - Fungi as medicine 40:13 - Why should we eat mushrooms 45:11 - How to introduce more mushrooms into your diet 51:33 - How often should you eat mushrooms 56:12 - Summary 60:46 - Outro Mentioned in today’s episode: Potential role of ergothioneine rich mushroom as anti-aging candidate through elimination of neuronal senescent cells from Brain Research Medicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: an approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action from Nutrire Immunomodulatory effect of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds in cancer: A comprehensive review from Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Have feedback or a topic you’d like us to cover? Let us know here: Books: - Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake: - Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati: - Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector: Episode transcripts are available here: