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Toadstool
Toadstool is a poisonous and inedible mushroom. Toadstools or mushrooms are fungi having an umbrella-shaped pileus. The scientific name of a toadstool is Amanita muscaria.
The Taxonomy Tree
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Agaricaceae
Genus: Chlorophyllum
Species: chlorophyllum molybdites
A mushroom is not a plant and is not a part of the plant kingdom. The anatomy of mushrooms is more similar to plants but metabolically, mushrooms are closely related to humans and possess similar respiratory functions as humans. Mushrooms are a part of their kingdom called the fungi kingdom. Mushrooms are the primary decomposers and they recycle our ecosystem. This in turn helps to improve the immune system of the environment.
What is fungus?
Fungi are heterotrophic organisms. These feed on the nutrients from other organisms such as soil and the environment. Fungi breathe in oxygen and expel carbon – dioxide similar to the respiratory cycle of human beings.
What Is The Difference Between Toadstool And Mushroom?
Both the terms toadstool and mushroom are referred to the spore-bearing body of fungi. They appear to be in the form of a round cap on a stalk with vibrant colors like red, orange, and sometimes white. The white-colored mushrooms are often referred to be edible ones.
The term toadstool is usually referred to describe mushrooms that are poisonous and inedible. Hence it can be said that all toadstools are a type of mushrooms, but not all mushrooms are toadstools. These toadstools when consumed may cause some serious effects like illness and at times may lead to death.
White Button Mushrooms
The white button mushrooms are one of the most popularly cultivated species. They have vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants which are beneficial for our skin. These are used in topical creams and serums. They also have skin whitening properties. These mushrooms also prevent hair fall as they contain iron.
Maitake
Maitake, also called the Hen-of-the wood, is considered to be the tastiest of mushrooms. Sauteeing them with butter adds to more flavor and thus these are widely used in pizza toppings due to their versatile taste.
Crimini Mushrooms
These mushrooms are an excellent source of zinc. Zinc is one of the vital compounds of the immune system which also ensures optimum growth in infants and children. These contain vitamin D which is the most important constituent of bone growth.
Reishi Mushrooms
These mushrooms contain a special amino acid called ergothioneine. This amino acid contains sulphur which is a powerful antioxidant for improving the human immune system. This radical helps to remove all the free radicals and prevents the growth of cancer. Vitamins A, B-complex, and C present in these mushrooms help strengthen the body’s immunity. Thus reishi mushroom soup is very good for health.
Chanterelles (cantharellus)
These mushrooms belong to the cantharellus species. They are one of the edible species from the wild mushroom groups. Chanterelles are funnel-shaped meaty mushrooms. They come in different colors like white, yellow, and orange.
Other Health Benefits Of Mushrooms:
- They help to lower blood pressure.
- Mushrooms help in weight loss and hair loss
- Helps in reducing belly fat and improving the BMI quotient.
- Plays a vital role to fight cancer.
- Controls cholesterol levels.
- Treats anemia.
- They are good for bones and osteoporosis problems.
- Mushrooms prevent inflammation.
Summing Up
Toadstools or mushrooms have a wide range of medical and health properties. They are an integral part of our ecosystem. New spores are released from mature fruits of the mushrooms and the entire life cycle of fungi keeps continuing.
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