1. Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms were grown by magic

The Ancient Egyptians were amazed by the mysterious and seemingly magical way mushrooms could appear overnight. This phenomenon was so extraordinary to them that they believed mushrooms were grown by magic. In reality, mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, and many species of mushrooms can grow in a matter of hours, depending on the environmental conditions.

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2. What's the difference between the spore colors of mushrooms?

Mushrooms come in a variety of spore colors, ranging from black to pink to yellow. However, blue, green, and red are almost never seen in mushroom spores. This is due to the fact that these colors are not as common in the natural environment, and therefore, are not as likely to be found in mushrooms.

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3. Psilocybin: Visual & Auditory Hallucinations

Psilocybin mushrooms, which are illegal in the United States, have been known to produce powerful, mystical and psychedelic experiences. These mushrooms contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin, which is responsible for the intense visual and auditory hallucinations, as well as the feelings of euphoria and spiritual connection that many users report. The effects of psilocybin can last for several hours, and can be a profoundly transformative experience for those who partake.

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4. Ancient Egyptians believed that mushrooms could bring them immortality

The Ancient Egyptians believed that mushrooms were the plant of immortality, a belief that dates back over 4,600 years ago, as evidenced by hieroglyphics found in tombs and other archaeological sites. This belief was so strong that mushrooms were often depicted in art and were even included in the diets of the Pharaohs, who believed that consuming them would bring them closer to achieving eternal life.

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5. 30 Species of Mushrooms Glow in the Dark

Did you know that over 30 species of mushrooms have the remarkable ability to glow in the dark? This phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction called bioluminescence, which produces a soft, glowing light. This light is often used by the mushrooms to attract insects, which in turn help to spread the mushroom's spores. Bioluminescence is also found in other organisms, such as fireflies and certain deep-sea creatures.

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6. Mushrooms Can Help Inhibit Tumor Growth

Mushrooms have long been used for medicinal purposes, and recent studies have revealed that extracts from certain mushrooms can help inhibit tumor growth and possess anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, extracts from shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms have been found to be particularly effective in reducing tumor growth and inflammation. These extracts are now being studied for their potential to be used in the treatment of various diseases.

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7. Mushrooms produce Vitamin D when exposed to UV light

Mushrooms are truly remarkable organisms, possessing the unique ability to produce Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This process, known as photobiosynthesis, is the same process used by humans to produce Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. While the amount of Vitamin D produced by mushrooms is much lower than that produced by humans, it is still an important source of the nutrient for those who are unable to get enough from other sources.

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8. Don't Touch These Mushrooms!

Toadstool is an old-fashioned term used to describe poisonous mushrooms, as opposed to edible mushrooms. While the word 'mushroom' is now used to refer to both edible and poisonous varieties, 'toadstool' is still used to refer specifically to the poisonous kind. In fact, many people still use the term 'toadstool' to refer to any mushroom they find in the wild, as a way of warning others to stay away.

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9. Fear of What is Fungophobia?

William Delisle Hay's term "Fungophobia" is a fear of toadstools, more commonly known as mushrooms. This phobia is characterized by an intense fear of mushrooms, which can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and an increased heart rate. People with this phobia may avoid places where mushrooms are present, such as forests, gardens, and even grocery stores. In severe cases, the fear of mushrooms can lead to panic attacks and other psychological issues.

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10. How to dye wool with mushrooms

Mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to any meal, but they can also be used to dye wool in a variety of vivid colors. This is due to the compounds found in mushrooms, which can be extracted and used to create a range of hues. From bright reds to deep blues, mushrooms can be used to create a stunning array of colors for any wool-based project.

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