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 zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program.Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Follow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:00:00 - Introduction 1:42 - Quickfire round3:04 - What are fungi?8:40 - The connection between fungi, plants & gut health14:10 - The human impact on fungi19:41 - Mushrooms and mental health 28:01 - Fungi as medicine35:34 - Why should we eat mushrooms40:39 - How to introduce more mushrooms into your diet46:56 - How often should you eat mushrooms51:17 - Summary56:01 - OutroMentioned in today’s episode: Potential role of ergothioneine rich mushroom as anti-aging candidate through elimination of neuronal senescent cells from Brain ResearchMedicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: An approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action from NutrireImmunomodulatory effect of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds in cancer: A comprehensive review from Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy Episode transcripts are available here.Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it.