Mushrooms and genetics
Why fungi are closer to us than we think
Mushrooms are often spoken about as plants. But biologically, they are not plants at all. What fascinated me early in my research is that fungi are genetically closer to humans than to plants. This single fact already changes how we should think about functional mushrooms and why they interact with the human body in such a unique way. Plants create energy through photosynthesis. Mushrooms do not. Fungi belong to their own biological kingdom, and their cellular structure shares more similarities with animals than with plants. This includes how they store energy, how their cell walls are built, and how certain compounds interact with our immune system. This difference is one of the reasons functional mushrooms behave differently in the body compared to herbs or leafy plants. This article is an invitation to look at mushrooms through a slightly more scientific lens, explained simply and clearly, so curiosity can grow without feeling overwhelming.
Beta glucans, a key connection
Why mushroom can be more effective than some plants
One of the most important compounds found in functional mushrooms are beta glucans. These are complex polysaccharides located in the cell walls of fungi. Beta glucans are also present in some plants, such as oats or barley, but the structure of mushroom beta glucans is different and more complex. What makes mushroom beta glucans unique is how they communicate with the human immune system. Their structure is recognised by specific immune receptors, which is why they are studied for their role in immune modulation rather than simple stimulation. This is not about forcing the immune system to do more. It is about helping it respond more appropriately. Understanding beta glucans was a turning point for me in understanding why functional mushrooms feel different from many plant-based supplements. Many plants contain beneficial compounds, but mushrooms seem to work on a different level. Because of their unique genetics and cell structure, mushrooms act more like biological communicators than simple nutrient providers. They adapt. They respond. They support balance rather than pushing the body in one direction. This is why functional mushrooms are often described as adaptogenic. They help the body adjust rather than override its natural systems. For me, this also explained why consistency matters so much more than dosage when it comes to mushrooms.
My research and personal curiosity
Written from curiosity rather than expertise
I did not approach mushrooms from a purely scientific background. My research started with curiosity and personal experience, and slowly expanded into reading studies, learning about cell structures, extraction methods, and bioavailability. The more I learned, the more I realised how misunderstood mushrooms still are. Many people see them only as food, as a passing trend, or sometimes even as something dangerous. Functional mushrooms are not magic. But when we understand their genetic uniqueness and the role of compounds like beta glucans, we stop seeing them as supplements and start seeing them as allies. I hope this sparks curiosity. Not only to try functional mushrooms, but to learn about them. To read. To question. To explore the fungal world with interest rather than assumptions. This is where real connection with mushrooms begins.