The underestimated kingdom of mushrooms - a conversation with Professor Bożena Muszyńska

In the latest podcast episode, Gosia Pielichowska speaks with a remarkable guest – Professor Bożena Muszyńska, PhD, an expert in pharmacology and mycology. Professor Muszyńska is a scientist with an impressive portfolio and a passion for exploring the secrets of the fungal world. In this episode, she discusses their fascinating impact on health and their rich nutritional profile, which we often overlook.

 

Table of Contents

Mushrooms in the service of health

Professor Muszyńska emphasizes that mushrooms, often considered just an addition to dishes, hold immense health potential. They contain not only protein but also numerous bioactive substances such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, antioxidants, as well as vitamins and trace elements.

Scientist explains that regularly consuming certain mushrooms can support the immune system, improve skin and hair condition, and even have neuroprotective effects.

The conversation also touches on the use of mushrooms in complementary therapies that support traditional treatment methods.

Professor Muszyńska references studies showing that mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane and Reishi, can work synergistically with medications, aiding the body in its fight against diseases.

 

 Read also: Uncovering the secrets of mushrooms with Piotr Zięba, PhD

 

Chitin and polysaccharides – natural protection and gut support

Professor Muszyńska explains the significant role compounds like chitin and endopolysaccharides found in mushrooms play in gut health.

Chitin is one of the key structural components of mushrooms, which our enzymes cannot digest. However, for the bacteria inhabiting the intestines, it is an excellent food source.

When gut microbiota “feeds” on chitin, it develops correctly and strengthens its protective functions. This process leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and positively influence gut health.

This improves the intestinal epithelial integrity, thus enhancing its ability to properly absorb nutrients.

Professor Muszyńska highlights that chitin acts as a natural “cleanser”—binding toxins and mechanically cleaning the intestines, which may also help regulate weight by inducing a feeling of satiety.

Another valuable component is endopolysaccharides—water-soluble polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans and mannans, which directly influence the immune system.

These substances have immunomodulatory effects, stimulating the activity of macrophages and subsequently lymphocytes, thus supporting the body's defense mechanisms.

Endopolysaccharides also have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them especially valuable for health.

 

See also: Functional mushrooms in cuisine and medicine - Artur Gryszkin PhD, Eng.

 

More on the health effects of mushrooms – what else will you learn from the podcast?

The podcast is not only a conversation about nutrients but also an inspiration to explore the health benefits of mushrooms more deeply. In this episode, Professor Muszyńska also discusses:

• Cordyceps – one of the main adaptogens originally discovered by Himalayan shepherds.

• Vitamin D – a component found in substantial amounts in the common button mushroom.

• Traditional mushroom drying – why sun-drying is the best method.

• The use of mushrooms in cosmetology – how mushroom extracts can benefit skin and hair health.

• Those in their 40s – as an age group for whom consuming mushrooms is highly recommended.

• The promising medical potential – how mushrooms impact the immune system and whether they are the future of oncology treatments.

• Depression – how adaptogens can help prevent it.

And much more.

A Gift for Gosia Pielichowska’s Podcast Listeners

We are pleased to support Gosia Pielichowska’s podcast, a source of inspiration and knowledge on healthy living.

With her holistic approach to nutrition, Gosia covers not only dietary topics but also mental health, mindfulness, and neurobiology. Her ability to explain complex topics in simple terms makes her podcast a valuable source of information.

To celebrate, we’ve prepared a special gift for her listeners—a discount code “GosiaPielichowska15off” for 15% off purchases at Ollywell. You can enter the code manually at checkout or use this link to have the discount automatically applied.

This is our way of thanking Gosia for her work and helping her listeners get to know our products, based on adaptogens and functional mushrooms.

Let’s Talk About Mushrooms. The Full Conversation with Professor Bożena Muszyńska, Ph.D.

Listen to the full podcast episode here: