Why We Don’t Have All the Answers on Mushrooms Yet—And What to Do in the Meantime

They’re packed with antioxidants, linked to better memory, and even show potential in cancer prevention. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Are mushrooms really that powerful?”—you’re not alone.

The truth is, the science of mushrooms is still unfolding. We’re seeing exciting early data, but not yet the kind of proof that earns a place in mainstream medical guidelines. So what’s taking so long?

Let’s dig into why the research is moving slower than our curiosity—and what it means for your health in the meantime.

🍄 The Promise: What Science Suggests

Study after study hints that mushrooms may:

1. Modulate immune response: Polysaccharides called beta-glucans—naturally found in mushrooms like shiitake and turkey tail—have shown the ability to modulate immune response in humans, according to a 2024 systematic review published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition¹.
2. Protect against cancer: A 2021 meta-analysis from Penn State found that eating just 18g of mushrooms daily was associated with a 45% lower risk of cancer, possibly due to antioxidants like ergothioneine².
3. Support memory and brain health – Early human trials suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) may help support memory and cognitive function. A 2009 double-blind clinical trial found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment saw improvements after taking a daily lion’s mane supplement for 16 weeks⁴. While these results are promising, the study was small, and more research is still needed to confirm long-term effects and ideal dosage.
4. Provide vitamin D and antioxidants – When exposed to UV light, mushrooms naturally produce vitamin D₂—a plant-based form of vitamin D. A human clinical trial published in 2011 confirmed that consuming UV-treated button mushrooms can significantly increase vitamin D levels in people with deficiency⁵. While more recent large-scale studies are limited, this remains one of the best-documented effects of edible mushrooms.

So, are mushrooms healthy? Based on what we know so far, the answer is yes—with some important caveats.

It’s enough to catch the attention of doctors, nutritionists, and even cancer researchers.

But most of this evidence is still preliminary. Much of it comes from lab experiments, small pilot studies, or observational data that can’t prove cause and effect.

🔍 Why Don’t We Have Conclusive Proof Yet?

The short answer: it takes time, money, and a lot of people.

Here’s why:

Most mushroom research is still early-stage

Many studies are done in petri dishes or on animals. Even promising human research is often short-term or limited in scope. We still lack the kind of large, randomized trials needed to draw firm conclusions.

Natural compounds are harder to test

Unlike a pharmaceutical drug with one active ingredient, mushrooms are complex organisms containing dozens of bioactive compounds. That makes it difficult to isolate which ones are responsible for which effects—and how to standardize them across products and studies.

There’s little incentive to fund the hard stuff

Pharmaceutical companies spend billions on clinical trials because they can patent the outcome. But with mushrooms, there’s no way to “own” shiitake or lion’s mane. Most research depends on public grants, university partnerships, or small startups with limited funding.

⏳ So When Will We Know More?

If history is any guide, we’re still 5–15 years away from definitive answers for the biggest health claims—like mushroom supplements for memory, immunity, or chronic disease.

Even widely used compounds like omega-3s took decades of mixed studies before guidelines clarified who might benefit—and how much. Mushrooms are on a similar track, just a few steps behind.

In the meantime, researchers are working hard to:

1. Identify and standardize active compounds
2. Conduct longer-term human trials
3. Evaluate safety and dosage
4. Sort fact from hype

✅ What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to wait for conclusive proof to make smart choices. Here’s what’s clear so far:

1. Whole mushrooms are safe and healthy. They’re a great source of B vitamins, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants—and they’re easy to incorporate into meals.
2. Diversity is your friend. Try different types like shiitake, maitake, oyster, or cremini. Each has a unique nutrient and flavor profile.
3. Be skeptical of miracle claims – Many mushroom powders and capsules lack regulation or proper testing. In 2022, independent testing by ConsumerLab found that more than half of sampled mushroom supplements contained incorrect ingredients or failed to meet label claims⁶.
4. Stay curious, not credulous. The mushroom world is rich and fascinating—but still full of unknowns.

🧠 So, Are Mushrooms Healthy?

Yes—but with nuance. The evidence is growing, and whole mushrooms clearly offer nutrition and potential health benefits. But supplements and bold claims? Those still need time—and stronger proof.

🌱 Want to Learn More?

At Delve, we love connecting people to farms, fungi, and facts. Whether you're curious about how mushrooms grow or considering growing your own, you can explore real-world mushroom experiences on Texas farms right here:

👉 Explore Mushroom Experiences

🧠 We believe in curiosity—with evidence. That’s why you’ll find links to studies, not just stories.

Learn more about why we cite our sources.

📚 References

1. Nistor AC et al. (2024). Immunomodulatory potential of edible mushrooms: a systematic review of human studies. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78, 575–583. Nature Portfolio (DOI)
2. Ooi VEC & Liu F (2000). Immunomodulation and anti-cancer activity of polysaccharide–protein complexes. Frontiers in Bioscience, 5, D101–D112. EurekaSelect (Full Text)
3. Ba DM et al. (2021). Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Nutrition. PubMed | Full Text: ScienceDirect
4. Mori K et al. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Hericium erinaceus on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 367–372. PubMed
5. Urbain P et al. (2011). Bioavailability of vitamin D₂ from UV-B-irradiated button mushrooms in healthy adults deficient in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 65(8), 965–971. PubMed | DOI
6. ConsumerLab (2022). Reishi and Other Mushroom Supplements Review. Independent supplement testing. Accessed at: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/reishi-mushroom-supplements/reishi