Mushrooms are a delicacy that many people enjoy. They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a visually appealing addition to any dish. However, some mushrooms are not edible and can be highly poisonous. Eating such mushrooms can lead to severe health problems and even death. In this article, we will discuss the seven most poisonous mushrooms in the world.
1. Destroying Angel: This mushroom is mainly found in Europe and is highly toxic and deadly. It has a pungent smell that repels people. Symptoms appear within 8 to 24 hours after ingestion and include vomiting, diarrhea, extreme thirst, night sweats, and cramps. 90% of those poisoned die of liver failure within 2 to 10 days.
2. Autumn Skullcap: Galerina marginata, also known as autumn skullcap, can be found in temperate places around the world. It looks like a hallucinogenic fungus but is quite toxic. It can be tricky to differentiate from other mushrooms, especially since these tiny mushrooms may be growing in the same area.
3. Amanita phalloides: Also known as the death cap mushroom, this species is one of the most poisonous mushrooms known. It is widely distributed in Europe and grows symbiotically in deciduous trees in the form of mycorrhizae.
The main toxic substance is α-amanitine, which usually causes fatal damage to the liver and kidneys. As little as 30 grams can cause kidney failure in a short time.
4. Marbled Death Cap: This highly poisonous fungus is commonly found in Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa. It is in the same genus as the death cap and also contains amanitin. This umbrella-shaped fungus often grows in evergreen trees and eucalyptus forests but is an exotic species.
5. Hooded False Morel: This brown saddle mushroom is often confused with a delicious, edible mushroom that must be cooked before eating. It contains the toxin gyromitirin, which the body converts to methylhydrazine, one of the ingredients in rocket fuel. It is a serious carcinogen and can have a great impact on the human body.
6. Gyromitra esculenta: This poisonous and inedible fungus is widely distributed in Europe and North America. It often causes gastrointestinal discomfort and even coma. Although it is a poisonous and inedible fungus, it is still a popular delicacy in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the northern part of the five major lakes of North America.
7. Fly Agaric: This mushroom is famous for its hallucinatory toxicity. The edge of Fly Agaric has obvious short ribs, the surface is bright red or orange, and there are white or yellowish granular scales.
Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, mental confusion, sweating, chills, muscle twitching, slow pulse, difficulty breathing or trismus, dizziness, and confusion.
eating poisonous mushrooms can be fatal. It is crucial to identify edible mushrooms from poisonous ones before consuming them. It is recommended to have an expert identify mushrooms before eating them.
People should also be cautious when foraging for mushrooms, especially in the wild. Educating oneself on the most poisonous mushrooms can help prevent accidental ingestion and keep one safe.
