A more detailed explanation:

Fruiting Bodies:  Mushrooms are the visible part of a fungus, similar to how a flower is the reproductive part of a plant.

Mycelium – Mushroom mycelium is the root network.

Spore Production:  The gills on the underside of the mushroom cap produce microscopic spores that help the fungus spread and reproduce.

Edible and Non-Edible:  Many mushrooms are edible and enjoyed as food, while others are poisonous and should not be consumed.

Traditional Medicine:  Some mushroom extracts have been used in traditional medicine, particulary in East Asian countries.

Mushrooms are a fungus, but that hasn’t deterred most Americans from adding them to meals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American eats approximately three pounds of mushrooms a year. And now there’s even more reason to work mushrooms into your diet.

Mushrooms bring a savory flavor to meals without adding much fat, calories or sodium. But the health benefits don’t stop there. Researchers continue to uncover how mushrooms can ward off chronic disease and improve your everyday health.