Mushrooms have long been celebrated as a superfood packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Used in ancient medicine for centuries, they not only taste good but also offer detoxification effects, cleansing the body from the inside and helping to heal wounds.
Today, we know even more about fungi and their fantastic benefits for the human body. One particular type of mushroom that stands out is Lion’s Mane.
Index
- What is the Lion's Mane Mushroom?
- May protect against brain disorders
- Can reduce heart disease risk
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
- Can help strengthen the immune system
- Can relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression
- More On Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements
- Side Effects and Safety
- Conclusion
- References
What is the Lion's Mane Mushroom?
The Lion's Mane Mushroom, also known as "Hericium Erinaceus" or the "King of Cognitive Health", is an edible species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. These large, white, and fuzzy mushrooms resemble a lion’s mane, hence the name.
Research shows that Lion's Mane can have therapeutic properties, particularly for brain health, stronger immunity, and a healthier nervous system. You can find the 5 top benefits of Lion's Manes by reading further.
May protect against brain disorders
Lion's Mane Mushrooms are part of a supplement category called nootropics, known for enhancing brain function and health by increasing choline levels, protecting against oxidative damage, and improving blood flow.
What are Nootropics?
To put it simply, nootropics are supplements known to enhance brain function and brain health. They work primarily through increasing choline levels in the brain.
Improve the overall efficiency of brain processes, and better mood, cognition, focus, and memory.
Protection from oxidative damage, increase oxygen uptake, enhanced memory and cognitive function.
Some studies suggest that Lion’s Mane can help protect against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease by increasing activity in the “memory” parts of the brain. [1]
Can reduce heart disease risk
Even though Lion’s Mane is predominantly known for its incredible brain health properties, studies suggest it can also provide heart health benefits.
High levels of triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, blood clots, and obesity.
Help reduce cholesterol oxidation and lowers triglyceride levels. [2]
Cholesterol oxidation is a process that makes cholesterol molecules “stick” to the walls of our arteries. Over time, these oxidized cholesterol molecules can harden and increase our risk for strokes and heart attacks.
Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
Many health experts agree chronic inflammation is one of, if not the, root cause of all major diseases in humans.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation on its own, is healthy and often vital when it comes to maintaining a healthy sense of balance and wellbeing. When the body is under a state of inflammation, it activates processes and secretes compounds to fight off infections, and toxins, and even heal injuries.
This occurs when the body is under small yet endless amounts of stress and puts the body in a constant state of alert.
Can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tumeric but Lion's Mane gives it a run for its money
Lion’s Mane has one of the highest antioxidant activities across many types of mushrooms. [3]
Can help strengthen the immune system
Nowadays, a strong immune system is crucial. Not only does it help the body fight off foreign pathogens, but it also helps fight off infectious diseases. Lion’s Mane might just help with your immunity.
Strengthen immunity by increasing intestinal immune system activity. This system is responsible for shielding us from pathogens that enter the gut via the mouth or nasal passages. [4]
Lion’s Mane mushroom has pro-gut health effects, which is considered essential for your gut health.
Can relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression
It is estimated that about ⅓ of people in developed nations experience anxiety and depression. [7]
There are many potential reasons why a person would exhibit such symptoms, but experts point out that chronic inflammation may be a significant contributing factor.
As we mentioned earlier, Lion’s Mane has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help provide long-term health benefits for anxiety and depression.
More than anti-inflammation, Lion’s Mane nootropic properties can also help with brain cell regeneration and boost hippocampal function.
The hippocampus is the exact region of our brain that plays a major role in memory and emotional response. Scientists believe that the mushroom’s ability to boost hippocampal function would explain why Lion’s Mane can help with reductions in depressive and anxious behaviours.
More on Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements: What it can do for You!
How to use Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplements.
Start with 2 capsules or 1 gram per day for general wellness. This helps you experience the foundational benefits of Lion's Mane.
Enhanced Dose
For more pronounced effects, please get in touch with us. Our team can help you determine the best approach for your needs.
Curious about how to incorporate Lion's Mane into your daily routine?
Here are some ideas:
- Lion's Mane Hot Beverage: Add Lion's Mane powder to your hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, warm milk, and soup
- Smoothies: Add Lion's Mane powder to your favorite smoothie for a nutrient boost.
- Supplements: Take Lion's Mane supplements for a convenient way to enjoy its benefits.
Check out our recipes page for some delicious ideas.
Dosage Recommendation
Adding functional mushrooms to your diet is easier than you might think. Here are some simple ways to incorporate this superfood into your daily routine:
- Baseline Dose: Start with 2 capsules or 1 gram per day for general wellness. This helps you experience the foundational benefits of the mushrooms.
-
Enhanced Dose: For more pronounced effects, please get in touch with us. Our team can help you determine the best approach for your needs.
Choosing the Right Mushroom Supplement
With so many mushroom supplements on the market, it's important to choose a high-quality product. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
✅ Look for Pure Ingredients: Ensure the supplement contains pure mushroom extract without fillers or additives.
✅ Check for Certification: Choose products that are certified organic and free from pesticides or harmful chemicals.
✅ Reputable Brands: Opt for supplements from reputable brands that adhere to high manufacturing standards and undergo third-party testing.
Side Effects and Safety
- Avoid if Asthmatic: Lion's Mane should not be used by individuals with asthma.
- Mushroom Allergy: Avoid if you have a mushroom allergy.
- Medication Interactions: Use caution if taking blood-thinning medication.
Conclusion
Lion's Mane mushrooms offer a range of health benefits, from protecting brain health and reducing heart disease risk to boosting immunity and alleviating anxiety and depression. Incorporate this powerful medicinal mushroom into your daily routine for enhanced well-being.
Join the Conversation: Have you tried Lion’s Mane mushrooms? Share your experiences in the comments below! 💬
References
2. Hiwatashi K, Kosaka Y, Suzuki N, Hata K, Mukaiyama T, Sakamoto K, Shirakawa H, Komai M. Yamabushitake mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1447-51. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100130. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622452.
3. Abdullah N, Ismail SM, Aminudin N, Shuib AS, Lau BF. Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:464238. doi: 10.1155/2012/464238. Epub 2011 Jun 18. PMID: 21716693; PMCID: PMC3118607.
4. Sheng X, Yan J, Meng Y, Kang Y, Han Z, Tai G, Zhou Y, Cheng H. Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology. Food Funct. 2017 Mar 22;8(3):1020-1027. doi: 10.1039/c7fo00071e. PMID: 28266682.
5. Yao W, Zhang JC, Dong C, Zhuang C, Hirota S, Inanaga K, Hashimoto K. Effects of amycenone on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and depression-like behavior in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2015 Sep;136:7-12. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.06.012. Epub 2015 Jul 4. PMID: 26150007.
6. Ryu S, Kim HG, Kim JY, Kim SY, Cho KO. Hericium erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain. J Med Food. 2018 Feb;21(2):174-180. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2017.4006. Epub 2017 Nov 1. PMID: 29091526.
7. Rebar AL, Stanton R, Geard D, Short C, Duncan MJ, Vandelanotte C. A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations. Health Psychol Rev. 2015;9(3):366-78. doi: 10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901. Epub 2015 Jul 3. PMID: 25739893.
Hinterlasse einen Kommentar
Alle Kommentare werden vor der Veröffentlichung geprüft.
Diese Website ist durch hCaptcha geschützt und es gelten die allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen und Datenschutzbestimmungen von hCaptcha.