Lion's Mane

Discover 5 Ways Lion's Mane Mushrooms Can Benefit Your Health

How Can Lion's Mane Mushrooms Benefit Your Health by Antioxi

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?

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.

Illustration of a large, vibrant mushroom with intricate gills, surrounded by smaller mushrooms and abstract tree branches in soft hues.

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.

Illustration of a large mushroom with a cap resembling a human brain, surrounded by smaller mushrooms and grass, emphasizing a connection between brain health and mushrooms.

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.

Effects of Higher Levels of Choline
Improve the overall efficiency of brain processes, and better mood, cognition, focus, and memory.
Benefits of Nootropics
Protection from oxidative damage,  increase oxygen uptake, enhanced memory and cognitive function.
Interestering Fact
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. 

Illustration of a Lion's Mane mushroom with a brain-like cap, surrounded by heart shapes, symbolizing the connection between Lion's Mane mushrooms and heart health.
Primary Health Risk
High levels of triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, blood clots, and obesity. 
Benefits
Help reduce cholesterol oxidation and lowers triglyceride levels. [2] 
Interesting Fact
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. 

Illustration of a woman in a field of Lion's Mane mushroom with a brain-like cap, symbolizing the connection Lion's Mane mushrooms and its anti-inflammatory properties..

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. 

Cause of Chronic Inflammation
This occurs when the body is under small yet endless amounts of stress and puts the body in a constant state of alert.
Lion’s Mane Magic
Can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
Alternative Go-To For Inflammation
Tumeric but Lion's Mane gives it a run for its money
Interesting Fact
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.

Illustration of a person fighting against virus cells, symbolizing the connection between Lion's Mane mushrooms and boosting the immune system
Benefits
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]
Mushroom Magic
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]

    Illustration of a woman standing in front of Lion's Mane mushroom the size of a tree, symbolizing the connection Lion's Mane mushrooms and its mood regulating properties.

    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.

    Baseline Dose
    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:

      Illustration of Lion's Mane mushrooms next to steaming cup of mushroom tea on a saucer
      • 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

      1. Li IC, Lee LY, Tzeng TT, et al. Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behav Neurol. 2018;2018:5802634. Published 2018 May 21. doi:10.1155/2018/5802634

      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.

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