In the world of natural superfoods and supplements, Lion's Mane mushroom has emerged as a true powerhouse.
With a variety of impressive benefits for brain health, emotional well-being, and overall vitality, this mushroom is gaining popularity for its remarkable effects on human health.
Let's dive deep into the health benefits of Lion's Mane and understand why it's growing in popularity.
What is Lion’s Mane?
Lion's Mane, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is a unique and distinctive functional mushroom that has garnered significant attention for its remarkable health benefits.
This fungus is often referred to by various names, including "Pom Pom Mushroom" and "Hedgehog Mushroom," which owe to its peculiar appearance.
Lion's Mane mushrooms grow in clusters and possess long, shaggy, and tooth-like spines that bear a striking resemblance to the mane of a lion, hence the name.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have a rich history of use in Chinese and Japanese cuisine and traditional medicine. Over the years, it has transitioned from being a culinary curiosity to a highly sought-after superfood and supplement due to its impressive array of health benefits.
Researchers believe that the primary health benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms come from two special compounds called hericenones and erinacines. It’s thought that these compounds work to support brain health.
Potential Health Benefits of Lions Mane:
Below are the top researched backed potential health benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
1. May Improve Brain Function
One of the most widely cited benefits of Lion’s Mane is its impact on brain function. It’s said to help with improving memory, increasing learning ability, and reducing brain fog.
A recent clinical trial involving aging adults with faulty memory found that taking 1g per day of Lion’s Mane for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared to the placebo group.
Lion’s Mane mushroom has also been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as to prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques.
If you're looking to support long-term brain health and function, Lion's Mane is a natural ally worth considering. New research is being conducted that continues to show the benefits of this mushroom for brain function.
2. May Support Mental Health
Lion’s Mane has also been shown to support mental health.
Researchers believe that inflammation can be a contributing cause of mental health problems in the US.
Early animal research indicates that Lion’s Mane may help to balance inflammation in the body and support various aspects of mental health.
Additionally, a small 2010 study involving menopausal women found that taking Lion’s Mane mushrooms daily for 1 month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and overwhelm.
Another clinical study looked at the impact of Lion's Mane on individuals with mood problems and sleep constraints. After 8 weeks of supplementation, it was found that the individuals that took Lion's Mane had improved mood and sleep quality.
While more research is needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Lion's Mane's effects on mental health, the initial findings are promising. Lion's Mane's potential to help support a healthy mood offers hope for those seeking natural ways to support their emotional well-being.
3. May Support Nerve Health
The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and an intricate network of nerves that extend throughout the body. This intricate network collaboratively facilitates the transmission of signals, playing a pivotal role in regulating nearly every physiological function.
Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane has neurotrophic (nerve-growing) abilities. This is an important finding as laying down new nerve tissue can be crucial for injury recovery.
An animal study found that Lion’s Mane supplementation helped to speed up nerve repair in injured animals.
It's speculated that Lion's Mane mushroom's neurotrophic properties may hold promise not only in promoting nerve growth but also in aiding injury recovery and nerve repair in humans. This exciting potential underscores the growing interest in Lion's Mane as a natural way to support and optimize the health of the nervous system.
How To Add Lion’s Mane To Your Diet:
Based on the various benefits listed above, it appears that adding Lion’s Mane to your diet is a no-brainer.
So, what is the best way to add this mushroom to your life?
The best way is by buying fresh, or dried, Lion’s Mane mushrooms and adding them to your food. It goes great in soup, can be added to ground meat, etc…
However, it’s often difficult to find fresh Lion's Mane. Additionally, many of us have aversions to eating fresh mushrooms. Instead, it's better to take a daily supplement that contains Lion’s Mane. This ensures that you get it daily - which is important if you want to reap the benefits of this powerful mushroom.
At Earth Fed Muscle, we include 500mg of Lion’s Mane mushrooms in our Morning Charge Supernutrient Creamer. This superfood creamer also provides your body with 4 grams of protein from collagen peptides. The ultimate win-win!
Morning Charge Supernutrient Creamer with Lion’s Mane
Support your brain health and provide your body with the protein that it needs to start your day strong - plus, you get to bypass all of the artificial flavors and junk found in typical coffee creamers.
Add Morning Charge to your cart next time you shop at Earth Fed Muscle, and save an extra 15% if you get it on subscribe and save.
Conclusion:
Lion’s Mane is a safe, well-tolerated mushroom with a wide variety of benefits.
Research shows that Lion’s Mane provides many different health benefits, especially for brain health and mood. As an added bonus, Lion’s Mane also helps to support a healthy nervous system.
If you are looking for natural support in any of these areas, Lion's Mane is worth considering.
Here at Earth Fed Muscle, we include Lion’s Mane mushroom powder in our Morning Charge formula. This daily collagen creamer is designed to provide your body with the nutrients it needs for an active, happy brain - all day long.
Have you tried Lion’s Mane before? What's your favorite way to include this beneficial mushroom in your diet?
By Daniel Powers