The Lion’s Mane Mushroom thrives on fallen hardwood trees. The fungus is often known as Lion’s Mane Mushroom because of the gorgeous cascade of strands that dangle from it. Hericium Erinaceus, Yamabushitake, Monkey’s Head, and the Bearded Tooth Mushroom are some of its other names.
Because of its cognitive and digestive benefits, Lion’s Mane has been revered in Asian food and health for millennia. It’s become more popular in the West recently, with many people using it as a supplement. This article will discuss the possible evidence-based benefits of Lion’s Mane. Also discussed is how you might be able to use this potent substance to improve your physical and emotional health.
However, keep in mind that the majority of research investigations to date have been conducted on animals (in a test tube). Those studies provide a good indicator of possible benefits for us. However, more human research is required to verify them conclusively. With that in mind, don’t take the following as medical advice.
The Evidence-Based Advantages of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Improve Cognitive Performance
One of the most well-researched effects of Lion’s Mane is its ability to act as a nootropic or brain enhancer. In many animal studies, it was proven to increase cognitive function in older adults in one of the few accessible human trials, and it improved cognition, recognition, and memory in mice.
The two primary active components in Lion’s Mane, Hericenones and diterpenoid Erinacines, are thought to be responsible for the brain-boosting benefits. This promotes neuron development and regeneration and aids the brain in forming new neural pathways. Both are required for appropriate cognitive function.
Beneficial to the Brain
Some cognitive deterioration appears unavoidable as we age, with most people experiencing occasional memory loss or brain fog. However, age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s severely damage the brain and are on the rise.
For example, Alzheimer’s disease kills neurons, resulting in progressive memory and other cognitive impairment. Lion’s Mane polysaccharides and NGF-boosting substances may help to prevent or reduce the condition by:
- Keeping neuron function and regeneration healthy.
- Avoiding the death and destruction of brain cells and neurons.
- Lowering levels of a potentially dangerous plaque in the brain
Beneficial to the Nervous System
Your neurological system controls almost everybody’s function. As a result, even minor nerve damage can result in a wide range of disorders, including pain, loss of feeling, loss of mobility, eyesight problems, and heart abnormalities. It can also cause nerve damage and brain damage in severe circumstances.
Several animal studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane aids nerve cell regeneration and repair. This could help to speed up healing from nervous system injuries. Lion’s Mane may also lessen brain damage’s severity following a stroke. A high dose was given to rats recuperating from a stroke in one animal trial, and it helped to minimise brain injury by up to 44 per cent.
Ability to Reduce Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Inflammation is a normal element of the body’s immunological response, but it can lead to severe disorders if it becomes chronic. These are examples of heart, diabetes, liver disease, stroke, and autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Oxidative stress in the body can induce chronic inflammation. This occurs when more free radicals (normal metabolic byproducts) exist than antioxidants. The resultant cell damage causes inflammation.
According to research, Lion’s Mane is a rich source of antioxidants that can help reduce inflammatory responses.
Lion’s mane mushroom benefits have a wide list; some are discussed above. Hopefully, this piece of information will be helpful for you.