When reading medical journals and scientific studies, you will see this mushroom referred to as hericium erinaceus, which translates to “hedgehog,” referencing its unique appearance. And although it does somewhat resemble a hedgehog, it also looks like a lion’s mane, which is what it is more commonly known as – lion’s mane mushroom. These mushrooms are large, white, and have a shaggy appearance, just like a lion’s mane! These fascinating fungi are known for their unique appearance and incredible health benefits like improving memory and their ability to trigger neurogenesis.
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be eaten, made into a mushroom tincture, or taken as a supplement. Cooking them is one of the best ways to enjoy them as they are incredibly flavorful and have a texture like crab meat. Although they taste phenomenal sauteed in butter and enjoyed as a side dish – many people grow and eat lion’s mane for health benefits.
Regular consumption can help you increase your overall health while enhancing cognitive function. These aren’t just claims from online health gurus either; there is a lot of science and research that has looked at the health benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms. To learn more, let’s
Improve mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are an effective natural treatment that reduces anxiety and depression symptoms triggered by inflammation. Research has shown that inflammation plays a role in depression and that anti-inflammatory substances can act as anti-depressants.
A study on mice found that lion’s mane mushrooms can reduce anxiety and depression, suggesting that it could be an effective treatment for depressive disorders. Additionally, it has been found to improve hippocampus function and regenerate brain cells. This area is responsible for emotional stability, and therefore by improving its function, it can reduce anxious and depressive behaviors.
Increase cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Heart disease can be caused by high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, genetics, and obesity. Lion’s mane mushrooms can reduce the risk of heart disease by effectively combating these root causes. For example, research has shown that this mushroom contains a special compound called hericenone B, which decreases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clot formation. It also reduces the oxidation of cholesterol and improves fat metabolism. A Japanese study found that daily intake of lion’s mane mushroom reduces triglyceride levels by 27% and reduces weight gain by 42%.
Improve memory and trigger neurogenesis.
With age, our memory and cognitive speed declines. This can be stopped and even reversed thanks to erinacines and hericenones, two compounds found in lion’s mane mushrooms. These compounds are Nerve Growth Factors (NFG) that stimulate the growth of brain cells and remyelination of neurons. A 2019 study found that age-related memory issues were reversed by supplementing with lion’s mane mushrooms. This was due to neurogenesis in the hippocampus and cerebellum. These mushrooms can also prevent neuronal damage that causes Alzheimer’s disease. Lion’s mane mushrooms and Alzheimer’s in humans has been studied, finding lion’s mane mushrooms protect against the disease and improve memory overall.
Manage diabetes symptoms.
Diabetes is a result of high blood sugar levels that can cause severe complications. Research has found that when lion’s mane mushrooms were given to diabetic mice, blood sugar levels were reduced. Lion’s mane blocks alpha-glucosidase that breaks down carbohydrates. This means the body isn’t able to absorb carbs as much, which lowers blood sugar. Nerve damage is also a risk for those with diabetes. Lion’s mane mushrooms have been found to reduce nerve pain in the hands and feet caused by diabetic nerve damage.
Increase recovery from nervous system injuries like TBI or stroke.
By promoting neurogenesis, lion’s mane mushrooms can increase recovery times of brain and spinal cord injuries. In fact, research has shown it can reduce recovery time by as must as 41%! Those who have experienced a traumatic brain injury or a stroke can be given lion’s mane to reduce the severity of the damage. A study on rats actually found that when lion’s mane mushroom was given immediately after a stroke, it reduced brain injury by an incredible 44%. With these types of results, the effect it has on the brain is clear!
Fight Cancer!
Although more research needs to be done on humans, preliminary findings are very promising. Lion’s mane mushrooms have unique properties that kill cancer cells. Several studies have found that when lion’s mane extract is combined with human cancer cells in a test tube, the cancer cells die off faster. These results were found with blood, colon, stomach, and liver cancer cells. Additional research has also found that it can slow the spread of cancer by 69%.
A study conducted on mice with tumors found that lion’s mane was more effective in slowing growth compared to traditional cancer medications.
Increase digestive tract health.
Those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) fight inflammation that can cause permanent damage. Lion’s mane mushrooms can reduce inflammation and increase digestive health.
A report published in 2016 stated that lion’s mane mushrooms also contain antibacterial activity that improves digestion. Additionally, it can prevent stomach ulcers by inhibiting H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. One study found that when individuals who ulcerative colitis took a supplement containing lion’s mane mushroom experience a 14% reduction in symptoms. It can also reduce inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.
As you can see, lion’s mane mushrooms have a variety of important health benefits. Studies have shown that it can improve memory, trigger neurogenesis, stabilize mood, and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and diabetes. You can achieve these incredible benefits by eating lion’s mane mushrooms or creating a mushroom tincture with them. You should aim to ingest the mushrooms or tincture daily to see the most significant health benefits. The easiest way to do that is by growing your own lion’s mane mushrooms at home. With a lion’s mane mushroom kit, you know your mushrooms are organic, safe, and bug-free.
If you are looking to improve your health, prevent disease and boost cognitive function then it’s time to start growing your own lion’s mane mushrooms.
