How Lion’s Mane mushroom can help your brain, heart and gut
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus) is known as a brain-boosting superfood and for its ability to promote a healthy heart and gut.
This white, edible fungus is easy to identify by its fruiting body’s long, pale tendrils, which can be consumed raw, dried, cooked, steeped or in a convenient over-the-counter supplement. It is hard to obtain outside of Asia, so we source our Lion’s Mane extract semi-wild from China’s rural Zhejiang and Heilongjiang regions.
4 health benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
1. Protect against brain fog and memory loss
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a natural nootropic that can enhance mental functioning, promoting improved memory and mental clarity. It is a neurogenesis, supporting neuroplasticity, making it easier to learn.
It can be taken by anyone in need of a mental boost, thanks to two of its bioactive compounds: hericenones and erinacines. These have been shown to stimulate brain cell growth and support myelination (the protective coating for nerves), essentially aiding the growth and repair of nerve cells.
This has seen Lion’s Mane mushroom used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which causes a loss of brain nerve cells, and MS (multiple sclerosis). The latter is a disease of the central nervous system where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerves.
Lion’s Mane mushroom has also been used to treat cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease as it helps prevent the build-up of amyloid-beta plaques. This is thought to be one of the primary causes of Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common type of dementia.
It may also help with brain fog associated with such conditions as stress, migraines, hormonal changes or diabetes.
2. A natural mood enhancer
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants and polysaccharides, both known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Chronic inflammation is suspected to be the cause of numerous medical conditions, including depression and anxiety. Animal research has shown that Lion’s Mane extract also aids neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the brain region that controls emotional memory recall and regulation.
That means that Lion’s Mane mushroom may assist in improving mood and emotion, helping to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
3. Supercharge your immune system
The beta-glucan polysaccharides in Lion’s Mane mushroom may enhance the macrophages and natural killer cell function of the immune system, helping to ward off bacteria, viruses and tumours.
Research also suggests that Lion’s Mane mushroom can improve intestinal gut activity. As the gut plays a significant role in supporting the immune system by filtering out pathogens, this may help give it an extra boost.
It may also help the gut by inhibiting the growth of H. Pylori, a bacteria that is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
4. Help keep your heart healthy
Lion’s Mane mushroom is a natural remedy for your heart! Research suggests that it can improve fat metabolism and lower triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Furthermore, it may also assist with lowering cholesterol levels by preventing high oxidation in the bloodstream.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are also a good source of B vitamins, including B12, vitamin D and magnesium. B vitamins help release energy by ensuring the metabolism is functioning correctly as well as maintaining cell function. D vitamins support the body by controlling calcium levels, while magnesium is essential for many processes, including nerve functioning.
