If you’re interested in supplements and plant wellness, you’ve likely heard of Lion’s Mane mushroom. This functional mushroom is skyrocketing in popularity due to its alleged benefits for cognition, focus, mood, energy, and more.
But what is Lion’s Mane, and what scientific evidence exists to support the benefits that have made it one of the top selling functional mushrooms of the year?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Lion’s Mane, and the health benefits that are taking the scientific community--and the supplements market--by storm.
Lion’s Mane is a type of functional mushroom that grows naturally in the wild. For centuries, Lion’s Mane has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and in recent years, it’s skyrocketed in popularity worldwide due to its purported health benefits.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain various active ingredients, including polysaccharides, erinacines, hericenones, natural steroids, alkaloids, and lactones. Together, says Lindsay Delk, “these ingredients help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation,” and help “promote the growth and regeneration of nerve cells.”
Lion’s Mane has gained perhaps the most attention due to scientists’ suggestion that it could support long-term cognitive and neurological health. Lion’s Mane is thought to have neurotrophic properties, meaning that it could benefit neurological health by promoting the growth of nerve cells known as neurons.
Other studies suggest that Lion’s Mane acts as a neuroprotective, and that it can help support the regeneration of cells in areas of the brain where rejuvenation is needed as we age over time. Similar studies have suggested that Lion’s Mane could also protect the brain by inhibiting a neurotoxic protein called amyloid-beta.
In addition, Lion’s Mane functions as an antioxidant, and could protect important areas of the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Cognition, Focus & Memory
In addition to supporting long-term brain health, Lion’s Mane could benefit cognition in various ways to enhance memory and overall performance. Studies have found that Lion’s Mane enhances cognition and facilitates faster, more accurate performance on tests and other tasks, while reducing associated stress.
Studies have also shown that Lion’s Mane could improve memory by impacting the hippocampus--the region of the brain responsible for learning, as well as for forming and retaining memories. According to studies, Lion’s Mane appeared to support the growth of new nerve cells in this region of the brain, and it improved spatial memory in subjects.
Improved Mood & Reduced Stress
Studies have also found that Lion’s Mane appears to reduce symptoms of anxiety, while improving mood. These benefits are thought to derive from its interaction with the hippocampus, the same area of the brain where Lion’s Mane produces a positive impact on cognition and memory. Within the hippocampus, Lion’s Mane is theorized to improve mood and reduce stress by regulating our emotional responses.
PMS & Menopause
In studies on Lion’s Mane for women with menopause, participants reported reduced irritation and overall stress levels. In the same studies, Lion’s Mane also appeared to reduce sleep disturbances and mood changes related to hormonal change.
Nervous System Health & Recovery
Other studies have found that Lion’s Mane could benefit those recovering from injuries to the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves throughout the body. In animal studies, Lion’s Mane has been suggested to facilitate recovery from these injuries by stimulating the regeneration and repair of nerve cells.
Digestive Health
Researchers have also suggested that Lion’s Mane could support digestive health in those suffering from inflammatory GI disorders. Additional studies show that Lion’s Mane could prevent the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, and by protecting the tissues in the stomach lining from damage.
Heart Health
According to research, Lion’s Mane could support a healthy heart. Scientists suggest that Lion’s Mane could contribute to heart health by improving fat metabolism and lowering triglyceride levels. Other studies conducted in test tubes suggest that Lion’s Mane could prevent harmful forms of cholesterol from causing cardiovascular issues. Finally, researchers have also suggested that Lion’s Mane could decrease blood clotting.
Reduced Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
Lion’s Mane is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which could allow it to aid in the management of inflammatory disorders impacting the gut, liver, heart, and brain.
Immune System Support
Lion’s Mane is believed to support a healthy immune system. Specifically, scientists have suggested that it can enhance immunity by increasing the strength of immune cells that are designed to protect the body from pathogens traveling through the gut, or entering through the mouth or nose.
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Nutrisips creates all of its supplements according to the highest safety and quality standards, sourcing the highest quality, all-natural ingredients.
Ready to embrace the benefits of Lion’s Mane for your physical and mental health? Shop with us today, and explore the benefits that Lion’s Mane and similar compounds can offer.
