The Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
In the nootropics community, it can be tough to find an effective natural supplement for focus that isn’t a stimulant.
If you’re looking for an all-natural way to improve your cognitive function and focus, look no further than the lion’s mane mushroom.
This incredible fungus has been used for centuries in Asia for its medicinal properties, and more recently it has been gaining popularity in the West as a dietary supplement.
But here’s the thing: Lion’s mane isn’t just a brain boosting herbal supplement, it has several other important benefits for your health.
Let’s review the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom, the ideal dosage for lion’s mane, and how you can use it to improve your health.
What is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane mushroom is a type of edible fungi that belongs to the tooth fungus family. It gets its name from its furry, cascading spines that resemble the mane of a lion.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are native to parts of Asia, Europe, and North America. They have been used traditionally in Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in several compounds that have been shown to be beneficial for human health, including:
Polysaccharides
Lion’s mane mushrooms are a good source of polysaccharides, which the body uses for energy. Polysaccharides are also thought to promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve digestive function.
Ergothioneine
This powerful antioxidant is found in high concentrations in lion’s mane mushrooms. Ergothioneine has been shown to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, and it may also help boost cognitive function.
Hericenones and Erinacines
These compounds are unique to lion’s mane mushrooms and are thought to promote nerve growth and regeneration.
Studies have shown that hericenones and erinacines can help repair damage to the central nervous system, making them a potential treatment for certain serious conditions. [1]
Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms are a true superfood, and they offer a wide range of benefits for human health. Some of the most well-established benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms include:
Improving Cognitive Function
Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds that can promote nerve growth and regeneration, making them a potential treatment for cognitive decline.
In one study, elderly participants who consumed Lion’s mane mushrooms daily for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those who did not consume the mushrooms. [2]
Many people also use lion’s mane during times of high stress to reduce the impact of catabolic hormones like cortisol.
Reducing Inflammation
Lion’s mane mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants, including ergothioneine and hericenones.
These compounds help to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, and they can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Boosting the Immune System
Did you know that most of your immune system is in your gut?
Lion’s mane mushrooms are a good source of polysaccharides, which are thought to promote a healthy gut microbiome.
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system, and studies have shown that polysaccharides can help improve the body’s ability to fight off infection.
How Should You Use Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane mushrooms can be found fresh or dried at most health food stores, and they can also be purchased in supplement form.
While you can buy lion’s mane mushroom powders, one of the most effective and bioavailable methods is using a tincture.
A lion’s mane tincture is a super concentrated form of the mushroom known as an extract.
Through the extraction process, the lion’s mane becomes more bioavailable. Some experts also believe the tincture has higher levels of beta-glucans polysaccharides.
To see optimal levels of benefit, the ideal dosage for a lion’s mane tincture is 1-3 ml up to 3 times per day.
Improve Your Focus and Health with Lion’s Mane Mushroom
If you are looking to improve your cognitive function, the best way to use lion’s mane mushrooms is to consume them daily.
You’ll be snacking for a while as you try to reach that daily dose!
Lion’s mane supplements are a convenient way to get your daily dose of this powerful superfood. But not all lion’s mane supplements are created equal.
Introducing GAME UP’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom
This tincture-based supplement contains ethically sourced mushrooms that are extremely bioavailable. Experience the difference for yourself.
Purchase your own here!
References
- Li IC, Lee LY, Tzeng TT, Chen WP, Chen YP, Shiao YJ, Chen CC. Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines. Behav Neurol. 2018 May 21;2018:5802634. doi: 10.1155/2018/5802634. PMID: 29951133; PMCID: PMC5987239.
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2634. PMID: 18844328.
