The Lion’s Mane mushroom is considered one of the rarest treats in the wild. This functional mushroom is an incredibly versatile superfood that is native to Asian mountains but has also been discovered in Europe and North America.
Lion’s Mane is also known as the Hericium Erinaceus and is popular as a bearded tooth fungus and is a part of that edible mushroom species group.
Used as both a culinary delicacy and medicinal support, Lion’s Mane fungus is a true superfood. The mushroom possesses two special compounds: the hericenones and erinacines which have been found to stimulate brain cell development and improve cognitive function.
These bioactive substances can benefit the brain, body and gut in a number of ways. With its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the Lion’s Mane is a powerful anti-inflammatory with a multitude of health benefits.
This nootropic superfood is a popular wellness support that has been used for centuries.
Whether you choose to add the mushroom itself to a delicious meal or want to ingest the fungus daily as a supplement, powder or coffee, adding Lion’s Mane to your daily health and wellness regimen can be highly beneficial.
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know to be informed about the incredible health and wellness benefits of Lion’s Mane and how to use it for daily support.
Lion’s Mane Health Benefits
Looking to enhance your focus for the workday, enhance your mood or boost creativity?! The Lion’s Mane may help you accomplish all of these and more!
This superfood fungus is highly versatile and research has found that the mushroom possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunostimulating compounds.
It’s been cherished across Asia and Europe for centuries for many reasons. For whatever wellness support you’re looking for, Lion’s Mane may just be the ideal medicinal mushroom for you. Check out its multitude of health benefits:
1. Is A Functional Food
Not only can Lion’s Mane function as incredible health support, but it’s also extremely edible and delicious.
The culinary fungus can be sauteed fresh and the taste has been described as similar to that of seafood.
You can consume Lion’s Mane in a dried, raw form or it can be incorporated into beverages and other foods.
Cooking Lion’s Mane does not take away from its valuable nutrients, in fact when it is cooked, the nutrients inside the mushroom are more easily absorbed when the fungus is cooked and has a pleasant taste.
Lion’s Mane contributes protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to one’s diet. It also contains bioactive compounds that have been found to support a number of body and brain functions and processes.
Another popular way to ingest the fungus is via supplement form or powdered form.
In capsule form, Lion’s Mane can be easily ingested with water or with your preferred beverage of choice and allows you to easily enjoy the benefits of the natural nootropic. This way to consume the fungus is convenient, easy and portable to make daily use much more suitable for everyone especially those on the go.
2. A Natural Nootropic
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a natural nootropic that has a protective effect on the mind and has been found to support natural cognitive functions.
Those protective effects are known as nootropics and this medicinal mushroom contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that support cognitive health properties. These are highly important nootropic compounds and can even cross the protective blood-brain barrier.
The nootropic elements in Lion’s Mane stimulate NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNG (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) which are chemicals that have high biological activity.
Both of these compounds may help with growth, repaid and optimal neurological function and development. That has been found to help the brain with injury, illness and repair. Research is ongoing but studies have found that the bioactive properties found in Lion’s Mane support brain and nerve function.
3. Functions As An Antioxidant
This medicinal mushroom is, similar to other adaptogenic mushrooms, an antioxidant and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants have the power to naturally neutralize free radicals developed in the cells which can prevent oxidative stress and damage.
A 2015 study from Japan determined that Lion’s Mane mushrooms reduced inflammation in fatty tissue and contain antibacterial effects. Natural anti-inflammatories promote healing and may contribute to the neuroprotective benefits of the Lion’s Mane on cognitive function.
4. Offers Immune Support
Immune support properties and compounds are found in a variety of adaptogenic mushrooms. Lion’s Mane included!
This species of functional mushroom contains a highly diverse array of phytochemicals including beta-glucans, prebiotic fiber and enzymes that support the immune system and can even promote gut health.
Research has found that this incredible medicinal fungus can increase immunity in the intestinal system and ultimately protect the body and mind from harmful pathogens and diseases.
The bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane can modulate the immune system and protect it against illnesses including cold, flu and respiratory issues. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the mushroom can even moderate allergy symptoms and regulate inflammation.
How To Find High-Quality Lion’s Mane Supplements
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are actually one of the few medicinal mushrooms that are not only edible but taste delicious as well.
The fungus can be consumed daily via supplement or raw daily for health and wellness as well as nutritional purposes.
Adding the Lion’s Mane mushroom to your daily wellness routine is a great way to optimize your health. However, it’s critical to know how to find high-quality, clean and affordable Maitake mushroom supplements to ensure easy and convenient ingestion.
Brain Brands offers a wide variety of high-quality, clean, safe and pure adaptogenic mushroom supplements to support daily health and wellness regimens. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules have been found to support brain-boosting function and enhance cognitive function, memory and mind clarity.
If you enjoy mushroom coffee, Brain Brand’s Seven Mushroom Blend Coffee is infused with a variety of functional mushrooms including Lion’s Mane for incredible wellness support. Capsules and mushroom coffee are convenient, affordable and easy alternative ways to consume the mushroom.
Here are some additional components to consider when buying Lion’s Mane mushroom products and what you can trust when you buy from Brain Brands :
- USDA certified organic
- USA-grown in Carlsbad, CA
- Third-party tested
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice-regulated
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Kosher
- Gluten-free
- No sugar added
- Vegan-friendly
- Keto-friendly
- Paleo-friendly
Mushroom Supplement Types
When selecting the type of mushroom supplement you want, try to be as open-minded as possible! We recommend that you learn more about the different types of mushrooms such as Reishi and Turkey Tail before you buy.
From powders to capsules, drink mixes and single-serve options, you have quite the variety to choose from.
Each can easily be incorporated into your daily health and wellness regimen and is highly effective when taken over time. Here are some of the mushroom supplement options available:
Mushroom Powder Supplement
Mushroom powder supplements are perfect for convenience on the go and for individuals that are new to supplements. You can easily blend a teaspoon of the powder supplement into your beverage of choice whether it be coffee, smoothies or soup.
If you have a frother in your kitchen, you can mix the supplement quite easily into the drink. Powdered mushroom supplement species can dramatically range in flavor type from mild to deeply earthy and bitter. If you are not comfortable with the taste of mushrooms, supplements are definitely the way to go.
Mushroom Capsules
The mushroom capsules are convenient and perfect for travel. If you’re already taking an abundance of supplements daily, the powder capsules can make for easy addition. Usually, you can just easily take a capsule daily with water or a beverage of your choice.
Mushroom Powder Drink Mixes
If you’re a habitual coffee, smoothie or tea drinker, mushroom powder drink mixes can be the perfect solution for you. Mushroom powder drink mix is easier to remember with your morning beverage sometimes more than a capsule or supplement. Some powder drink mixes are even flavored to taste great with your favorite drink.
References
- Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN. (2021). Lion’s Mane Mushroom: The Potential Brain-Boosting, Cancer-Fighting Powerhouse. Available at: https://draxe.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom/.
- Cannabotech, The Botanical Pharmacy. (2022). How To Eat Lion’s Mane Mushrooms. Available at: https://cannabotech.com/a/articles/how-to-eat-lion-s-mane-mushrooms.
- Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30. PMID: 24266378.
- Julson, E, MS, RDN, CLT. (2018). 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects). Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom.
- Reigna, Your Super. (2020). Lion’s Mane: A Mighty Mushroom For The Mind. Available at: https://yoursuper.com/pages/lions-mane-mushrooms.
