What Are the Facts About Lion’s Mane Supplements
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are one of the latest foods to be labeled a superfood. Anyone who follows food trends will be familiar with the transient nature of what is considered a superfood. However, some foods manage to maintain their superfood title, offering a range of positive health benefits that live up to their initial hype.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are looking as though they might be one of these rare superfoods. One thing that helps set Lion’s Mane apart from many other superfoods is the variety of ways to be used.
Unlike many other superfoods, Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be enjoyed both as part of a meal and a medical supplement. Products like Lion’s Mane Mushroom capsules allow for the benefits of the mushroom without users having to eat it.
What Are Lion’s Mane Supplements?
Lion’s Mane is a slightly strange mushroom as it does not conform to the traditional appearance that people associate with mushrooms. Lion’s Mane mushrooms do not have the ‘cap and stem’ shape that most common food mushrooms have.
Instead, they get their name from the mushroom’s unique appearance, closely resembling a shaggy lion’s mane. The mushroom is primarily white in coloring, giving it the appearance of a snowball from a distance. Upon closer inspection, the mushroom’s texture makes it look more like a lion’s mane.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow all around the world and are commonly found growing on hardwood logs. They have been enjoyed throughout history for their flavor, texture, and health benefits.
How Can Lion’s Mane Improve a Person’s Health?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been most commonly used to treat stomach issues and support healthy digestion throughout history. In more recent years, the mushroom has been linked to various positive health effects, such as improved immune support and better cognitive function.
One study found that certain compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be linked to the production of the nerve growth factor, which is responsible for the maintenance and growth of neurons. The study found that the increased production of the particular nerve growth factor played a critical role in wound healing and recovery.
Early studies have shown promising results for mental health conditions too. It is thought that compounds within Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be especially beneficial when treating conditions like anxiety and chronic stress.
Lion’s Mane Supplements and Improved Cognitive Health
Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain two essential compounds; hericenones and erinacines. The two compounds are believed to play a crucial role in protecting and maintaining nerve cells within the body and brain.
A study that gave participants 250mg of Lion’s Mane capsules three times a day found that they quickly started to show significant improvements in their cognitive function. A further study found very similar results, with participants showing signs of improved cognitive function.
During these studies, participants suffering from short-term memory loss also started to show signs of this deterioration slowing down. While further studies are still needed, it is hoped that Lion’s Mane could be an effective way of treating short-term memory conditions.
How to Use Lion’s Mane Supplements
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are an unusual superfood as they can be effectively consumed both as a food and as a supplement. The mushrooms have a meaty texture and delicious flavor profile, making them a great option as a meat substitute.
Some people believe that to experience the full health benefits linked to Lion’s Mane mushrooms, they need to be consumed daily, just like other supplements. No matter how tasty it may be, working it into every single day can be tricky and frustrating. This is where Lion’s Mane dietary supplements can be beneficial.
Lion’s Mane capsules are a popular option and are easy to find in most health food stores. Capsules and other supplements can be used to ensure that the essential compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be easily consumed.
Do Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Live Up to The Hype?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms definitely live up to their title as a superfood thanks to the growing list of health benefits linked to regular consumption of the mushroom. They are packed with essential nutrients that the body needs to support a healthy immune system and general good health.
Increased research into the more specific health benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms shows it to be worth adding into most health supplement routines. Although, many already believe that Lion’s Mane can help to support both good mental and physical health.
