You might have never seen or heard of Lion’s mane mushrooms before and think “what on earth is that!?”
These large, white, shaggy mushrooms grow wildly and get their name from their resemblance to a lion’s mane as they grow. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart, immune system and gut!
Read more to learn about 7 amazing benefits of incorporating Lions Mane into your routine
1. Boosts mental functioning
The ability of lion’s mane mushroom to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-related damage may explain some of its beneficial effects on brain health. Animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract can also help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for processing memories and emotional responses
2. Reduce stress and anxiety
While there are many causes of anxiety and depression, chronic inflammation could be a major contributing factor. New animal research has found that lion’s mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice
3. Keep your digestive tract healthy
Lion’s mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose. Lion’s mane extract has been shown to protect against stomach and intestinal ulcers by protecting the stomach lining from harmful bacteria
4. Maintain a healthy heart
The key active ingredient Hericenone B, can also decrease the rate of blood clotting and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke
5. High in Antioxidants
Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds– Helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are believed to be at the root of many modern illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders
6. Contains Bioactive compounds
Including triterpenes, sterols, and peptides which act are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antitumoral agents, and may also help lower cholesterol.
7. Reduce blood sugar and manage diabetes
One way that lion’s mane lowers blood sugars is by blocking the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbs in the small intestine. When this enzyme is blocked, the body is unable to digest and absorb carbs as effectively, which results in lower blood sugar levels. In addition to lowering blood sugars, lion’s mane extract may reduce diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet.
