You likely may have heard of Lion’s mane mushroom or have you not? that’s okay. In this article you’ll get to discover what it is, the potential health benefits, side effects, dosage and how you can prepare it.
Recently, many people have commmended it for offering them useful benefits such as decreasing brain fog, depression, increasing focus and memory and other things that will be further discussed.
Regardless of the positive experiences people have had, there are some people who have quite the opposite story. There have been complaints such as headaches and lack of sleep.
What is a Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane mushroom (also known scientifically as Hericium erinaceus) is an edible and medicinal mushroom. It is also commonly referred to as “Hericium mushroom” or “yamabushitake.”
They have a unique appearance, resembling a cascading mane of white, shaggy spines, hence their name. It is eatable and can be taken in form of supplements. Research suggests that they contain bio-active substances that can offer a range of health benefits to the body, especially the brain, heart and gut.
These mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. They are known for their potential health benefits and are considered adaptogens, which means they may help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being.
What are the potential health benefits of lion’s mane mushroom?
- May generate nerve growth in the brain
- Increase focus and mental clarity
- Reduces inflammation and strengthen immunity
- Help manage diabetes
- Protect against cancer
- May improve heart health
1 . May generate nerve growth in the brain
It may help people who suffer from various forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
As you get older, your brain doesn’t maintain itself like it used to. But mushrooms could be a key to keep your Bain healthy. Recent academic research shows that specific lion’s mane mushrooms may stimulate nerve and brain cells to grow and keep them alive for much longer. Which can help prevent forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
2 . Increase focus and mental clarity.
They may have the ability to help you grow new nerve cells in the brain, which in turn increases the number of connections in the brain as well as the pace at which electrical signals can move throughout the brain. Therefore, when this happens it results to the high ability to focus and have more mental clarity.
This is possible because of the increase in Myelin in the brain.
3 . Reduces inflammation and strengthen immunity.
When there is a problem in our body, our immune system generates an inflammatory response, subdues the effects and then goes back to normal. This is because the immune system and inflammation in the body are closely linked. But when this happens, the ongoing events aren’t fun. And if the situation becomes chronic, it can lead to a whole host of negative outcomes such as rashes, fatigue, lower back pains, joint stiffness and fever.
However, it was shown in study in Japan that lion’s mane mushroom can reduce the growth of one of the main pathways that is responsible for creating an inflammatory response in the body.
Another study in 2020 showed that it can be beneficial for treating migraines caused by inflammation in the blood vessels in the brain.
4 . Lion’s mane mushroom may help manage diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body’s ability to manage sugar becomes impaired. But Lion’s mane may help with blood sugar management and reduce some of the side effects by blocking the activity of an enzyme in the body called alpha-glucosidase (which breaks down carbs in the small intestine). When this enzyme is blocked , the body won’t digest and absorb carbs effectively, which results to lowered blood sugar levels.
In one study in rats, it showed their blood sugar levels had become lower after taking lion’s mane mushroom extract for 4 weeks
In addition, it shows potential as a therapeutic diabetes supplements, but more research needs to be done to really know how it might be used in humans.
5 . Lion’s mane may protect against cancer
There is a statistic that 1 in every 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetime. But a lion’s mane supplement has been found to slow and even potentially reverse the spread of different types of cancer including, lung cancer, liver cancer, leukemia and grease cancer.
A study from Russia in the year 2018, showed that water and alcohol extract contain lion’s mane which could have an inhibitory effect on gastric and colon cancer cells.
6 . May improve heart health
Lion’s mane may be able to lower your chances of developing a heart disease by reducing the levels of harmful cholesterol in your blood stream. A study group in Korea carried out a research by giving itself extract to test subjects once a day for two weeks and at the close of the story, the test subjects showed a reduced level of Lipoprotein cholesterol.
Side effects of lion’s mane mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption and are well-tolerated by most people. However, it’s still vital to know that a person’s reaction to it may vary, and some people may experience side effects. Here are a few potential risks
- Allergic reactions
- Cross-reactions
- Digestive issues
- Interfere with medications
- Allergic reactions
As with any type of food or supplement, allergic reaction may occur. If you happen to be allergic to mushrooms or any other fungi you must proceed with caution and consider consulting your health care provider before consuming it.
Cross- reactions
Some individuals who are allergic to other types of mushrooms may also have a cross-reaction to it.
So therefore, if you’re allergic to other types of mushrooms, you may have a cross-reaction yo Lion’s mane mushrooms. If you have a well-known mushroom allergies, take care and seek professional health advice before consuming it.
Digestive issues
In some rare events, Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating or diarrhea. If this happens to happens to you after consuming lion’s mane, it’s advisable to reduce or discontinue the intake of it.
Interfere with medications
Lion’s mane mushrooms may interfere with certain medications, particularly those that affect blood clotting or immune function. If you’re under such medications, it would be best to consult with a health care professional before adding lion’s mane to your diet.
Dosage of lion’s mane mushroom
There’s no set dosage Lion’s mane mushrooms. However there are factors that could determine the dosage you take, such as, age and overall health. In all, should talk with a doctor about the right dosage for you.
For certain things like improving cognition, some researchers recommend about 3to 5 grams per day.
In a 2020 study, some people ages 50 and above with mild Alzheimer’s disease symptoms showed some improvement in cognitive function after taking 350-mg of lion’s mane capsules daily for 49 weeks.
Furthermore, another study in 2019 showed 77 heavier people who took 400-mg capsules daily for 8 weeks, and were relieved of depression, sleep disorders and anxiety.
Remember that individual responses sensitivity can vary. It’s generally considered safe to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase if need be, while you also closely monitor your body’s reaction to it.
Furthermore, if you have an underlying health conditions or are taking medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s crucial you consult with a health care professional.
Ways you can enjoy lion’s mane mushroom
People enjoy it in different way. It can be enjoyed raw, dried, cooked or steeped as tea. Many persons tend to describe their flavor as “seafood like” comparing it to crab or lobster. You can cook it and serve in meals like pasta, soup and risotto.
Lion’s mane mushroom powder can also be mixed into hot water, tea, coffee, smoothie or any other beverage. Some wipes also use it as an additive to stews, soups and gravy.
Remember to clean the mushrooms before using them, by gently wiping them with a damp cloth or rinse them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take lion’s mane mushrooms everyday?
The decision of whether to take Lion’s Mane mushrooms every day or not depends on your personal preferences, health goals, and response to it.
Here are a few things to consider to help you make informed decision.
Your personal goals
If you are primarily interested in the potential health benefits associated with it, such as cognitive support or immune system support, you may consider taking them regularly. However, you should still keep in mind that the research on Lion’s Mane mushrooms is still evolving, and while there are promising results, there is still need for more studies to support its benefits.
Individual Response
Everyone’s body may respond differently to supplements or dietary add ons. Some individuals may experience positive effects from consuming it daily, while others may not notice significant changes. It can be helpful to start with a lower dosage and gradually increase it while paying attention to how your body reacts.
Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to getting potential benefits from supplements. If you decide to incorporate Lion’s Mane mushrooms into your routine, taking them regularly may allow for a more consistent supply of nutrients.
Consultation with a health care professional
If you have any underlying health conditions, taking medications, or have specific concerns, it’s advisable that you consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your daily routine. They would provide the best personalized advice based on your health status.
Take away
Lion’s mane mushroom and it’s extract have been shown to provide various health benefits. But it’s important that you consume it in moderation and pay attention to how your body reacts to it.
