Lion's Mane Mushroom: The Brain Booster

Lion's mane mushroom is the most cuddly and bizarre-looking fungus in existence. They're large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion's mane. 

Given more attention the lion's mane appears like a clump of dangling threads, icicles, or soft white teeth that are tightly packed together. It is a variety of the Hericium genus, which also includes an array of odd-looking, white, edible mushroom species. Hericeus, which is Latin for "hedgehog-like" or "pertaining to spines," refers to the soft, malleable spines that they all have. 

Lion's mane is a parasitic fungus also known as wig fungus. The host is used by the mushroom as it grows. The Lion's Mane is typically seen on beech trees, but it has also been observed on oak and acacia trees.

These mushrooms are used both for culinary and medicinal purposes by people in Asia. The lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as "mountain priest" in Japan, has a long history of use as a general restorative and support for mental processes.

What Is Lion's Mane Good For?

Lion's Mane is traditionally used to aid digestion, but it is also said to be good for the brain, support learning and contribute to concentration.

These benefits stem from the neuropeptides in Lion's mane. Neuropeptides are responsible for the growth, maintenance and proliferation of neurons and myelin in our brain. This specialized protein is also necessary for the growth of the sensory neurons in our brain.

Lion's mane has been demonstrated to have moderate anti-depressant effects in minor clinical studies including human test participants. Moreover, studies on the qualities of nerve regeneration and antimicrobial actions have been conducted in laboratories (in-vitro, in vivo, and with mice), with promising results. The study is ongoing.

Lion's mane has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine for dementia prevention. It is also referred to as the "clever mushroom" due to its connection to brain function. Lion's mane is used to enhance neurological and digestive health in traditional Chinese medicine.

Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom

• Prevents Alzheimer's Disease. It has been found that the nootropic compounds present in lion's mane can effectively stop mental decline in older people by stimulating the formation of neurons in the brain.
• Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anti-inflammatory benefits of lion's mane have been demonstrated to lessen the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Increases mental focus. Lions Mane enhances brain connections for better attention, attentiveness, and cognitive function, making it essential for both work and exercise.
• Improves healthy circulation. It has been discovered that Lions Mane improves blood circulation in people, which aids in distributing more oxygen to the body's cells.

Science Facts on Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane Mushroom for Recognition Memory. According to a study, taking H. erinaceus orally for two months can stop the deterioration of recognition memory that comes with aging.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Cognitive Function. Hericenones, one of the chemical compounds found in the mushroom, may have a variety of impacts on the neuronal networks of the brain and enhance cognitive abilities, according to scientists.

Lion's Mane Mushroom for Depression and Anxiety. A lion's mane mushroom diet helps lessen anxiety and despair, according to study findings.

Lion's Mane Mushroom for Neuro-Healthy Aging. Research has shown the potential of H. erinaceus extract as an efficient adjunct therapy to conventional geriatric therapies, demonstrating its excellent efficacy in non-pharmacological techniques.

Is Lion's Mane Mushroom A Cure-All? 

No. At least not today.

Yet, lion's mane mushrooms are still a remarkably healthy food if you decide to eat them. And there's a slim chance they might just give you a small advantage if you have any pending plans to visit a straightforward maze.

The Inspirer,
Dr. Lilian O. Ebuoma

 
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