Health Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane mushroom, (Hericium erinaceus) also known as bearded hedgehog, are a big, white mushroom that look like a white pom-poms. Lion’s mane mushrooms are native to North America and Eurasia. Lion’s mane mushrooms are used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Lion’s mane mushrooms have been used for many centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Lion’s mane mushrooms are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body and may help prevent the risk of chronic diseases.
Lion’s mane mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer properties.
Lion’s mane mushrooms may help with nervous system recovery. Studies have shown that lion’s mane mushrooms may significantly affect nerve growth, regeneration, and protection and may help with neurodegenerative diseases, nerve injuries and cognitive function however more research is needed.
Lion’s mane mushrooms may help support brain health. Studies have shown that people with mild Alzheimer’s who consumed 1 gram of Lion’s mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks had significantly improved cognitive test scores. More research is needed.
Lion’s mane mushrooms may help improve anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that menopausal women who consumed cookies containing lion’s mane mushrooms daily for 1 month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety. More studies showed that healthy adults aged 18-45 who consumed lion’s mane mushrooms supplements for 28 days had reduced their stress. Researchers suggest this may be linked to Lion’s mane mushrooms ability to stimulate nerve growth factor, which is a protein associated with mood regulation.
Lion’s mane mushrooms may help boost your immunity, promote digestive health and heart health.
As always, consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium_erinaceus
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10650066/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/