What are Lion's Mane Mushrooms?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, are a unique species of medicinal fungi with a long history of traditional use in Asian cultures. Also referred to as "yamabushitake" or "bearded tooth fungus," these mushrooms are renowned for their distinctive appearance, resembling the flowing mane of a lion. While they have been treasured for centuries due to their potential health benefits, they are now gaining popularity worldwide.
In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, Lion’s Mane has been valued for its believed ability to support brain and cognitive health. Ancient texts often describe it as a natural remedy for improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity. With a growing interest in natural alternatives, Lion's Mane is now attracting attention from modern researchers, who are investigating all of its potential therapeutic properties and unraveling the mysteries behind its fascinating history.
Lion's Mane: The Functional Brain Mushroom
Lion's Mane mushroom is classified as a functional mushroom; a term used to describe a group of mushrooms that offer more than just nutritional value. Functional mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, possess unique bioactive compounds that can positively impact human health and well-being. These mushrooms are often sought after for their potential medicinal properties, as they are believed to support various bodily systems and functions.
Lion's Mane stands out as a functional mushroom due to its potential cognitive and neurological benefits, which we will dive into further throughout this guide, but its versatility expands far beyond this benefit alone.
Functional mushrooms such as Lion's Mane offer a natural and holistic approach to wellness that can easily be added into any daily routine if consumed as extracts, capsules, or powders to harness their potential health benefits.
Lion's Mane: Improve Memory, Focus, and Mental Clarity
The health benefits of Lion’s Mane are truly remarkable, with its most profound impact being on memory enhancement and cognitive function.
Brain health stands as an indispensable pillar of our overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked when it comes to conscious efforts for preservation. With our brain governing crucial functions like sleep, digestion, and communication, maintaining its integrity becomes paramount. Enter medicinal mushrooms, nature's brain-loving fungi, renowned for their comprehensive benefits in enhancing brain health and potentially staving off neurodegenerative disorders and memory impairment. These remarkable fungi hold promise as a potential answer in the quest for top-notch memory supplements.
As we age, our brain’s ability to form or preserve neuronal connections gradually diminishes, leading to a decline in mental functioning and memory. Lion’s Mane contains two bioactive compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which have been found to stimulate the growth of brain cells through a process known as neurogenesis [1].
In an enlightening study, supplementation with standardized extracts of hericenones and erinacine was found to reverse the age-related decline of recognition memory in mice [1]. Recognition memory refers to our ability to identify events, objects, or individuals that we have encountered in the past, and it tends to deteriorate as we grow older. The study’s findings were associated with increased neurogenesis in the hippocampal and cerebellar regions of the brain [1]. While the cerebellar region primarily handles motor functions, it is the hippocampus that plays a vital role in learning and memory. Lion’s Mane’s capacity to stimulate the growth of nervous tissue (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus is likely the underlying mechanism behind its potential ability to counteract recognition memory decline during the aging process [1].
Furthermore, Lion’s Mane contains another constituent called isohericerinol A, extracted from its fruiting body, which has been found to significantly increase the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) [2]. NGF is a neurotrophic factor that plays a critical role in the growth, development, and survival of neurons, the body’s specialized information messengers [2]. In fact, a study comparing the augmentation or blocking of NGF revealed that blocking led to impaired memory and reduced hippocampal activity [3].
Moreover, Lion’s Mane has demonstrated its neuroprotective properties by shielding neurons from damage caused by beta-amyloid plaques, which are proteins that can accumulate in the brain and disrupt normal cell function, potentially leading to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s [4,5,6].
Lastly, in a randomized control trial involving Japanese individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of memory loss or cognitive decline, the effects of Lion’s Mane mushroom extract were studied in comparison to a placebo group [7]. The trial consistently demonstrated significant improvement in cognitive functioning among the group receiving the Lion’s Mane extract at weeks 8, 12, and 16, surpassing the results of the placebo group. These findings provide strong evidence supporting Lion’s Mane as an effective alternative for improving MCI without any reported adverse effects [7].
Lion’s Mane May Help Improve Mood Disorders and Sleep
In our society, where a significant portion of the population grapples with daily symptoms of anxiety and depression, there is a growing pursuit of alternative methods to alleviate these conditions. Lion’s Mane has emerged as a promising solution, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing mild signs and symptoms of anxiety through its
anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic properties.....
Lion’s Mane May Offer Protection Against Cancer
Within our bodies, the onset of cancer is rooted in a complex process characterized by DNA damage, leading to uncontrolled cell division and replication. Notably, Lion's Mane mushroom comprises a significant proportion of polysaccharides, which have been investigated for their potential anti-cancer properties. In particular, a specific polysaccharide known as HEG-5 has garnered attention...
Lion’s Mane and Gut Health
Lion's Mane mushroom has been revered for its potential to promote not only cognitive health but also gut health. Recent research suggests that Lion's Mane may play a beneficial role in supporting gut health by modulating the gut microbiota and promoting a healthy gut environment...
Lion’s Mane to Boost the Immune System
Research has demonstrated that Lion's Mane possesses the remarkable ability to stimulate the production of white blood cells, an essential component of the immune system that actively safeguards the body against infections and diseases. This immune-enhancing property can be attributed to the presence of polysaccharides and beta-glucans within the mushroom, which act as active compounds...
Lion’s Mane for Heart Health
Heart health has emerged as a significant concern among the population, given the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and their impact on overall well-being. With sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and various risk factors contributing to the development of heart-related issues, there is a growing need for interventions that promote cardiovascular wellness...
Lion’s Mane May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Lion's Mane mushroom has garnered some attention for its potential to aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Preliminary research suggests that Lion's Mane extract may have a positive impact on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity...
Lion's Mane Capsules
Our product, FOCUS NOW, is an 8:1 dual extract of Lion’s Mane containing high percentages of beta-glucans, terpenes, and ergothioneine. The mushroom extract is made from 100% fruiting body only, ensuring there are no fillers or additives that may lessen the potency and therapeutic effect of the product. By taking 2 capsules per day, it is an easy addition for anyone looking to improve productivity, concentration, and lessen the seemingly never-ending brain fog.
Lion’s Mane Powdered Extract
At Eversio Wellness, we offer three different mushroom blends - "The Everblends" - containing Organic Lion’s Mane 8:1 Dual Extract:
1) AWAKEN Blend
The AWAKEN blend was thoughtfully crafted to elevate your morning rituals and enhance overall well-being. Containing the combination of Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps mushrooms, this blend is designed to support mental agility, boost energy levels, and fortify your immune system.
2) BALANCE Blend
The BALANCE blend was created to help individuals unwind and support the balance of the body, mind, and soul, whether it be day or night! It is formulated with Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms.
1) REJUVENATE Blend
Lastly, the REJUVENATE blend is an antioxidant powerhouse that will help individuals rejuvenate from the inside. It contains mushrooms known to have the highest percentages of ergothioneine, terpenes, and triterpenes – anti-aging superstars! This blend contains Lion’s Mane alongside Oyster, Chaga, Tremella, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms.
Recommended Dosages of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
For optimal consumption, Health Canada advises individuals to limit their intake of dried Lion's Mane fruiting body to a maximum of 12,000mg per day. Our Organic Lion's Mane 8:1 Dual Extract product, FOCUS NOW, boasts an impressive composition with >35% beta-glucans, >8% terpenes, and >0.3% hericenones.
Actual beneficial compound percentages in current harvest mushroom extracts are always available in the COAs on each product page. We recommend a daily consumption of 1000mg of our Lion's Mane extract, which is equivalent to a crude quantity of 8000mg. Quantity Crude Equivalent (QCE) is calculate as 1000mg x 8:1 = 8000mg.
Where to Buy Quality Lion’s Mane Supplements
In the vast market of medicinal mushrooms, it becomes imperative to prioritize awareness of the product's composition to ensure the utmost potency. At Eversio Wellness, our commitment lies in offering exclusively 100% fruiting body mushroom extracts, maintaining a transparent approach towards consumers by providing Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each product. These COAs serve as a reassurance, scientifically confirming the claimed percentages of beneficial constituents through meticulous lab testing. Furthermore, the COAs also verify the absence of heavy metals and microbial contaminants, assuring customers of receiving the finest mushroom supplements available. There has never been a more opportune moment to explore the world of online mushroom purchases.
It is also important to ensure that your Lion’s Mane product has gone through a dual extraction process. Dual extraction combines the benefits of both hot water and alcohol extraction methods. In this approach, the mushroom material is subjected to sequential extraction using both water and alcohol solvents. This method aims to capture a wider spectrum of bioactive compounds present in mushrooms, including both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components. Dual extraction is often preferred when targeting a comprehensive range of beneficial compounds and maximizing the potential health benefits of the mushroom extract.
Lion’s Mane Health and Safety
When it comes to the safety of Lion's Mane supplements, extensive research suggests that they are generally well-tolerated and safe for consumption. Lion's Mane is a naturally occurring mushroom that has been consumed as food and used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, it is always important to purchase supplements from reputable sources that adhere to quality standards and undergo rigorous testing for purity and contaminants. As with any dietary supplement, it is advisable to consult with a health care professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. By following recommended dosages and guidelines, Lion's Mane supplements can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle with minimal risk of adverse effects.
Lion's Mane Benefits Summarized
With its roots tracing back to Traditional Chinese Medicine and contemporary research revealing its wide-ranging health benefits, Lion's Mane stands as an extraordinary functional mushroom. Among the array of mushroom supplements available, Lion's Mane has emerged as a favored choice, captivating the attention of health enthusiasts worldwide.
This remarkable mushroom has exhibited cognitive-enhancing properties, making it a subject of extensive investigation for its potential to support cognitive function across various age groups. Furthermore, Lion's Mane is believed to promote the well-being of the nervous, digestive, and cardiovascular systems, while also aiding in maintaining a healthy immune response and overall well-being.
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