Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits

Theresa Groskopp

Lion's Mane mushroom

The latest health trends encourage people to move away from traditional medication that is expensive and causes side effects. They focus on preventative measures that promote a healthy diet and exercise to reduce disease risk. Lion’s mane mushrooms are a recommended dietary element to improve natural health. Lion’s mane is a pom-pom-shaped mushroom that grows on the trunks of broadleaf trees in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its organic mushroom extracts have a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today’s scientists are still considering the lion’s mane medicinal mushroom as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits, including supporting wellbeing, cognitive health and mental clarity, and more. The potential benefits of its active compounds can be taken as lion’s mane mushroom powder or as lion’s mane capsules. Be sure to look for supplements labeled as certified organic and non-GMO. Here are some of the benefits it may provide.

May Help Manage Depression

Research suggests that depression is linked to a lack of neurotransmitters and low nerve growth. Nerve growth is essential to mood regulation. Lion’s mane mushrooms may promote nerve growth in stressful situations. It ensures the presence of sufficient neurotransmitters. It also may help to minimize inflammation linked to depression.

May Support Brain Health

Lion mane’s ability to improve nerve growth may also make it effective in minimizing the risk of cognitive conditions due to aging. The mushroom is a type of nootropic or cognitive enhancer. Research suggests it may improve memory and cognitive function. However, more research is needed to establish its beneficial effects.

May Aid with Brain Injury Recovery

A 2021 study focused on participants who had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients who took lion’s mane and turkey tail mushroom supplements showed a better improvement trajectory. The mushrooms reduced inflammation and oxidative stress linked to the injury. TBIs also lead to neurodegeneration due to a breakdown of nerve cells. Lion’s mane helps manage nerve cell breakdown and promotes nerve growth.

May help Manage Anxiety and Stress

2010 research reveals that lion’s mane may reduce stress in study participants. The participants were divided into two groups. One group ate cookies containing .5 grams of lion’s mane. The other group ate placebo cookies. After the four-week study ended, the group that ate the lion’s mane mushrooms reported less anxiety than the placebo group. Scientists believe the mushroom’s nerve growth effect contributes to its ability to reduce anxiety.

Promotes Digestive Health

Stomach ulcers are linked to an overgrowth of H. pylori bacteria and damage to the stomach’s mucous layer which is often due to long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Lion’s mane may inhibit the growth of H. pylori and protect the stomach lining. An animal study showed that the mushroom could be more effective at reducing alcohol-induced stomach ulcers than acid-reducing drugs. It also produces fewer side effects. Another study showed its ability to reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage could make it an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBS). More studies are needed to determine if this is the case.

May Support Immunity

Animal research revealed that lion’s mane increases activity in the intestinal immune system to protect the body from pathogens. It may promote beneficial changes in gut bacteria to stimulate the immune system. A 2012 study revealed that lion’s mane extract supplements nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria. Lion’s mane mushrooms may help promote wellness. They can be taken as a supplement, or you can mix lion’s mane powder into food and beverages. How will you make this healthy mushroom part of your diet. Want to learn more? Read about the best lion’s mane supplements.
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About the Author

Theresa Groskopp

Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin,Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.

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