Four health benefits of lion's mane mushrooms
Lion's mane mushrooms are known to have a wide range of health benefits, from improving your memory to boosting your gut health.
"An ancient medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese + Japanese medicine for hundreds of years, it's been shown to have neuroprotective effects (so it's good for your brain) and also help improve overall cognitive function and brain health," says nutritional health coach Georgi Grogan, founder of Sixways (sixways.co).
"There's a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest it can help to reduce anxiety + depression and also boost the digestive tract with its antibiotic and anti-ageing properties."
Georgi has listed four ways that lion's mane can benefit your health.
Improved memory, focus and concentration
Specific active compounds (hericenones and erinacines) found in lion's mane are some of the most potent naturally occurring compounds for inducing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain.
"These stimulate the growth and regeneration of brain cells and help the brain to form new neural pathways. Both of which are vital for proper cognitive function and essential for learning and memory," the expert explains.
"Studies suggest they can help slow the progress of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's and Dementia, by reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage."
Mental health
The mushroom has also been found to benefit those struggling with anxiety and depression.
"Along the lines of supporting brain health, other studies have been conducted regarding the potential benefits of this mushroom for levels of anxiety and depression," Georgi shares. "Additionally, research has found that lion's mane extract helped reduce anxiety and depression in mice due to the anti-inflammatory impact it can have on the mind and body."
Gut health
Lion's mane mushrooms can also act as a prebiotic, which is great for your gut health.
"Due to their beta-glucan polysaccharide component, Lion's Mane Mushrooms are considered a 'functional food' that can act as a prebiotic," Georgi explains. "Put simply, they may help your gut flora (and good bacteria) to flourish while potentially limiting the growth of bad bacteria like bacteria H. pylori."
Anti-inflammatory
Finally, the mushrooms may also have anti-inflammatory properties.
"Chronic inflammation can have a number of negative effects including tiredness, fatigue, hair loss, anxiety and depression and gut health issues," the nutritional health coach states.