What are the mushroom Lions’s mane benefits? Lion’s mane mushrooms are called “yamabushitake” in Japanese. Because of their shaggy spines, they look like a lion’s mane. Lion’s mane is popular in Asian countries like China, Japan and Korea. They’re usually eaten raw and put into water for consumption as a tea. Lion’s mane mushrooms, taken as Chinese herbal medical extracts, are reputed to have health benefits. They are also taken as dietary supplements. What are some of Lion’s mane benefits?
Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Oxidant Properties
One of the lion’s mane benefits is that in some studies it was shown that the mushroom can help ward off inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to the progress of certain diseases in the body. Free oxygen radicals are very reactive and can cause DNA damage in the body. Lion’s mane has been found in some studies to fight inflammation. They are also high in anti-oxidants, which scavenge up the free oxygen radicals so they can’t damage the DNA in your body.
Good for Brain Function
Like most Chinese medicinal herb type medicines, the lion’s mane mushroom is touted for improving your brain cognitive function, including better focus, concentration and memory. Some even think that this mushroom can also boost creativity. Scientific studies have confirmed that lion’s mane can play a role in improving memory functions. People have long taken this mushroom looking to boost their brain functions.
Cancer Fighting Properties
As mentioned, lion’s mane are high in anti-oxidants. Many cancers are caused by oxidative DNA damage. Thus, the anti-oxidant properties in this mushroom can play a role in preventing cancer.
Help With Diabetes
Lion’s mane has been shown to help rats lower their blood sugar levels after being given the mushroom extract. While not studies have shown the same in humans yet, the initial results show that lion’s mane can play a role in helping with diabetes.
Anti-Depression
Studies have connected taking this mushroom with having less anxiety and depression in people. It’s believed that lion’s mane has an effect on the hormone NGF (nerve growth factor) to help with depression and anxiety in people. Lion’s mane is also considered a nootropic, which helps you relieve stress.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Other studies have indicated that animal fed with lion’s mane in their diet observed a decrease of up to 45 percent in “bad” cholesterol. In addition, the level of good cholesterol increased about 30 percent. Taking lion’s mane can therefore have positive effects on your cholesterol levels.
Not many studies have been done to measure the negative effects of lion’s mane on humans, but from information available, there are data indicating few negative side effects of consuming this mushroom. This mushroom is not considered toxic. Some people report having stomach discomfort after taking eating this mushroom. Of course, if you have allergies from mushrooms, you should be careful with coming into contact with lion’s mane or consuming it.
As a nootropic and herbal extract, you can purchase this mushroom in many health food stores or online. They come in both powder and capsule forms.
This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor for any health related issues.
