Adding lion’s mane mushroom to your diet is an easy and delicious way to increase your nutrient intake without compromising on taste.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
The lion’s mane mushroom is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. It has been a part of East Asian cuisine for centuries. This mushroom goes by the scientific name Hericiumerinaceus and is also known by names such as monkey head, pom mushroom, and bearded tooth mushroom. This large, white mushroom resembles a lion’s mane and can be consumed dry, cooked, raw, or in tea. The lion’s mane mushroom has a meaty consistency and can absorb flavors of other foods.
Benefits
These mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and compounds that offer various health benefits including improved brain function and stronger immunity.
Dementia
Dementia is a common side effect of aging. As people age, it gets tougher for the nerves in the brain to establish new connections, resulting in reduced cognition. These mushrooms are rich in triterpenes, which work as antioxidants and reduce inflammation. This results in an improved blood flow to the brain. It leads to improved cognitive function and a lesser risk of neurodegenerative disease.
Memory
These mushrooms may help preserving memory. Research indicates that these mushrooms may reduce the formation of amyloid plaques, which lead to memory loss.
Digestion
This mushroom has a significant amount of fiber, that can help stimulate the digestive system. The fiber found in this mushroom can also help regulate bowel movements. Additionally, these mushrooms may also prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach lining. Ulcers lead to cramps, acid reflux, stomach pain, and even bleeding.
Depression and Anxiety
Inflammation in the brain may lead to depression, a common mental health condition. Studies show that lion’s mane mushrooms, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, may aid in lowering depression. Anxiety is another condition that makes functioning extremely tough. According to research, these mushrooms may help in treating symptoms of anxiety.
Cancer
This mushroom has ant carcinogenic properties and may help in the prevention of lung, stomach, liver, and colon cancer.
Inflammation
The lion’s mane mushroom has anti-inflammatory properties that may help with a number of chronic illnesses. It may prevent the release of inflammatory molecules from the fatty tissue conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Immune system
The antioxidants present in this mushroom help in prevention of chronic inflammation, leading to prevention of various diseases. Antioxidants prevent cell damage that is caused by the presence of free radicals.
Atherosclerosis
Research indicates that the active ingredients found in these mushrooms may help in lowering cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
These mushrooms may also help in the treatment of strokes. A study on animals showed that these mushrooms can reduce the damage from strokes by almost half.
Spinal cord recovery
Lion’s mane mushrooms may play a role in alternative treatments for damage of the nervous system. Studies show that these mushrooms can stimulate nerve cells and therefore recovery.
The lion’s mane mushroom is a healthy addition to your diet and has various health benefits.
