Benefits, Uses, and Potentials of Lions Mane Supplement

In the world of supplements, especially natural supplements, Lion’s mane is one of the fascinating products that hold the promise of potential health benefits. This mushroom is native to Europe, North America and Asia; it has been in use in traditional medicine since time immemorial especially by the Chinese who love it because of its cognitive-enhancing and neuro-protective properties. As the days go by and health and wellness awareness grows, many enthusiasts and experts in the field are constantly on the lookout for healthier alternatives to many dietary and wellness needs.

One of the things that many people are increasingly paying more attention to is what they ingest and how it affects their systems. That is why the demand for supplements is on the increase; more so natural ones. That is why a natural supplement like Lions Mane supplement is a welcome option. It is becoming more popular by the day because it is believed to boost mood, improve cognitive function and support the general well-being of the user.

This article will serve as a guide to help you understand this variety of mushroom, its uses, potentials and benefits, so, stay with us.

Understanding Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is a one-of-a-kind medicinal mushroom whose characteristics include white, long and shaggy spines like that of the mane of a lion which is the reason for the name. It belongs to the tooth mushroom group and grows on hardwoods, specifically, beech and oak trees; that is why it is also called bearded tooth fungus. It has always been used in East Asia for both culinary and health/medicinal purposes.

Traditional medicine practitioners use it to stimulate digestion, promote gut health and improve overall wellness.  More recently, science has started validating a lot of these uses and studies are also pointing to the bioactive compounds as having therapeutic and cognitive effects.

Potential Cognitive Benefits of Lion’s Mane

One of the main reasons why people use this supplement today is because of its ability to improve brain function, mental clarity and memory. Below are some of the potential benefits:-

Neurogenesis and Brain Health

One intriguing property of lion’s mane is the ability to encourage the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), a protein that is important for the growth, preservation and sustenance of neurons. NGF plays a very important role in the process of forming new neurons in the brain. Since lion’s mane boosts NGF levels, it means that it supports the propagation of new neurons and protects already  existing ones which in turn promotes overall cognitive health.

This is especially important for people who are aging because the production of Nerve Growth Factor tends to reduce as one gets older and it is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative illnesses  such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Many animal studies prove that this supplement has the ability to minimize neuronal damage, improve memory and cognitive function. Human studies however are limited but the result so far is promising.

Enhanced Memory and Focus

In addition to Lion’s mane’s potential in neurogenesis and brain health, it has also been linked to memory improvement, focus and attention. Although there is need for further research on its effect on humans, there are some evidences of the potential of this fungus to enhance mental clarity. Some users of this supplement testify that they experience quicker recall, sharper thinking and concentration after using it regularly.

Other Health Benefits

While this mushroom is celebrated mainly for the cognitive benefits that it provides, it also has some other health benefits and they are as follows:-

Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the cause of many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. Thankfully, lion’s mane contains strong antioxidants that help to render free radicals harmless thereby reducing oxidative stress in the user.

This supplement can be taken in any of the different forms which include powder, tinctures, capsules and pills and gummies. Brands such as Golden Bloom Mushrooms stock this supplement in all these forms. The powder is typically used in mushroom coffee blends which surprisingly still taste like regular coffee. People who suffer from chronic inflammation have been known to benefit from ingesting lion’s mane in any of the forms mentioned.

Immune System Support

Our body’s immune system is the first line of defence against diseases and infections. Lion’s mane has been known to stimulate and suppress the immune system thereby helping the body to fight diseases. Additionally, this supplement also has anti-cancer properties; research findings have shown that the bioactive compounds in the mushroom can prevent the growth of some types of cancer cells. These findings however, are still inconclusive and more studies need to be carried out for confirmation.

Mood Enhancement and Reduction of Anxiety

This supplement may also be useful for the support of mental health. Some studies have shown that this product can be used for the alleviation of symptoms of depression and anxiety.  This is believed to be because of its anti-inflammatory properties and what it does to the brain. It also enhances neurogenesis which can help to improve regulation of the user’s mood.

Gut Health and Digestive Support

Another thing that traditional medicine practitioners use lion’s mane for is to promote gut health and provide digestive support. This mushroom is said to support the propagation of beneficial stomach bacteria that play very important role in immunity, digestion and overall well-being. Studies are underway to find out the mushrooms’ ability to safeguard the stomach lining from ulcer that is caused by H.pylori which is the bacterium that can cause some digestive issues and peptic ulcers.

Lion’s mane contributes to improved digestion and reduced inflammation of the digestive tract by promoting a healthy environment in the digestive system.

Conclusion

This supplement that we have discussed so far is fast gaining popularity as a very potent one with many health benefits.  People who have issues with their brain health, digestive or gut wellness and immune support can benefit greatly from using it. Although scientific research is not yet conclusive but anecdotal evidences abound of the potency of lion’s mane and indeed many other varieties of mushrooms.  You will do well to give it a try but remember to consult a medical or nutrition expert especially of you have an existing health condition before you commence its use.

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