Introducing Lion's Mane
Alright, brainiacs and wellness warriors, gather round. Meet Lion’s Mane (or Hericium erinaceus if you’re fancy), a mushroom that looks as wild as it sounds. Called Lion's Mane due to its long, flowing, white shaggy spines resembling a lion’s mane. It's known as the "smart mushroom," as its seriously good for everything to do with your brain. Ironically, it also looks a bit like a brain too. A big shaggy lion looking brain.
History of Lion's Mane
Long before labs and scientists got their mitts on it, Lion's Mane was the star of the show in East Asian traditions. It’s been cradling the minds of the wise and wrinkled for centuries, sneaking its way into traditional Chinese medicine scripts and steaming pots of soup. Legend has it, the Shaolin monks also used it not just for health but to power through deep meditation sessions.
Why is Lion's Mane so good for our brain?
Lion's Mane mushroom enhances production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. NGF is essential for the health and growth of neurons, which are critical for cognitive functions such as memory and focus. The bioactive compounds in Lion's Mane, particularly hericenones and erinacines, stimulate the production of NGF. This not only supports neuron development and maintenance but also enhances mental clarity and concentration, helping to improve overall cognitive function and protects against cognitive decline.
In addition to bolstering NGF production and enhancing brain function, Lion's Mane has shown promise in Alzheimer's research. A 2020 study involving individuals with mild Alzheimer's revealed that daily supplementation with 1 gram of Lion's Mane over 49 weeks significantly enhanced their cognitive scores, highlighting its potential in combating cognitive decline associated with the disease. (1)
Other potential benefits of Lion's Mane:
- Helps digestion and supports gut health
- Contains prebiotic, nourishing the gut flora which is integral to healthy digestion and aids serotonin production. (2)
- Helps relieve depression and anxiety
- Stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factors, easing symptoms of depression and anxiety. (3)
- Helps with menopausal symptoms
- Observed to alleviate some menopausal symptoms, through its effects on hormonal balance and nervous system health. (4)
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Improves fat metabolism and reduces triglyceride levels, which may lower heart disease risk.(5)
- Helps manage diabetes symptoms
- Has been shown to lower high blood glucose levels, aiding in diabetes management. (6)
How to take it?
Whether you're a smoothie superhero or a tea enthusiast, adding a dash of Pure Filth Lion's Mane powder can transform your drinks into cognitive concoctions. Mixing a scoop into your breakfast or pre-workout shake can kickstart your brain before the day does.
References:
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7283924/
(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6321054/
(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29364170/
(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3714447/
(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32738392/