The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
Lion’s mane is a funny-looking mushroom, it’s true, but it seems to
have some seriously impressive health benefits. Used medicinally in Asia
for centuries, lion’s mane is becoming increasingly popular in the West
as science starts to back up its reputation.
I’ve tried other mushrooms like chaga and noticed a difference in energy and focus, so I wanted to know more about this superfood mushroom as well.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits
As
early as 450 BCE, the Greek physician (and grandfather of modern
medicine) Hippocrates identified mushrooms as potent anti-inflammatory
agents. All these years later, knowledge about medicinal mushrooms is
still in its infancy (at least in the West).
Some
researchers theorize that we haven’t explored fungi as medicine because
they can be so dangerously confusing. One mushroom may be good for
eating while the one right next to it could kill us! It makes sense to
be cautious of something we perceive as dangerous and that is not well
understood. (That being said, traditional Eastern cultures seem to have
figured it out…)
In a nutshell, lion’s mane is known for its
effects on the central nervous system. Chinese medicine practitioners
have used lion’s mane medicinally for centuries to:
- fortify the spleen
- nourish the gut
- as an anti-cancer drug
- promote digestion
- increase vigor and strength
- help ulcers and chronic gastritis
It
is also thought to be helpful with insomnia, weakness, and low strength
or energy… and research is still uncovering other benefits.
What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. However, it isn’t widely
cultivated outside of Asia, where it holds a strong reputation as a
healthful medicinal mushroom.
One
reason you haven’t seen lion’s mane at the grocery store is its rather
creepy, shaggy appearance. It looks more like a white pom-pom than the
typical edible mushroom. Thanks to its appearance it has a long list of
creative names: sheepshead, bearded tooth mushroom, satyr’s beard,
monkey’s head, pom-pom mushroom, bearded hedgehog mushroom,
and yamabushitake.
How Lion’s Mane Mushroom Affects the Brain
Lion’s mane has many health benefits but is most researched for how it affects the brain.
Improves Memory and Focus
Lion’s mane is said to promote focus and concentration as well as memory. In our modern society where we are always multitasking, this is something on a lot of our minds (pun fully intended).
Research shows
that lion’s mane helps improve focus by stimulating nerve growth factor
(NGF). NGF is a neuropeptide that helps regulate growth, maintenance,
proliferation, and survival of neurons or nerve cells. These neurons are
like messengers, sending and processing information from the brain to
the rest of the body. This research also shows that it can help improve
photographic and short-term memory.
A 2009 study found that lion’s
mane was effective at improving cognition in those with mild cognitive
impairment (when taken for at least 4 weeks). The study also found that
lion’s mane works best when taken continuously.
Reduces Depression and Anxiety
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental illnesses affecting people today. Vitamin B12 deficiency has proven to be a big factor in depression, but when that’s not enough, lion’s mane may help.
This
mushroom likely has an effect on the autonomous nervous system because
of its ability to stimulate NGF. This is the part of the nervous system
that regulates automatic processes like breathing.
One part of
this system is the sympathetic nervous system which controls fight or
flight reactions. In depression and anxiety, the sympathetic nervous
system is in overdrive (while the parasympathetic nervous system is
lowered). NGF can help improve the balance of the autonomous nervous
system and reduce depression and anxiety.
(Note: This is probably only one factor as to why it helps mental state and more research is needed to find out why it works.)
May Stop or Reverse Neurodegenerative Disease
The ability to stimulate NGF can have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. In studies, the polysaccharides in
these mushrooms were found to be neuroprotective. Additionally, neurite
outgrowth (the process of neurons learning and growing in their job as
messengers) also improved.
While neuroprotection is important,
regeneration is even better. One study found that lion’s mane mushrooms
help regenerate neurons from peripheral nerve injury (reconnecting links
between the brain and the spinal cord). For this reason lion’s mane may
also protect against the spread of Parkinson’s disease.
Lowers Inflammation
Antioxidants are one way
to fight back against oxidative stress and inflammation that cause
disease. One study demonstrates that lion’s mane has the 4th highest
concentration of antioxidants in any mushroom. A 2015 study confirmed
that lion’s mane can reduce inflammation in fatty tissue.
Other Uses of Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane
is well known as a brain-supporting mushroom, but there are other
benefits this medicinal mushroom can provide too. These additional
health benefits alongside the cognitive function support make lion’s
mane an amazing overall food, and many health companies are now
providing it in supplement form.
- Fights cancer – Lion’s mane is active against certain cancer cells and studies suggest it does this without toxicity to the patient. (More research is needed in this area.)
- Supports heart health – Consumption of lion’s mane can also improve ratios of good to bad cholesterol. It also shows that this mushroom can lower triglycerides in the bloodstream which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improve gastric symptoms – Polysaccharides in lion’s mane may be helpful in treating gastric issues.
- Improves immune system – Lion’s mane promoted an antibacterial immune response when given to mice infected with salmonella. These mice lived 3 times longer after treatment with the mushroom. This may be due to a beneficial change in gut bacteria that stimulated the immune system.
Risks & Precautions
Lion’s
mane has no known side effects or established toxicity and is generally
considered safe. However, it’s not uncommon for funguses to cause
allergic reactions like skin rashes or breathing difficulty. Always
check with your doctor before supplementing with lion’s mane, especially
if you have any allergies to other mushrooms.
How to Use It
Use
lion’s mane like any other mushroom. It’s a great replacement for meat
due to its meaty texture and is thought to take on the flavor of what
you cook with it. But fair warning — some think lion’s mane can also
have a crab or lobster taste and texture. That’s a great thing if you like seafood (not so great if you don’t!).
Eating Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane
is still relatively new in the West so you aren’t likely to find it at
your local grocery store. An Asian market may have it available locally.
There are also many different kinds of kits to start growing your own mushrooms!
I haven’t tried preparing (or growing) lion’s mane myself. This tutorial on how to cook it claims “the contrasts between the hairs and the almost rubbery texture of the inside makes for an amazing culinary experience.”
Uh… I’ll take their word for it for now… if you try it, let me know if they’re right! 🙂
What I Do
If
you don’t want to try fresh lion’s mane, consider using the dried
mushroom in a tea. Alternately you could try a capsule, tincture, or
lion’s mane extract. My favorite way to get my dose is by using Four Sigmatic elixir or coffees.
You just add hot water to the single-serve packets so they are perfect
for traveling, camping, or a quick cup at home. (And I promise… you
won’t even know it has mushrooms in it!)
As always, supplementing
with even the best superfood supplements isn’t going to fix a poor diet,
but it can be a great natural way to boost productivity and focus… and
who doesn’t need that?
To get Lion's mane products from iHerb https://fas.st/noI_e
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