3 Underestimated Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom

There comes a certain time in everyone’s life when extra help or support is needed. Thankfully, mother nature has provided us with plenty of plants that can help us, and lion’s mane is certainly one of them. Although, lion’s mane is a part of a fungi kingdom, and mushrooms are neither plants or animals – they don’t photosynthesize like plants and they don’t ingest their food like animals, therefore, they are their own unique kind of a life form that’s been very appreciated by humans for hundreds of years.

Lion’s mane is a fascinating mushroom and can be helpful at times when we need to study, concentrate, or come up with new solutions during a brainstorming session. Not only that, it can play an important part in nervous system recovery and renewal of nerve cells. There is also enough evidence to support lion’s mane can support people with mild depression symptoms.

Let’s dive deeper to explore the potential health benefits of lion’s mane mushroom and see how it can become a supplement you will come to love.

1. Lion’s Mane Boosts Your Brain Power

Lion’s mane mushroom is a natural nootropic, which means it’s quite literally brain food. Research shows that lion’s mane improves cognitive functions in mice with its most significant effect on memory and visual recognition thanks to an increase in production of NGF protein that promotes the growth and development of nerve cells. Not only that, but studies also show that using lion’s mane is one of the most effective ways to prevent and lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. NGF proteins help cholinergic neurons survive and differentiate in the brain. Increasing healthy cholinergic neurons in the brain increases cognitive function and ensures optimal brain function.

Does this mean lion’s mane can also help with studying, concentration, and potentially, brainstorming sessions? Absolutely. Many people report feeling more focused, motivated, and less anxious when taking quality lion’s mane supplements at the right dosage. So, if you need to study, work, brainstorm, or focus on something important, give lion’s mane a try, and it may surprise you!

2. Nervous System Recovery & Renewal

While there are no human studies on this topic, animal studies suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms could aid in the regeneration of nerve cells and encourage them to grow and repair more quickly. One study showed that rats with nerve damage receiving a daily extract of lion's mane mushrooms had quicker nerve regeneration than the one’s who didn’t receive anything. Another study shows that lion’s mane can also repair myelin. A myelin sheath is an insulating layer that forms around nerve cells. This insulating layer is integral for the proper functioning of nerve cells, and demyelination—myelin sheath damage—can cause many neurological disorders (for example, multiple sclerosis). Not only helping to prevent certain diseases, it can also aid in nerve recovery after an injury. Hence, lion’s mane mushrooms act as a powerful neuroprotector and help in regeneration of nerve cells.

3. Lion’s Mane May Improve Depression and Anxiety Symptoms

Researchers found that taking lion’s mane for four weeks reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in study participants. In a 2015 study Trusted Source, mice that consumed lion’s mane mushroom extract displayed fewer depressive behaviors and had blood markers that indicated lower depression. These are promising results and of course, more research would be needed to determine exactly how lion’s mane might work to lower depression symptoms, but researchers suspect this happens due to lion’s mane’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Anecdotal reports show that many people notice improvement in their symptoms when struggling with depression and/or anxiety. Since lion’s mane doesn’t cause harsh side effects, it can be a good option to try and see if improvement takes place.

Is Lion’s Mane Psychedelic?

No, lion’s mane does not have any psychoactive qualities, and it won’t make you feel like you’re having a trip or are getting “high”. When taking lion’s mane, you can continue your daily activities like driving, going to work, studying, etc.

When to Take Lion’s Mane?

You can take your lion’s mane in the morning and during the day, but it might be best to avoid taking it in the evening as some people report difficulties falling asleep.

Where to Buy Lion’s Mane Mushroom?

At Next Level, we sell high quality, carefully and responsibly produced lion’s mane supplements that ensure the highest potency (and purity) you can get. Not only that, you also get to choose from lion’s mane powder capsules or lion’s mane extract which comes in liquid form. If you do try lion’s mane, let us know how it how goes!