Focus: Lion’s Mane
This mighty mushroom is probably the weirdest looking adaptogen you’ll ever come across. Instead of the traditional mushroom cap, it has a large clump of teeth, which are spine-like structures and are a few millimeters long. It looks all fuzzy and fluffy, and when you see it, you might not instantly think of consuming it. We at Aho think it looks so cute and would love to cuddle up to it, but don’t underestimate the power of this unusual looking adaptogen: it offers many health benefits, both for your body and for your mind.
Lion’s mane isn’t a common species of mushroom, so finding one may be a rare treat. They grow in Asia, higher up on trees rather than at the base, which means that they're often missed during a mushroom hunt. Its white, hair-like strands are what give lion’s mane its particular name.
They’re known as ‘nootropics’, meaning they have a high nerve growth factor and assist in nerve production and protection.
This adaptogen has a whole array of health properties, from protecting our stomach from ulcers to fighting anxiety and depression, but its three main benefits are decreasing inflammation, acting as an antioxidant and stimulating the immune system.
Lion’s mane is clinically proven to improve brain function and help with many different diseases such as Alzheimer's. It is also proven to enhance nerve regeneration and it even has anti-cancer properties. So if you’re in need of a powerful brain boost, improvement of your focus or you could use something to enhance your productivity (hello exams, deadlines and work presentations!), this mighty mushroom is your bestie. They’re great for improving your concentration and memory, so if you feel like you need an unlimited amount of coffee to get you through work, try opting for a brain boosting latte using this adaptogen. You’ll get that feeling of mental clarity and productivity, but you won’t get that nasty post-caffeine slump. If that’s not a winner!
If you’re struggling with stress and anxiety, or you’re feeling a bit down, this mushroom could also be your ally. Studies have discovered that thanks to its brain boosting components, it helps brain cells regenerate and improves the part of the brain that is responsible for processing emotions and memories. That’s why lion’s mane is also great to fight depression. It makes you more emotionally stable.
Research has also proven that lion’s mane is an amazing tool to give your immune system a powerful boost. That’s thanks to its gut-healing properties. We all know by now how important gut health is, and this adaptogen has been found to contain certain compounds that have a very beneficial effect on our gut.
Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for its abilities to enhance brain and neurological health, and has no side effects. Of course, just like with everything in life, too much is never good. Even though you can’t “overdose” on adaptogens, these plants, roots and mushrooms are so powerful that a little goes a long way.
As if all of the above isn’t enough to make you consider incorporating this shroom into your daily routine, l don’t know what will! Packed with all of these health benefits, lion’s mane is an all-rounder that will help you take care of yourself, whether you need to boost your focus, your mood, your immune system or you simply need to chill out.
Not sure how to start incorporating lion’s mane into your diet? Add a teaspoon into your oats, smoothie or latte to enjoy throughout the day. Or if you want to make yourself a real power snack, add a tablespoon of lion’s mane into your bliss balls. You can even combine it with some cacao or matcha for a real brain and mood boosting treat!
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Sources:
Your Superfoods, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: 4 Ferocious Health Benefits
https://yoursuper.eu/pages/lions-mane-mushrooms
Ayales A., (08/09/2020). A QUICK GUIDE TO 8 Adaptogenic Mushrooms
https://animamundiherbals.com/blogs/blog/a-quick-guide-to-8-adaptogenic-mushrooms
Julson M.E.S., (19/05/2018). 9 Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Plus Side Effects) (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lions-mane-mushroom#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. (2010). https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231
