What is Lion's Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an ancient medicinal mushroom which has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for many centuries to support overall health and longevity.
This fungi contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as specific compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects and help improve cognitive function & brain health. It can also help to reduce anxiety & depression, protect the digestive tract and has antibiotic, anti-fatigue and anti-aging properties.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an ancient medicinal mushroom which has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for many centuries to support overall health and longevity.
This fungi contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as specific compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects and help improve cognitive function & brain health. It can also help to reduce anxiety & depression, protect the digestive tract and has antibiotic, anti-fatigue and anti-aging properties.
Lion's Mane & Cognitive Performance: Memory, Focus and Concentration
One of the most commonly studied benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom is its function as a cognitive enhancer, aka a nootropic. An improvement in focus, mental clarity, memory & verbal fluency are often reported by users of Lion’s Mane.
Specific active compounds, namely hericenones and erinacines, are thought to be responsible for this mushroom's brain boosting effects. Hericenones are primarily found in the fruiting bodies and Erinacines are primarily found in the mycelium. Our extract is from the fruiting body, which contains Beta-Glucans. The ones found in Lion's Mane are one of the most potent naturally occurring compounds for inducing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. This stimulates the growth and regeneration of brain cells and helps the brain to form new neural pathways. Both of which are vital for proper cognitive function and essential for learning and memory.
Studies suggest they can help slow the progress of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimers & Dementia, by reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage.
Other health benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
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May Reduce Inflammation And Oxidative Stress
Lion’s Mane has been shown to support the immune system and has been shown to be a potent source of antioxidants which are key for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is a normal and healthy part of the body’s immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Chronic inflammation can be caused by oxidative stress in the body. This happens when we have more free radicals, which are normal byproducts of metabolism, than antioxidants, compounds that mop up free radicals, preventing them from damaging your cells. The cell damage is what causes inflammation.
Lion’s Mane is known to be a mood booster and studies show it may help to reduce mild symptoms of anxiety & depression. While there are many causes of anxiety & depression, chronic inflammation can be a major contributing factor.
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May Help To Boost The Immune System
Lion’s Mane has been shown to support the immune system, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, polysaccharides found in lion’s mane can increase activity in the intestinal immune system.
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May Help To Support Supports Insulin Sensitivity
Studies show that Lion’s Mane may help improve insulin sensitivity. Our ability to regulate blood sugar levels is important in preventing, or managing, existing diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when you lose the ability to regulate your blood sugar, which can lead to a number of health complications. Lion’s Mane blocks the function of a specific enzyme that breaks down carbs and can potentially help to keep blood sugar levels low and stable.
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May Help To Reduce Inflammation In The Digestive Tract
Lion’s Mane has been shown to have an antibacterial effect, which can help to protect the digestive tract against overgrowth of bacteria, such as H.pylori. H. Pylori, in addition to things like alcohol and medication, can damage the lining of the gut. Lion’s Mane can potentially help to address both of these causes and protect against damage to the intestinal lining, and digestive ulcers. Lion’s Mane’s antiinflammatory effects may be beneficial for the entire digestive system, as it may help reduce tissue damage from inflammatory disorders like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Summary
Lion’s Mane has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past decade, with numerous studies conducted on its cognitive & other health benefits. Our Flow blend contains +250mg Lion's Mane from Hifas da Terra, with 45% beta-glucan fruiting bodies.
