Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, and Marie Curie are just some of the greatest minds ever known to humanity. You might be asking what this list of head honchos has to do with medicinal mushrooms, and the answer is as plain as the spores on your favorite shroom; they were all considered geniuses in their fields of expertise. But how did they attain this super-brain power?
While, unfortunately, we at Troop cannot claim they indulged in the healthful benefits of a little mushie power, we can say that their brains must have been in tip-top condition. They had to be with all those apotheosizes, inventions, and theories, most of which have shaped the modern world we live in today!
Which leaves us pondering the age-old question amongst those of us hoping to improve our brain health, albeit not to a genius level, which supplements are best? If you asked this question in the presence of a Troop team member, the answer would almost certainly be Lion’s Mane mushroom gummies! Of course, you don’t have to take our shroom-biased word for it, so here’s some science and a smattering of history to prove our theory. Move over, Einstein; Lion’s Mane is about to stage a takeover!
What Is Lion’s Mane?
Of course, to understand how Lion’s Mane positively affects the brain, we need to get down to the very mycelium of this shroom. Firstly, Lion’s Mane looks like its namesake, big and fuzzy with a mane-like shape. The only thing missing is its roar and, of course, the sharp teeth and claws! Unlike other mushrooms, it does not have a cap and instead has tendrils that form the mane-like shape we described. It prefers the warm, humid climate of the Northern Hemisphere and can be found growing on the bark of dead and decaying trees or where the bark has become damaged on live ones.
Lion’s Mane For The Brain
Ancient Chinese herbalists used Lion’s Mane when seeking to cure others because of its unique ability to aid digestion and boost immunity. However, this powerful nootropic also had an amazing effect on the brain. Some of the benefits Lion’s Mane provides for the brain include:
- Improves cognitive performance
- Soothes anxiety and low mood
- Supports brain function (Nootropic effect)
- Enhances concentration and focus
- Aids with memory processes and mental clarity
What Does Science Say?
Lions Mane boosts brain health by improving cognitive ability. It does this by enhancing the production of NGF (Nerve Growth Factor). NGF is vital for the growth and maintenance of nerve cells and neurons, aka brain cells. Did you know your brain has more than 80 billion nerve cells?
- Lion’s Mane For Alzheimer’s
Animal studies show that Lion’s Mane can reduce memory loss and prevent amyloid-beta plaques from causing neural damage. Sadly, those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s typically have a high accumulation of these damaging plaques in their brains.
- Lion’s Mane For Depression/anxiety
Aside from aiding memory and cognitive function, this shroom is also thought to be potentially useful in treating mood disorders and depression. For those that require proof, Lion’s Mane contains an anti-inflammatory compound called Amycenone. When administered to mice as part of a research program, it reduced depressive behaviors after a single dose!
- Lions Mane For Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment or MCI is a condition where mental abilities such as memory or thinking are impaired. Usually, these symptoms are worse than expected for their age or health. A 2009 human study showed that Lion’s Mane effectively improved cognitive impairment.
What’s In The Lion’s Mane Shroom?
Lion’s Mane comprises many health-promoting bioactive compounds (substances that possess biological activity or affect living organisms).
- Hericenones – encourage neuron growth
- Erinacines – stimulates brain cell growth and prevents cognitive decline
- Beta-glucans – support heart health and balances cholesterol
- Digestive enzymes – supports digestive health
- Polypeptides – improve skin elasticity and healthy water retention
- Polysaccharides – promotes a healthy gut and gut flora
How To Incorporate Lion’s Mane Into Your Diet
Lion’s Mane is available in various forms, including tablets, powders, capsules, or teas. Depending on your preference, you can choose a supplement option that best suits your unique health requirements. However, remember, it’s important to discuss adding Lion’s Mane to your diet with your doctor before taking the supplement to avoid any interactions with prescription medications.
Lion’s Mane is Spore-rific!
If you want to improve your brain health and eliminate that brain fog, you certainly can’t go wrong with a Lion’s Mane supplement. So why not try some of our tasty Lion’s Mane gummies? After all, they’re tastier, extremely portable, and full of the same natural goodness!
