Lion's mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential health benefits of consuming lion's mane mushrooms, particularly as a dietary supplement. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider taking lion's mane mushrooms every day.
- Improve cognitive function
One of the most well-known benefits of consuming lion's mane mushrooms is their potential to improve cognitive function. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, Mori et al. (2009) found that daily consumption of lion's mane mushrooms for 16 weeks improved cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Another study by Nagano et al. (2010) found that consuming lion's mane mushrooms for four weeks led to a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are often associated with cognitive decline.
- Support nervous system health
Lion's mane mushrooms have also been shown to support nervous system health. Kolotushkina et al. (2003) found that an extract of lion's mane mushrooms promoted myelination, which is the process of forming a protective sheath around nerves. Myelination is important for nerve function and can help prevent nerve damage and degeneration.
- Boost immune function
Lion's mane mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that have been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. These polysaccharides can stimulate the immune system, potentially improving the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases (Wasser, 2002). In a study by Lin et al. (2007), polysaccharides from another type of mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, were found to activate and mature dendritic cells, which are important cells in the immune system that help identify and destroy foreign invaders.
- Reduce inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Lion's mane mushrooms contain compounds called beta-glucans, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties (Glaser & Patterson, 2019). In a study by Glaser and Patterson (2019), participants who consumed lion's mane mushrooms daily for four weeks experienced a significant decrease in inflammatory markers in their blood.
- Potential anticancer properties
There is also some evidence to suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may have anticancer properties. In a study by Li et al. (2015), an extract of lion's mane mushrooms was found to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in human colon cancer cells. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential anticancer properties of lion's mane mushrooms, these preliminary findings are promising.
Overall, lion's mane mushrooms have a range of potential health benefits, including improving cognitive function, supporting nervous system health, boosting immune function, reducing inflammation, and potentially having anticancer properties. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of lion's mane mushrooms, incorporating them into your daily diet or taking them as a dietary supplement may be a simple way to support your overall health and well-being.