Lion’s mane is one of my favourite ingredients 😁

So what are they and what does a nutrition chef want with a fluffy mushroom?

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines

What are the health benefits of lions mane

Fighting inflammation and free radicals 🥊 (my favourite)

Many health conditions, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer, involve chronic inflammation and the effects of unstable molecules in our bodies called free radicals. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain potent antioxidants, which are substances that limit the damage of free radicals. They also contain anti-inflammatory substances that show great promise in recent studies.

Fighting dementia and other brain diseases 🦠

Studies have shown lion’s mane mushrooms might have a role in the prevention or treatment of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, in one study of 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment, those who took tablets containing Hericium erinaceus powder for 4 months showed a temporary improvement on cognitive tests. The mushrooms have also been shown to slow Alzheimer’s symptoms and brain changes linked to the disease in mice.

In another studies, younger adults who took capsules of organic lion’s mane mushroom powder showed improved mental performance speed. Lab studies show lions mane are a good source of hericenones and erinacines, two chemicals that accelerate the growth of brain cells.

Nerve regeneration

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain chemicals that might promote the growth, survival, and function of both new and mature nerve cells in the brain and elsewhere. Studies show that these compounds, unlike some experimental treatments, are able to get from the bloodstream into the brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier.

For those reasons, there’s growing interest in trying the mushrooms in a long list of conditions, including:

-Stroke
-Parkinson’s disease
-Huntington’s disease
-Multiple sclerosis
-Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
-Nerve injuries
-Desperation and anxiety

Managing diabetes

Lion’s mane mushrooms have been shown to lower blood sugar and raise insulin levels with diabetes. Research shows antioxidants in the lions mane mushrooms explain these possible effects.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Side Effects

There’s not much research on whether it’s safe to eat or take supplements of lion’s mane for a prolonged period or about their side effects.

Possible allergic reactions to lion’s mane mushrooms have been reported. In one case,If you have a history of allergies, asthma, or any other medical condition, check with your doctor before using lion’s mane mushrooms in your food or as a supplement.

Overall I think lions mane is an amazing ingredient with a lot of promise, a lot more research needs doing, but one thing we do know is it makes one hell of a mushroom steak🤤

Stay healthy