Brain fog? Lack of focus? Forgetfulness? Lion’s Mane mushrooms are gaining popularity as research mounts, pointing to the mushroom's benefits for brain health and memory.
As scientists dig deeper into the incredible power of mushrooms, it’s exciting to learn about the many ways mushrooms like Lion’s Mane can improve your quality of life.
In addition to promoting mental clarity and focus, studies show daily Lion’s Mane supplementation is linked to improved memory, something we could all definitely benefit from.
While many people struggle with day-to-day forgetfulness they’d like to improve, the sad reality is that a growing number of people deal with a condition affecting their memory much in a much more serious way – Alzheimer’s. An exciting study published in 2020 by Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience showed that patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease demonstrated “significant improvement” in cognitive test scores after supplementing long-term with Lion’s Mane, compared to a placebo group.
If your brain craves these impressive benefits but cooking and eating fresh mushrooms every day isn’t for you, Lion’s Mane powder can be an excellent solution.
How should I use Lion’s Mane powder?
There are a variety of quick, simple, and tasty ways to use it each day – here are a few of the best!
Lion’s Mane Powder in Coffee or Tea
A daily serving (often about ½ teaspoon) added to your coffee grounds is a perfect way to enjoy your morning cup of joe. You won’t notice any textural difference to your coffee; if you drink it black, you may taste a gentle hint of earthy flavor.
If coffee’s not your cup of tea, try it with…tea! Before pouring your hot water, add a serving of Lion’s Mane powder to your loose leaf tea to get all of the brain-boosting benefits.
Lion’s Mane Powder in Smoothies or Juice
Are you a smoothie lover? Whether you opt for green juice, a protein shake, or a fruit + veg smoothie, a serving of powdered Lion’s Mane will make that drink work even harder for you. Add your powder, stir well, and enjoy!
Lion’s Mane Powder in Soups or Stews
People often associate hot soups and stews with a sense of coziness, nourishment, and healing. By adding Lion’s Mane powder to your bowl of soup or stew, you can nourish your brain, too.
How should I choose a Lion’s Mane Powder?
It’s important to make sure you choose a Lion’s Mane powder made of 100% pure fruit bodies.
Some powders contain mycelium, which is the fungal network of the mushroom – a little bit like the roots of a plant. Mycelium grows in and through woody material, such as sawdust. And because mycelium can’t be separated from the material it takes hold of, powders with mycelium in them also contain sawdust or other woody substrate materials. Some companies include the mycelium in their powder because it lets them increase their product volume with less cost.
Besides avoiding mycelium in your powder, make sure there are no other fillers or additives. As you’d expect, it’s also important to choose an option that doesn’t contain any chemicals including pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. 100% pure, natural Lion’s Mane fruit bodies is the way to go, so be sure to check ingredient labels.
Ancient Medicine On a Modern Schedule
Lion’s Mane – or Hericium Erinaceius as it’s known scientifically – is a white, shaggy, pom-pom-like mushroom that is native to Asia, Europe, and North America. The edible mushroom grows on hardwood trees in cool, damp areas and it has long been used in Eastern medicine because of its many brain benefits. It can be foraged for in the wild, or cultivated both indoors and outdoors.
According to Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute, “Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells.” He explains that in recent research at University of Queensland, “Pre-clinical testing found the Lion’s Mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.”
Hippocrates is believed to have said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” But in the 21st century, that can be easier said than done.
In ancient practices, medicinal food was much more common than it is now in our fast-paced society. Whether you’re too busy to spend much time in the kitchen, or simply don’t love to cook, powdered Lion’s Mane offers a fantastic option to get the benefits of this medicinal mushroom in the midst of your on-the-go lifestyle.