Are lions mane mushrooms healthy or overhyped?
Let’s dig into the research.
But what exactly do adaptogenic and functional mean in the context of edible fungi?
Photo:Eoneren/Getty Images
But are the benefits completely woo-woo, or based in actual science?
Heres what to know about the benefits of lions mane mushrooms, both nutritional and beyond.
What Are Lions Mane Mushrooms?
Evidence dating back to as early as 450 B.C.
to ancient Greece suggests that the lions mane was utilized for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Adaptogenic foods help the body to adapt to stress of any kind: physical, biological, or chemical.
This is primarily due to the neurotrophic factors and bioactive compounds found in this functional fungus.
It also has a prebiotic effect in the microbiome, serving as food for our healthy gut bacteria.
Promotes Heart Health
Lions mane mushrooms can even help support heart health.
This means that cholesterol literally goes down the drain instead of being absorbed into your blood.
While this makes sense given this mushrooms fiber content, theres budding research to back it up.
Studies also show that individuals with depression and anxiety have lower nerve growth factor (NGF).
NGF helps nerve cells regenerate and remain healthy, which are factors in mood regulation.
But it also fights against stomach ulcers through a couple of mechanisms of action.
These mushrooms can even be steeped in hot water to make a deliciously earthy tea loaded with health benefits.
There are also a variety of mushroom coffee and tea alternative brands that feature this fungus.
Look for their seal of approval on any products you’re considering.
No human trials have been conducted to determine the risks and significant side effects.
However, no adverse effects were observed in animal trials, even at higher doses.
If you are allergic or sensitive to mushrooms, however, you should avoid taking lion’s mane.
The recommended dosage varies by individual based on weight, metabolism, and tolerance.
In short, it depends on who you ask.
Others say it can take up to six months to see an impact.
The effects will likely depend on your metabolism and the dose that you’ve chosen.
In addition to lion’s mane, reishi,chaga, and cordyceps are also commonly used supplements.
Some supplements mix different types of mushrooms in each formulation.
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