Let’s Talk Lion’s Mane

So you've probably heard about Lion’s Mane mushrooms and their health benefits—especially if you’re a Four Sigmatic drinker. If not, read on!

Mushrooms in general are nutritious and harbor lots of health-promoting substances. In particular, Lion’s Mane (aka Hericium erinaceus) has exceptional health beneficial properties that may promote healthy cognitive function, mood, management of noncommunicable diseases, and metabolism. *

Pound for pound, the amino acid (aka protein) content of Hericium can be similar to that of a high-quality egg. Namely, it has a high concentration of glutamic acid, which helps to give mushrooms that umami or savory flavor.

Here are a few reasons why you should incorporate more Lion’s Mane into your diet:

• Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Hericium polysaccharides have been found to exert liver-protective effects.

• Antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that certain components of Hericium can help fight microbes like MRSA, Salmonella, and H. pylori.

• Cognitive function. Regular consumption of Lion’s Mane may help to stave off the progression of dementia.

• Heart health. Research has shown that treatment of ischemia with Hericium polysaccharides can decrease levels of lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant activity.*

Not sure if mushrooms are right for your diet? Or maybe you’re looking to increase your intake of mushrooms? Schedule an appointment to get talking!

Source

Friedman, M. (2015). Chemistry, nutrition, and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelia and their bioactive compounds. J Agric Food Chem, 63(32):7108-7123. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914