Here at Dutch-Smart, we often talk about mushrooms, but mainly the “magical” kind. While Lion’s Mane mushrooms aren’t psychedelic, they are one of the most nutritious superfoods on Earth. They have a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, and modern research has discovered that they may offer all kinds of health benefits. In this article, we’ll tell you how Lion’s Mane can improve your health and why you should add this special mushroom to your daily supplements. Ready to read on?
What are Lion’s Mane mushrooms?
First things first: what exactly are these Lion’s Mane mushrooms? Lion’s Mane mushrooms are edible fungi that grow in clusters on the ground. The Lion’s Mane mushroom—as it’s also known in the Netherlands—is an edible mushroom with a mild, sweet flavor that’s sometimes compared to that of lobster. In Chinese cuisine, it is often used as a meat substitute. For culinary use, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are grown on tree trunks or sterilized sawdust and sold fresh or dried. There are also kits available for growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms at home.
But the fact that they’re tasty is one thing. It’s quite another that these medicinal mushrooms appear to be very healthy. One thing we know for sure is that all these mushrooms possess health-promoting properties. The lion’s mane mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and is still regarded as a powerhouse for both body and mind. Some compounds in the mushroom, such as threitol, arabitol, and palmitic acid, for example, regulate lipid levels, lower blood sugar, and may act as antioxidants.
One of the most common uses of Lion’s Mane capsules, however, is to promote brain function, support learning ability, and improve concentration. It is a superfood that has been used by countless people around the world for many years. Good to know: these health claims are—at this time—still under review by the ESFA.
Why should you buy Lion’s Mane capsules?
As you’ve read above, Lion’s Mane is used all over the world for its unique intended effects. One thing many people agree on is that Lion’s Mane supports mental clarity, focus, and memory like almost no other supplement. For this reason, Lion’s Mane is also known as the “smart mushroom” and “nature’s nutrient for the neurons.” Research has shown that it stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain, which can help stimulate the brain and keep it “in shape.”
In short, Lion’s Mane capsules can contribute to the following:
- Development of neurons in the brain through connections that Lion’s Mane helps establish.
- Lion’s Mane supports the optimization of your learning ability and performance (natural nootropic).
- With regular use, Lion’s Mane contributes to concentration and focus.
- Helps build a strong memory, stimulates it, and promotes mental clarity.
- Lion’s Mane can help strengthen the immune system
The capsules we sell in our health shop contain exactly 400mg of Lion’s Mane extract in a convenient bottle of 120 capsules. Using these Lion’s Mane supplements can stimulate the development of neurons, improve cognitive function, and contribute to a stronger immune system. And you don’t have to worry about the ideal dose yourself—the manufacturers of these capsules have already done that for you!
How Lion’s Mane Stimulates Your Brain
Certain compounds in Lion’s Mane are responsible for the growth, maintenance, and proliferation of neurons and myelin in the brain. This specialized protein is necessary for the growth of sensory neurons in our brains. In other words: this mushroom might just be a real powerhouse for your brain!
A recent study at the University of Texas showed that Lion’s Mane may stimulate the brain and enhance its function. This is because it contains compounds called hericenones and erinacines, which in turn are known for their ability to boost brain function. It does this by stimulating our body’s own NGF (nerve growth factor).
Although NGF is a wonderful substance, it has one drawback: because it cannot easily cross the blood-brain barrier, it is poorly absorbed by our brains. Only small lipid (fat)-soluble substances can cross the blood-brain barrier.
At this time, it is therefore not possible to develop a supplement that sends NGF directly to the brain. Fortunately, Lion’s Mane has a unique property that can help solve this problem: through ericenones and ericacins, Lion’s Mane is able to stimulate the body’s own production of NGF and thus produce the desired effect.
How do you use Lion’s Mane capsules for the best results?
The Lion’s Mane capsules we sell in our health shop contain 400 mg of organic Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) extract made from 100% fruiting body. To get the most out of Lion’s Mane natural supplements, we recommend taking 1 capsule twice daily. It’s best to take the capsules with water during a meal. Also, do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Also good to know: Lion’s Mane is a dietary supplement and not a pharmaceutical drug. This generally means it takes longer for the effects to kick in. Most people who start taking Lion’s Mane daily feel the effects after 4–10 days. Incidentally, precisely because of its potent effects, most people use Lion’s Mane capsules for extended periods. It is therefore one of the most effective supplements you can take!
