Hericium erinaceus mushrooms have been a staple component of folk medicine from time immemorial, thanks to their truckload of health benefits. The shrooms are more commonly known as Lion’s Mane due to their icicle-like spikes that resemble the king of the jungle’s iconic mane.
Lion’s mane mushrooms were consumed initially after cooking. However, due to their raging popularity, these shrooms are now available in different formulations, including gummies.
This post delves into the benefits of incorporating lion’s mane gummies into your wellness routine.
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1. Supporting Brain Health
The popularity of lion’s mane gummies is rooted primarily in their ability to support healthy brain growth and development.
According to research, lion’s mane boasts potent neuroregenerative properties.
Supplementing with high-quality lion’s mane gummies may support brain development by activating the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF). This could further trigger neuroplasticity, essential in promoting brain cell growth.
Most natural compounds in lion’s mane gummies can foster healthy brain development. However, studies have shown that two specific substances – hericenones and erinacines – possess remarkably potent neuroprotective abilities.
2. Supercharging Cognitive Performance
Impaired cognitive functioning is a reliable indicator of neurodegeneration. By activating the regeneration of depleted brain cells, lion’s mane gummies play a direct role in enhancing cognitive performance.
Animal studies have shown that lion’s mane extracts may alleviate the symptoms of memory loss and decelerate neuronal degeneration.
Besides, additional research indicates that such compounds might improve the performance of the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory consolidation and emotional responses.
Other cognitive aspects you could boost with lion’s mane gummies include attention span, judgment, and learning.
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3. Soothing Anxiety and Depression
Certain compounds in lion’s mane react positively with serotonin, producing calming effects.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates various mental and emotional responses. It’s particularly noted for its anti-depressant effects.
One study found that supplementing with lion’s mane restored depleted levels of serotonin and other feel-good neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. The mushroom impacts serotonin levels in two ways – activating the neurotransmitter’s receptors and pathways, and stimulating its production.
Now, you could choose to consume lion’s mane in other formulations and still enjoy its therapeutic properties. So, what makes gummies special?
Well, the mere act of chewing gum has been shown to soothe nervousness and boost attention span.
In a laboratory study, subjects who chewed gum reported significant stress relief following periods of engaging in intense multi-tasking activities. Therefore, consuming lion’s mane gummies provides compounded benefits compared to administering the mushroom by other methods.
4. Treating Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease marked by a gradual decline in various cognitive aspects, particularly memory.
If untreated, the condition can significantly impact your social life and overall quality of life. Not to mention the heavy financial burden on your loved ones.
As lion’s mane gummies possess remarkable neuroprotective abilities, supplementing with these products may delay and even reverse the onset of Alzheimer’s.
A 2020 study noted a substantial improvement in cognitive test scores for individuals who consumed just one gram of lion’s mane daily for 49 weeks.
5. Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for slightly under 20% of all recorded mortalities.
The fact that most CVDs are silent creepers underscores the significance of early detection or outright prevention.
For smart wellness geeks, administering lion’s mane gummies is a reliable way to minimize the risks of cardiovascular illnesses.
Several studies on rats suggest that lion’s mane may lower triglyceride levels and boost metabolic rate. This combination helps to fight diabetes, a major risk factor for heart disease.
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6. Combating Carcinogenesis
Cancer is another silent creeper whose global impact can be reduced significantly by mainstreaming lion’s mane gummies.
In a 2013 study conducted on mice with colon cancer, researchers noted a 69% reduction in the metastasis of carcinogenic cells among the study subjects exposed to lion’s mane extracts.
These effects were largely due to the mushroom’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Some test tube findings suggest that lion’s mane may trigger the apoptosis of cancer cells.
7. Pain Relief
This is perhaps the most underrated health benefit of lion’s mane gummies. However, lion’s mane rose to prominence for its nootropic properties; emerging research points to its analgesic effects.
Lion’s mane gummies may soothe aching muscles by alleviating inflammation.
Note that inflammation is a principal contributor to pain. That explains why most anti-inflammatory remedies also possess analgesic effects.
Besides, the positive interactions between lion’s mane gummies and serotonin may produce pain relief. While serotonin mostly regulates mental health, some research indicates the neurotransmitter can modulate pain perception too.
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Wrap Up
Integrating lion’s mane gummies into your lifestyle can be a prudent wellness decision. From enhancing cognitive performance to alleviating anxiety, supporting heart health, and even soothing pain…the therapeutic benefits of lion’s mane gummies are virtually endless.
But like most herbal supplements, proper usage is paramount to unlock the healing powers of lion’s mane gummies.
Experts recommend consuming lion’s mane gummies right before heading off to work or during a gaming session. The products’ active ingredients will kick in almost instantly, supercharging your cognitive performance.
If you’re taking lion’s mane gummies for relaxation, the evenings would be the ideal consumption time. The same is true if you’re revising for upcoming exams.
Remember also to practice moderation. While lion’s mane gummies are remarkably safe, an overdose may trigger adverse effects like nausea and vomiting.