Lions Mane

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Lions mane has many names it is known by, "Pom Pom Blanc" to many gourmet chefs, "Hedgehog mushroom" to many enthusiasts,  and the Japanese call it "Yamabushitake" (literally “mountain priest mushroom") after the Buddhist mountain warrior-priests who lived in lush forest landscapes at high altitudes where this mushroom grows wild.  Lions Mane looks like a bunch of miniature icicles dangling downward or like ocean coral or like a porcupine or any number of things of the like (I've heard it all!)  

One group of polysaccharides found in Lion’s Mane known are known as beta glucans, and these have an immune-strengthening effect throughout the entire body. Lion’s Mane has also been credited with protecting and promoting healthy nerve cells in the brain and nervous system (known as neurons), along with boosting mood and concentration. These brain protecting and enhancing traits are what this mushroom is most widely known for.

How it keeps the brain healthy is through bioactive compounds known as hericenones and erinacines. These compounds have been shown to activate a protein peptide in our bodies known as “nerve growth factor,” or NGF. NGF is critically necessary for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells in our brain and nervous system, known as neurons. There are numerous studies showing its beneficial effect on elderly dealing with dementia or Alzheimers.

Potential health benefits when consuming Lions Mane Mushrooms:

• Immune Boosting
• Anti-cancer
• increase NGF (nerve growth factor)
• protect against dementia and alzheimers
• Anti-depressant
• Protects against ulcers
• Nueroprotectant
• Improves blood sugar control for diabetics
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-oxidant
• Improves focus, cognitive ability, and memory
• Anti-aging
• Promotes gut health
• Reduces risk of heart disease