Cep, the fly agaric and the mushroom. Mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. One even more beautiful than the other. The Lion’s Mane should certainly not be missing from the list of special mushrooms. Besides the fact that this mushroom has a very special appearance, it is also a popular ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine thanks to its special properties. Discover the unique Lion’s Mane mushroom!
Lion’s Mane
The Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a beautiful creamy white mushroom. It may even be the most beautiful mushroom in the world. The mushroom is easy to recognize: it has a full bunch of graceful stems that are reminiscent of a lion’s mane. Lion’s Mane can also be eaten very well. The taste is soft, subtle and somewhat reminiscent of lobster.
The mushroom is mainly found in Asia, although you can also find it in North America and Northern Europe. The mushroom grows on trunks of the beech tree. Because the mushroom is immensely popular these days, the Lion’s Mane is quite rare in the wild. To meet the high demand, the mushroom is also grown on special mushroom farms. The natural conditions are simulated as optimally as possible.
The special properties of the Lion’s Mane Mushroom
True, in Europe the mushroom is not often eaten. However, the Lion’s Mane is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement. This has to do with the special properties that the mushroom possesses.
What properties are these? Well, first of all, the Lion’s Mane is considered a nootropic. These are nutritional supplements that have beneficial properties on the brain. Lion’s Mane is therefore used as a supplement to keep your brain functions sharp*. The mushroom stimulates cognitive functions such as memory and concentration*. Handy if you have to study for your exam or if you still have a deadline to complete. In addition, Lion’s Mane supports the growth of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) of nerve cells in the brain*.
*These claims are under consideration by EFSA.
Nerve Growth Factor
Nerve Growth Factor is a protein that plays an important role in the transmission of impulses in the brain, especially in nerve cells. These nerve cells – also called neurons – help receive, process and transmit information. The protein NGF is essential to fulfill the task of nerve cells. What also makes NGF special: It has the ability to transfer functions from damaged brain cells to intact cells.
This means that NGF ensures that the nerve cells in our brain are protected, so that they deteriorate less quickly. Thus, NGF helps to slow down the aging process, keeping brain functions vital.
Choose organic
Do you want to buy Lion’s Mane? Then preferably opt for an organic supplement. Why organic? Mushrooms have an important function; they are important cleaners of nature. They absorb all substances from the environment, both good and bad substances. If a manufacturer used pesticides or other chemicals during cultivation, these substances would end up in the mushroom. In other words: the cleaner the environment, the purer the mushroom and therefore also your dietary supplement.
Sources:
– Improving effects of the mushroom Hericium erinaceus on mild cognitive impairment
– Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom
– Potential Antidepressant Effects of Hericium erinaceus