Mushrooms are one of the magic you could find on Earth. Some of them are so beneficial for human health while others could be super toxic. That is why you should be careful when it comes to mushrooms but lion’s mane mushrooms are not only unique in appearance but also full of potential from fighting cancer up to brain-boosting.
What Are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?
The name of lion’s mane comes because of this mushroom looks like the scruff of lion. These mushrooms are edible and containing amazing medicinal properties. The scientific name of lion’s mane mushrooms is Hericium erinaceus. This mushroom is so popular in Asia such as China, Japan and Korea but well known in different name such as Houtou in Chinese and Yamabushitake In Japanese.
Nutritional Values of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
When it comes to the nutritional values, just like any mushrooms lion’s mane mushrooms are rich of essential minerals. Not only that some studies also stated that the extract of lion’s mane mushrooms are containing compounds such as antibiotic, anti-cancer and some potent anti-aging properties. So, what are the benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms? The list below will inform you in more details information.
- Excellent Brain Booster
Scientific studies have stated that lion’s mane mushrooms are possible to help improving brain and cognitive function.
- May Be Beneficial to Protect against Dementia, Alzheimer and Parkinson’s
As mentioned in the previous point, as excellent brain booster consuming lion’s mane mushrooms regularly could help protecting against dementia, Alzheimer and even Parkinson’s.
- Great to Reduce the Symptoms of Depression
There is no easy to deal with the symptoms of depression but some active compounds found in lion’s mane mushrooms have been proven to be effective in helping patients with mild depression dealing with their conditions.
- Good for the Health of Nervous System
There are a lot of factors that could cause someone suffering from nervous system problems such as stroke. Consuming lion’s mane mushrooms could help improving the damaged nervous system.
- Promotes Healthy Digestion
There are a lot of studies have been conducted to find out the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom to digestion from increasing the immunity system from bacteria up to preventing the tissue damage in the intestine.
- Good for Cardiovascular Health
As rich of certain essential minerals such as health benefits of iron and potassium, lion’s mane mushrooms are excellent for cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Recommended for Diabetic Patients
Those who have been diagnosed with certain types of diabetes could consume lion’s mane mushroom in their diet because the unique compound in this mushroom is able to help controlling the blood sugar level and at the same time is reducing the side effects.
- Natural Way to Fight Cancer
Studies found out that lion’s mane mushrooms contain some unique compounds that could act as anti-cancer. Consuming lion’s mane mushrooms regularly is how to prevent cancers naturally.
- Excellent Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants found in lion’s mane mushrooms have a lot of benefits for human from eliminating the free radicals up to acting as anti-aging to keep your skin healthy and young a bit longer.
- Immunity System Booster
Some studies stated that lion’s mane mushrooms are improving immunity system by protecting the intestine from bacteria even as dangerous as salmonella.
- Contains Potent Anti-Bacterial Agents
As mentioned in the previous points, lion’s mane mushrooms contains potent anti-bacterial agents that are even able to kill bacteria as strong as salmonella which is commonly found inside the intestine.
- Decreases Inflammation
The anti-inflammation properties found in lion’s mane mushrooms are considered as super potent. Inflammation itself is the root of some chronic diseases like heart conditions and diabetes.
- Improves Metabolism
Healthy body comes from normal and healthy metabolism. The low calories level and excellent in regulating blood sugar are reasons why lion’s mane mushrooms are great to improve human body metabolism.
- Prevents Blood Clots
There is specific component found in lion’s mane mushrooms well known as hericenone-B. This component is preventing unnecessary blood clotting that could lead to conditions like atherosclerosis which is also well known as the hardening of artery.
- Helpful to Treat Fatigue
Fatigue could occur when your body is lacking of red blood cells which could lead to condition like anemia and as rich of essential minerals like iron and magnesium and able to improve blood circulation consuming lion’s mane mushrooms could be super helpful to treat fatigue as well.
The Best Way to Enjoy Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Due to its amazing health benefits there are a lot of extract of lion’s mane mushroom in the form of supplement, herbal tea and so on. However, since this mushroom is very tasty the best way to enjoy lion’s mane mushroom is by cooking it yourself. Below is the easiest recipe to enjoy lion’s mane mushroom.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 cups sliced lion’s mane mushrooms
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of ground white pepper
- Thyme
- 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Add virgin olive oil to frying pan with medium heat
- Add sliced lion’s mane mushrooms, pinch of salt and ground pepper
- Cook them for about 2 – 3 minutes
- Finish it with thyme
This tasty and easy recipe is well known as sugar-detox recipe because its minimum ingredients. However, the meaty flavour and soft texture of lion’s mane mushrooms are excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals.
For those who are wondering about the caution of consuming lion’s mane mushrooms, there are no specific reports regarding the side effect of lion’s mane mushrooms. Asides from the health benefits of mushrooms, some studies also conducted to find out the cautions that may occur when consume it in high amount but the result is still nothing. However, those who are already diagnosed to be allergic to mushroom may suffer similar effect when consuming lion’s mane mushroom.