In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I discuss the medicinal mushroom - Lion’s Mane and 10 different benefits that have come from supplementing it. I love Lion’s Mane for its well-known cognitive benefits, but studies are showing many other improvements in areas like nerve damage, depression, moods, and inflammation.
I also dive into how to use it and why the sourcing of Lion’s Mane matters based on the benefits you want from it. The current studies are showing that dosing matters, as well as how the compound is extracted from the mushroom.
Overall, this episode offers information on navigating the mushroom supplement, what current studies are saying for healthy participants, and how I like to incorporate it into my day.
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What I Discuss:
(0:25) The medicinal mushroom - Lion’s Mane.
(1:53) Neuroprotective and Antioxidant properties - It increases the release of nerve growth factor.
(4:15) Choosing the right supplement- the quality of the mushrooms matters.
(6:20) 10 Different Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms (18:57) How to use it.
(22:10) BSP community
Key Takeaways:
- Lion’s Mane is a mushroom resembling a head of cauliflower. Studies have shown that it reduces cell death, and is active in the hippocampus (important for memory and learning) which improves cognitive function, positively affects mood, and reduces anxiety.
- There is abundant evidence that it is a powerful tool in your longevity arsenal, but it matters where you source it from. The quality of the mushrooms, the knowledge of the person who is making the supplements, and the process in which it is extracted can affect the supplement's efficacy. Compounds can be extracted from the fruiting body or the mycelia for different purposes. If it’s extracted from the mycelia, the medium in which the mushroom is grown in matters.
- Human and mice studies all show positive effects in diseased and healthy participants. The dosing matters, as well as which compound is used. Overall though, benefits outside of cognitive function include protection against stomach ulcers, positive influence on heart health, managing diabetic symptoms, inhibiting the spread of cancer cells, lowering inflammation markers, and improving immune function.
