lion's mane mushroom Archives - Amazing Health Advances

GREAT NEWS for Better Emotional Health, Quality Sleep and Brain Function

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 08:00:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on into its third year, it’s clear that the government-implemented draconian COVID measures have taken a toll on national mental health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people suffering from sad and anxious thoughts and feelings rose dramatically. The sleeping habits of Americans appear to have suffered, as well. In a recent study, researchers observed that “sleep has changed dramatically” during the COVID-19 pandemic, with COVID symptoms sometimes leading to psychological disturbances, including anxious thoughts. Many herbalists and integrative physicians believe that a fuzzy-looking Asian mushroom may help relieve occasional sleeplessness. Lion’s mane mushroom – botanically known as Hericium erinaceous – may help you relax and calm emotions, support better brain function, and improve your quality of sleep. But does it work? Let’s see what early research suggests. Naturally IMPROVE Your Sleep to Greatly Enhance Your Overall Wellbeing Sleep disruption is now considered a major public health issue – and researchers are sounding the alarm. In a new study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, the scientists pointed out that this condition can increase mortality by an alarming ten-fold if the interruptions lead to less than six hours of sleep a night. The team theorized that erinacines – natural substances present in lion’s mane mushrooms – can soothe anxious thoughts and help promote restorative, uninterrupted sleep by modulating brain pathways. Studies have previously shown that lion’s mane can improve the functioning of the hippocampus, which is involved with emotional responses. Although more research on humans is needed, one small clinical trial of women with poor sleep quality and sad and anxious feelings showed that lion’s mane extracts improved their symptoms. Is This “Brain Food?” Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Support the Growth of Neurons Lion’s mane mushrooms contain organic compounds known as hericenones and erinacines – potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can scavenge the harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. In addition, they help to synthesize important nerve growth proteins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Scientists say this allows lion’s mane mushrooms to slow the death of neurons and even stimulate neuronal growth, possibly helping to avoid cognitive breakdown. Furthermore, in animal studies, extracts from lion’s mane reduced signs of aging while helping to prevent the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. Lion’s mane mushrooms may also help with cognitive issues, word recall, memory, and organization. An older – but still influential – Japanese study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that four months of supplementation with 3 grams a day of lion’s mane mushrooms improved cognitive function in 50 to 80 years olds. (However, the positive effects lasted only so long as patients took the supplement.) Noting no adverse reactions, the team deemed the mushroom intervention “effective” in improving mild cognitive impairment. Finally, in a controlled trial published in Biomedical Research in 2019, 12 weeks of supplementation with lion’s mane caused significantly improved cognitive function – as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination. If you experience occasional, minor bouts of mental fatigue, “brain fog,” and impaired concentration (and honestly, who doesn’t?), natural health experts advise lion’s mane mushrooms to support clear, focused thinking. Help Improve Your Digestive System, Immunity and Blood Circulation But that isn’t all. Due to their ability to support nerve regeneration, lion’s mane mushrooms are being investigated for their use to help speed recovery from strokes. In addition, they promote efficient digestion, protect the stomach lining and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut (the location of 80 percent of the immune system). In animal studies, lion’s mane mushrooms have lowered high triglycerides, decreased inflammation, and slowed weight gain, thereby supporting healthy heart function. Finally, a mushroom extract known as hericenone B reduces the rate of blood clotting and promotes healthy circulation. “Mellow Out” with Lion’s Mane While lion’s mane mushrooms can be eaten raw, most enthusiasts prefer them cooked, as the taste can be somewhat bitter. Also called yamabushitake and pom-pom mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms have a delicate, briny flavor reminiscent of crab or lobster. Sautee them in grass-fed butter or ghee and use them to elevate stir-fries, accent seafood dishes, and enhance soups, stews, omelets, and casseroles. Here’s a “pro tip:” For best results, cook these mushrooms until the outer layer is crispy. You can also find lion’s mane mushrooms as a supplement in capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. Naturally, check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. With their shaggy, yarn-like texture, lion’s mane mushrooms may appear a little off-putting – at first. But don’t let their odd appearance discourage you. These beneficial fungi can be a soothing, calming addition to your healthy diet. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Mushroom Powder: The Versatile Superfood for Coffee & More

AHA Publisher — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 08:00:59 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – If you’ve been paying attention to the natural health market, you may have noticed a new trend emerging. Mushroom powder is popping up in coffee, powders, capsules and even beauty products. Many are wondering: What is mushroom powder, and why would I want to use it? Mushrooms are a group of superfoods with impressive nutrition contents and potential health benefits. They’re packed with disease-fighting and energizing nutrients. That’s exactly why mushrooms are known as the “elixir of life” in Chinese medicine. They’ve been a part of traditional medicine for thousands of years. What Is Mushroom Powder? Mushroom powder is exactly what it sounds like — dried mushrooms that are pulverized into powder. You can get many types of mushroom powder, as it can be made with any type of culinary mushroom. Why bother consuming mushroom powder instead of just adding mushrooms to your diet? In powder form, you get a higher concentration of nutrients. Types/Varieties There are several types of mushroom powder available in stores, and you can always dehydrate fresh mushrooms and make your own at home. In stores, you can find powders made with one type of mushrooms and blends that are made of several. Shiitake Shiitake is a popular dried mushroom because it’s affordable and contains all eight essential amino acids, along with a fatty acid called linoleic acid. Shiitake mushrooms are known to increase satiety, making them great for weight loss. They also contain phytonutrients that support heart health and immune function. Porcini Porcini powder is commonly used to add flavor to broths, and sometimes it’s added to flour when making bread or pasta. They are known for their floury texture when ground. Porcini mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and lycopene. They are also a good source of fiber and plant-based protein. Chaga Chaga has an earthy flavor, and it contains vanillin, the same compound in vanilla bean. It is ranked one of the top foods for oxygen radical absorbent capacity. That means that it’s an excellent source of antioxidants and can therefore help in the prevention of disease. Chaga mushroom works as an inflammation reducer, and eating them may even improve physical endurance. Lion’s Mane Lion’s mane is known as a nootropic food because of its brain-boosting properties. You’ll often see it in powdered form and added to mushroom coffee. Research suggests that it may slow down cell degeneration in the brain, helping fight diseases like Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane also supports heart and digestive health because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Reishi Reishi mushroom has been valued in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It goes by the nickname “king of mushrooms” and serves as an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with the negative effects of stress. These mushrooms are jam-packed with antioxidants and health-promoting compounds, like polysaccharides. Reishi powder is used to balance hormones, promote heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels. Cordyceps Cordyceps are a staple in holistic medicine and known as a superstar supplement that’s used to enhance athletic performance, reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. They feature anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that help fight disease, boost immune function and slow aging. Mushroom Powder Benefits 1. Enhances Brain Function Mushroom powder is well-known for its positive affects on brain function. Lion’s mane powder, for instance, has been found to reduce the impact of neurodegenerative diseases by slowing or reversing cell degeneration in the brain. It is often used to promote mental clarity and focus. It’s a popular supplement for overall cognitive health. 2. Supports Immune Health Mushrooms often contain polysaccharides, molecules that have immunomodulatory effects and may enhance immune system function. Research on chaga shows that the mushroom can stimulate spleen lymphocytes that work to regulate the immune system and boost the body’s ability to fight off invading viruses and bacteria. 3. Eases Stress Traditionally, mushrooms have been used to reduce stress and anxiety. An animal study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that reishi mushroom powder had significant anti-anxiety activity in mice. Researchers suggest that the anti-anxiety effects may be the result of the phenols and flavonoids present in reishi mushroom. A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggests that reishi has antidepressant potential and may help ease stress-induced anxiety. 4. Boosts Energy Shiitake mushroom powder is a great source of vitamin B, so it helps support adrenal function and turn the nutrients you consume into useable energy. Mushroom powder supplements and coffees are often used to boost energy levels and beat brain fog. Mushrooms are also known to improve exercise performance. The polysaccharides in mushrooms make them excellent foods for physical endurance. 5. Regulates Blood Sugar Medicinal mushrooms are useful for managing diabetes because they have been shown to improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Research on reishi mushroom, for example, suggests that it’s able to decrease both blood sugar and insulin levels in mice. It was also able to modify enzymes that are involved in blood sugar control. 6. Supports Health Health Research shows that there’s a strong link between mushrooms and heart health. Cordyceps mushroom powder, for example, could help prevent heart damage and lower LDL cholesterol. Mushrooms have proven to be organ protectors that benefit the heart by fighting oxidative stress as well. 7. Slows Aging The impressive antioxidant content in mushroom powder helps fight free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress. Not only does this help prevent disease, but it helps slow the signs of aging and optimizes overall health. By promoting healthy aging, consuming reishi mushroom powder, for example, is known to boost longevity. Studies reveal that it affects life span extension by reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage throughout the body. Mushrooms vs. Mushroom Powder Mushroom powder is made from dehydrated and ground mushrooms. A serving of the power provides a higher nutritional value because it’s much more concentrated. One scoop of a blended mushroom powder can provide a range of health-promoting nutrients, including a long list of antioxidants, prebiotic fibers, amino acids and micronutrients. In its condensed form, it packs a nutritional punch. How to Use (Dosage, Recipes) Here’s the beauty of mushroom powder — it can be added to so many dishes. It has a mild, earthy flavor that blends well in many dishes and can even be added to beverages. Treat it like a seasoning agent (like mushroom umami seasoning), and add it to scrambled eggs, soups, casseroles, sauces and sautéed vegetables. It offers a great meaty flavor and has a slew of health benefits. Recently, mushrooms are being used in all sorts of products. You can find coffees, teas and protein powders made with mushroom powder. Store-bought powders are added to recipes, coffees, hot chocolate blends, drink mixes and smoothies. Generally, two to three teaspoons of powder is consumed once a day to boost overall health. Don’t overdo it, though, and remember that it’s a concentrated version of whole mushrooms so a little goes a long way. You may be wondering about the taste of mushroom coffee. Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms and serves as a less acidic way to get your morning caffeine. Want to make your own mushroom powder at home? It’s very easy. Purchase dehydrated mushrooms, and grind them into a fine powder. Then use the powder in everyday recipes for a boost of antioxidants and nutrients. For storage, keep the powder in an airtight container. Risks and Side Effects A high-quality mushroom powder is considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. Read the product label carefully for dosage directions, and do not exceed the recommended dose. Some mushrooms work to make the immune system more active, so people with autoimmune diseases should check with their doctors before using mushroom powder supplements. If you experience any adverse side effects after consuming mushroom supplements, discontinue use immediately. Conclusion Mushroom powder seasoning is gaining popularity because it’s a nutrition powerhouse that can be added to a ton of recipes and beverages. You’ve heard about the health benefits of whole mushrooms, so think about the effects of a concentrated version. You can find mushroom powder blends or powders of individual mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, cordyseps, porcini and lion’s mane. Mushroom seasoning is jam-packed with antioxidants, protein, fiber, amino acids and micronutrients, including B vitamins. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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