Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote brain health, and recent studies have confirmed their effectiveness.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at four mushrooms – Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga – that have been shown to improve brain function and protect against cognitive decline.
Lion's Mane
Lion's Mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, has been shown to enhance brain function and improve cognitive abilities. It contains two unique compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which stimulate the production of nerve growth factors that support brain cell growth and regeneration.
A 2013 study found that Lion's Mane supplementation improved cognitive function in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Participants who took Lion's Mane for four months showed significant improvements in their scores on a cognitive function scale compared to the placebo group.
A more recent study led by Professor Frederic Meunier from the Queensland Brain Institute Lion's Mane Mushroom extract has a significant impact on the growth of brain cells, promote neurogenesis and improve memory.
“Extracts from these so-called ‘lion’s mane’ mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine in Asian countries for centuries, but we wanted to scientifically determine their potential effect on brain cells,” Professor Meunier said.
“Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.
In addition to its cognitive benefits, Lion's Mane has also been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mood. One study found that Lion's Mane improved depression and anxiety symptoms in menopausal women.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a type of parasitic fungus that grows on caterpillar larvae in the Himalayan region. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fatigue, respiratory problems, and kidney disease.
Recent studies have shown that Cordyceps has neuroprotective effects and can improve cognitive function. A 2012 study found that Cordyceps supplementation improved memory and learning in mice. Another study found that Cordyceps extract reduced brain cell damage and improved cognitive function in rats with traumatic brain injuries.
Cordyceps has also been shown to improve athletic performance and reduce fatigue, which may indirectly benefit brain health by promoting overall wellness.
Reishi
Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been shown to enhance immune function.
Recent studies have also suggested that Reishi may have neuroprotective effects. One study found that Reishi extract improved cognitive function in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment. Another study found that Reishi extract protected against brain cell damage in rats with Alzheimer's disease.
Reishi has also been shown to improve sleep quality, which is important for brain health. Poor sleep has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.
Chaga
Chaga, or Inonotus obliquus, is a type of mushroom that grows on birch trees. It has been used in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer and gastrointestinal issues.
Chaga has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Recent studies have suggested that Chaga may also have neuroprotective effects. One study found that Chaga extract protected against brain cell damage in rats with Alzheimer's disease. Another study found that Chaga extract improved cognitive function in mice with dementia.
Chaga may also have anti-anxiety effects. One study found that Chaga extract reduced anxiety symptoms in mice.
What to look for when buying mushroom supplements for brain health
When buying mushroom supplements, it's important to look for high-quality ingredients. The quality and potency of mushroom supplements can vary widely, so it's important to choose a brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has rigorous testing and quality control procedures in place.
You also want to make sure there is enough active ingredients in the supplements - lots of products simply don't have enough per portion.
Another factor to consider is the extraction method used to create the supplement. Some extraction methods can destroy or degrade the beneficial compounds in mushrooms, while others can concentrate and preserve them.
Look for brands that use extraction methods that are known to be effective at preserving the bioactive compounds in mushrooms, such as hot water extraction or dual-extraction.
It's also important to choose a supplement that contains the specific mushroom species and part of the mushroom that have been shown to have the most beneficial effects. For example, Lion's Mane supplements should contain the fruiting body of the mushroom.
Mojo gummies are a good option for those who prefer a more convenient and enjoyable way to take mushroom supplements.
Often stacking several of these substances together works best to achieve the optimal outcome. Gathering all these up individually and getting the dosing right can be a challenge. Thats why we created Mojo - our team engineered a proprietary blend of functional mushrooms (Cordyceps and Lions Mane), herbs, adaptogens and roots that boost brain health and cognition.
Mojo gummies are the result of over a decade of research and development by our Chief Science Officer, Daniel Sanders. The gummies are made with high-quality organic mushrooms and use a dual-extraction method to ensure maximum potency.
They are also vegan, gluten-free, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. The gummies are a great option for those who don't like the taste of mushroom supplements and mushroom coffee, or have difficulty swallowing pills.
Backed by numerous studies, they taste great, are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no artificial flavors or colors.
Over 1 million gummies sold in the U.S since our launch in 2021 - we're proud to help our community think more clearly, be more productive and feel more connected.
If you want to try Mojo, you can use the following code for 15% off: WELCOME15
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms such as Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, and Chaga have been shown to have numerous benefits for brain health. They have neuroprotective effects, promote brain cell growth and regeneration, and improve cognitive function.
They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can improve overall health and wellness.
While further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, these mushrooms have shown promising results in improving cognitive function, protecting against brain cell damage, and reducing inflammation. Incorporating these mushrooms into a healthy lifestyle can be a natural way to support brain health and overall wellness.
In addition to taking mushroom supplements, there are other lifestyle factors that can promote brain health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and stress management are all important for maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
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