Have you ever wished you could remember where you left your keys or internet passwords? We all want to rely less on our smartphones and be smarter. But can Lion’s Mane help us get there?
Lion's Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have gained attention for their potential cognitive benefits, but whether they can make someone "smarter" is more complex and depends on various factors.
Well, we found a couple of studies that dive into whether Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements can make us smarter:
Potential Brain Benefits
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): Lion's Mane mushrooms pack a punch with compounds called hericenones (found in fruiting body) and erinacines (found in mycelium). These compounds kickstart the production of NGF, which is like a personal trainer for your brain cells, helping them grow and stay strong. This can potentially boost your cognitive function and brain health.
Research suggests that Lion's Mane may improve memory and brain function by promoting the growth of new brain cells and shielding them from harm. Studies on animals and some human trials support this idea.
Memory and Cognitive Function: In a 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research, elderly folks with mild cognitive impairment who took Lion's Mane supplements showed better brain function than those who took a placebo. However, when they stopped taking the supplements, their cognitive function dropped, suggesting that for lasting benefits, you need to keep taking Lion's Mane.
Mood Improvement: Another study published in Biomedical Research in 2010 found that Lion's Mane could reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopausal women, which can indirectly benefit cognitive function by improving mood and focus.
Most research has been conducted on animals or small human trials. Larger, well-controlled human studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects and safety of Lion's Mane supplementation.
Supplement Quality:
The effectiveness of Lion's Mane supplements can vary based on the quality of the product. Stay Wyld Organics has lion's mane capsules and lion's mane powder available. Choosing high-quality, reputable brands is essential to ensure efficacy and safety (opb) (UCL). At Stay Wyld Organics, all of our Lion’s Mane mushrooms are certified organic and whole. Meaning we have both the fruiting body and mycelium which is crucial to getting all of the benefits of Lion’s Mane.
Don't Just Rely on Lion’s Mane
Cognitive benefits from Lion's Mane may also depend on other factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and overall mental health. It is unlikely to make a significant difference in isolation without addressing these other aspects of health.
Conclusion
While Lion's Mane mushrooms have shown promising potential in enhancing cognitive function and brain health, they are not a magic bullet for making someone "smarter." They can be a part of a holistic approach to improving brain health, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mental stimulation.
* It's always important to check with your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement, especially if you already take medications. This ensures no potential interactions or side effects could impact your health and well-being. Your healthcare provider can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current treatment plan.
