Harvesting Lions Mane Mushroom: Nature’s Superfood That Boosts Brain Health
‘Superfoods’ has become a buzzword in the health and wellness world, describing any food that is nutritionally dense and full of healthy compounds. Lions Mane Mushroom is one of the newest superfoods on the scene, becoming increasingly popular for its amazing brain health benefits.
Lions Mane mushrooms are from the Hericium Family and can be easily Harvested in the wild or grown at home. They are highly nutritious and packed with a range of vitamins, proteins, and essential fatty acids that are beneficial to overall health and well-being. The striking white/yellow shaggy cultivar is what the mushrooms are best known for, resembling the mane of a lion, and is believed to have numerous brain health benefits.
The Benefits of Lions Mane Mushroom
Lions Mane mushrooms are a powerhouse of health benefits and have been linked to boosting cognitive function, memory, mood, and immune system. They also reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and regulate cholesterol and hormones.
One of the major benefits of Lions Mane mushrooms is helping to fight symptoms of degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is largely due to its ability to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and promote the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), allowing damaged nerves to heal and function more efficiently.
Lions Mane can also contribute to improved mood and relaxation because it helps with the production of serotonin. In addition, the antioxidant properties of these mushrooms are beneficial to overall health and can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Harvesting Lions Mane Mushroom
Finding Lions Mane mushrooms in the wild can be tricky as they are a rare species. The best spots to look would be in older, deciduous hardwood forests during the late summer and autumn months, where mushrooms species commonly grow.
The mushrooms in the wild tend to be tougher and require more cleaning before consuming, compared to cultivated mushrooms which are readily available from most grocery stores, vendors and occasionally in health food stores.
Lions Mane can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, grilled, or pickled; however, the mushroom should always be cooked properly to make sure all the beneficial compounds are activated, making it easier to digest.
FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of Lions Mane mushrooms?
A. Lions Mane mushrooms have been linked to boosting cognitive function, memory, mood, and immune system. They also reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and regulate cholesterol and hormones.
Q. How do Lions Mane mushrooms help to fight degenerative conditions?
A. Lions Mane, helps to fight symptoms of degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is largely due to its ability to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and promote the release of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), allowing damaged nerves to heal and function more efficiently.
Q.Where can I find Lions Mane mushrooms?
A. Lions Mane mushrooms can be found in the wild during the late summer and autumn months in older, deciduous hardwood forests. Alternatively, cultivated mushrooms are widely available from most grocery stores, vendors and occasionally in health food stores.
Q. Do Lions Mane mushrooms need to be cooked?
A. Yes, Lions Mane mushrooms should always be cooked properly to make sure all the beneficial compounds are activated, making it easier to digest.