It is no secret that mushrooms are considered a very healthy food. And since ancient times and on all continents. And there are very good reasons for that because they have a high content of protein and dietary fiber and a very small percentage of fat.
They are also a rich source of all the essential amino acids that people need to perform and maintain normal physiological processes in the body.
In North America and Asia, we can find cute, whitish, shaggy balls called lion’s mane. Hericium ericaceous is a very unusual medicinal mushroom, which is also called the hedgehog mushroom and the fungus bearded tooth. The cap of this mushroom is covered with long, white hairs whose purpose is to produce and release spores. The lion’s mane is a parasitic fungus. It is not easy to find, because it grows mostly in height, on trees.
Its application in cooking and medicine has been known in China since ancient times. It is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine as an extremely healthy addition to dishes. It has a taste that is slightly reminiscent of seafood.
These unusual mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive problems, and their use in the form of supplements has been expanding recently because medical research has proven that this mushroom has so many benefits that it would be a shame not to use this shaggy gift of Mother Nature.
Food for the brain
The lion’s mane is said to be “food for the brain” because it stimulates the production of a neuropeptide that is responsible for maintaining neurons (neurons are responsible for processes in the brain and the transmission of information). The deficiency of this neuropeptide leads to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Keep in mind that you need to keep your brain constantly active.
Practically, Lion’s mane stimulates and regenerates nerve cells, increasing cognitive functions. It has the ability to regenerate the myelin sheath of nerves and thus increase the conduction of nerve signals.
It is recommended to use it in the following conditions:
- dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
- muscular dystrophy
Other neurological conditions
Although neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia are incurable, Lion’s Mane supplementation can help, alleviate and slow the course of the disease to some extent because it raises the level of acetylcholine, which is necessary for neurological cells in the brain to communicate with each other.
Studies have shown that the use of the lion’s mane reduces stress and depression, in chronic fatigue.
It is useful in the prevention of digestive tract ulcers (heartburn and H.pylori infections), raises the immune system and fights oxidative stress, even improves the appearance of your skin, slows down the aging of your body’s cells.
The lion’s mane protects the heart and cardiovascular system. We will very carefully refer to the research of doctors who have shown that this magic fungus has antitumor effects and prevents the spread of cancer cells, as well as HIV cells. It protects the liver and helps in its regeneration (in cirrhosis and hepatitis C).
It increases bone density, which is especially important in the elderly because as we know, bone density decreases with age.
It lowers blood sugar levels.
Although it has been known since ancient times, the healing properties of this fungus are still being researched. Many studies are underway, but it has been confirmed so far that it can significantly improve the quality of life and slow down the progression of these diseases, especially in the initial stages.
To recapitulate. Many useful properties and beneficial effects of the lion’s mane on our health contribute to the fact that this fungus is recommended for patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinsonism, dementia, but also muscular dystrophy.
The lion’s mane is called a “gift of nature for neurons” in many cultures. Today, when Internet technologies are available to us, we can easily inquire, ie. find this fantastic plant in our climate as well.
Lion mane is a medicinal mushroom that can really help you have lion health. Especially at this time of pandemic, coronavirus, and weakened immunity. Just when you should raise your immunity in all possible ways and give your body the right weapon to fight the virus. Be one step ahead of the disease.