Lion's Mane has risen in popularity for it's uplifting, energising effects on the mind, ideal for those who struggle with focus and are in need of an energising pick me up. Below, Nutritional Health Coach Georgi Grogan, Co-Founder of Sixways comments on the 4 health benefits of Lion’s Mane and how incorporating them into your diet could prove to have significant wellbeing benefits.

So what is Lion's Mane?
Lion’s Mane is an ancient medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese + Japanese medicine for hundreds of years. It's been shown to have neuro-protective effects (so it's good for your brain) and also help improve overall cognitive function and brain health. There's a lot anecdotal evidence to suggest in can help to reduce anxiety and depression and also boost the digestive tract with it's antibiotic and anti-aging properties.

4 Ways Lion’s Mane Could Benefit You

1. Stimulates brain cells for better memory, focus and concentration
It's no secret that our diet can help to support brain health significantly. Studies have shown that Lion's Mane Mushrooms may help to support your mental function (and fight that pesky brain fog).

Specific active compounds (hericenones and erinacines) found in Lion’s Mane are some of the most potent naturally occurring compounds for inducing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain. These stimulates the growth and regeneration of brain cells and helps the brain to form new neural pathways. Both of which are vital for proper cognitive function and essential for learning and memory.

Studies suggest they can help slow the progress of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimers & Dementia, by reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage.

2. May help to support mental health
Along the lines of supporting brain health, other studies have been conducted regarding the potential benefits of this mushroom for levels of anxiety and depression. This could be "possibly due to improved functioning in the hippocampus, but again, more research in humans is needed," notes Cording.

Additionally, research has found that lion's mane extract helped reduce anxiety and depression in mice due to the anti-inflammatory impact it can have on the mind and body - as discussed below.

3. Boosts your gut health and microbiome
Due to their beta-glucan polysaccharide component, Lion's Mane Mushrooms are considered a 'functional food' that can act as a prebiotic. Put simply, they may help your gut flora (and good bacteria) to flourish while potentially limiting the growth of bad bacteria like bacteria H. pylori.

4. Powerful anti-inflammatory properties

Outside of the brain-boosting benefits of lion's mane, there's also evidence that they may also have some anti inflammatory properties. Some researchers believe "the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of lion's mane mushrooms may be part of how they work to benefit health, but more research is needed to further understand these mechanisms," notes Cording. Chronic inflammation can have a number of negative effects including tiredness, fatigue, hair loss, anxiety + depression and gut health issues.

Try Lion’s Mane Mushroom Blend from Sixways.

Lions Mane Mushroom Blend

FOCUS | MEMORY | MENTAL CLARITY

Wave goodbye to brain fog with our Lion's Mane enhanced nootropic blend. This uplifting, energising drink helps to focus your mind - naturally - with no fear of a caffeine crash. Think coffee, without the downside(s).

Potent adaptogenic blend of:

Lion's Mane, Maca Root, Ginkgo Biloba

+ Vitamin B Complex.

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