Over the past several decades, there has been an ever-increasing interest in researching mushrooms for their cognitive health benefits. Although much of this research focuses on lion’s mane mushrooms, more and more mushrooms are becoming trendy nootropic supplements. The actual Interesting Info about brain supplements.
From chaga to turkey tail mushrooms, nootropics provide an array of nootropic benefits that help enhance focus and brain power. Please continue reading to learn about these nootropics and how to take them!
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms have long been used for medicinal use in both China and Europe, as well as being an enjoyable gourmet option that many describe as tasting like lobster. Like all mushrooms, lion’s mane contains natural bioactive compounds with many health advantages.
Hericium erinaceus, more commonly called the “lion’s mane mushroom,” has numerous health benefits that make this species appealing. The name refers to its appearance, which resembles a hedgehog’s spines. Lion’s Mane mushrooms typically grow on old or dead broadleaf tree trunks where mycelium or root-like structures at their base provide support. Their fruiting bodies contain compounds with medicinal applications, as do their mycelia (root-like installations at their bases). Both fruiting bodies and mycelia contain compounds that provide health benefits.
Scientists have identified polysaccharides, hericenones, erinacines, and various steroids within a lion’s mane mushroom as compounds that promote immunity, digestive function, and nerve growth while protecting against inflammation. Lion’s mane mushrooms may help improve memory and alleviate mood disorders like depression.
Research into the lion’s mane mushroom is ongoing, but some promising results have already surfaced. A 2021 Antioxidants study showed that the lion’s mane mushroom and Coriolus versicolor, an often-used treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with TBI. This may help prevent neurodegeneration – the breakdown of neurons within the brain.
Lion’s mane can help prevent heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels and inhibiting fat cell formation. This may be particularly beneficial to people living with cardiovascular disease or diabetes as it reduces their risk of complications like heart attack and stroke.
Dietitians specializing in food and mental health caution that more research on lion’s mane mushroom and heart disease must be conducted before it can be considered a treatment option. She notes that it may interact with medications for anticoagulation and diabetes management. Therefore, it’s always wise to check with your physician before beginning any new supplement, even as natural as mushrooms.
Maitake Mushroom
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) is an anti-inflammatory functional mushroom with anti-oxidative and immune-enhancing benefits that make it an ideal addition to whole and dietary supplement diets. With zero cholesterol, calories, or sodium intake and no added cholesterol or other sources of cholesterol, it provides many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and immune-boosting beta-glucans – making Maitake one of the healthiest additions possible!
Maitake has long been consumed as food in Asia and has a variety of medical uses as both food and medicinal herb. Not only can it treat cancer, but other conditions, including HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and infertility due to polycystic ovary syndrome, are also treated by maitake mushroom consumption. Furthermore, Maitake contains adaptogenic properties that help your body adapt and support a healthy stress response.
Studies on Maitake mushrooms have demonstrated their anti-diabetic benefits. One animal study published by the International Journal of Cancer revealed how extracts of Maitake could suppress tumor growth in mice, while an in vitro investigation discovered how Maitake increased insulin production while simultaneously decreasing glucose levels in their blood.
Mushrooms are an invaluable plant-based source of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin D, B, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and antioxidants. Mushrooms support strong bones and muscles while fighting infections and protecting the heart from high cholesterol.
People suffering from high cholesterol levels often have blocked arteries that require their hearts to work harder to pump blood throughout their bodies. According to research, Maitake can reduce cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis.
Maitake mushrooms provide essential protein, vitamin D, riboflavin, niacin, potassium nutrients, fiber, and an appetite suppressant effect that can aid in weight loss. One recent study discovered that when 30 overweight adults received daily doses of Maitake for ten weeks, they experienced an average weight loss of 7-13 pounds due to feeling satisfied between meals, resulting in more calorie burn-off.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms have quickly become one of the hottest trends, appearing in virtually all adaptogen and pre-workout supplements. This fungus has long been used to strengthen immune systems, improve endurance and stamina, increase athletic performance, and minimize fatigue; some experts even believe that certain compounds produced from Cordyceps may even aid in fighting cancer*.
Cordyceps (known in Tibet as yartsa gunbu and in China as Dong Chong Xia Cao) is an adaptogen and tonic commonly found in powdered extract, tinctures, pills, or mushroom coffee forms. Many studies have demonstrated its beneficial effects, while its traditional use for immunity enhancement dates back over two millennia in Chinese Medicine.
Before taking cordyceps, it is recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner. Although the herb is generally safe, you should be mindful of possible side effects, including stomach upset or diarrhea. Also, individuals suffering from autoimmune disease and those taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or hormone replacement drugs should refrain from consuming cordyceps as it could increase blood pressure and cause bleeding in some individuals.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps is considered a jing tonic, which nourishes yin and yang while supporting kidney essence. Our essence, or life force, can be replenished through lifestyle choices (air pollution, diet, meditation, etc.) and herbs like Ginseng, Reishi, or Deer Antler Velvet supplements.
Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of cordyceps as a cure for asthma. Furthermore, its potential cardiovascular disease-prevention abilities also show promise by lowering cholesterol, raising lipid levels, and inhibiting the formation of inflammatory compounds*
The fungus can also stimulate new neuron growth in the brain, providing Alzheimer’s and people living with Parkinson’s with additional benefits. * Studies have also indicated its efficacy in helping reverse age-related mental decline by improving cell respiration rates and increasing neurotransmitter production.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms have long been revered as premier functional fungi in traditional Eastern cultures, including Chinese Medicine. Reishi has earned itself the moniker “Mushroom of Immortality,” with Chinese physicians considering it an adaptogenic herb capable of balancing jing (energy), qi (vital force), and Shen (spirit). Research suggests Reishi may improve cognition; furthermore, studies with mice indicate it increases nerve growth factor production to promote healthy neurological function.
Reishi has also been proven to provide hepatoprotective benefits and may assist in treating rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diabetes. Clinical trials have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its immunoregulatory properties. In contrast, its anti-histamine-histaminic could reduce symptoms associated with hay fever, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing.
Laboratory tests have demonstrated the efficacy of Reishi in suppressing cancer cell proliferation and inducing their programmed cell death through apoptosis or programmed cell death. Furthermore, Reishi enhances white blood cell activity, a critical component of immune functioning.
More recently, studies have suggested that Reishi may contain antidepressants and relieving properties, contributing to its health.
Ganoderma lucidum is an immune-modulating mushroom, meaning that it helps the body adapt more quickly to stressors such as pollution or the effects of climate change. Reishi has long been used as an adaptogenic tonic in traditional Chinese Medicine.
Reishi can be enjoyed in various forms, such as powder, pill, or tea. When selecting your reishi supplement, ensure it features premium lychee, rosewater, bright orange, and smooth vanilla from Kindroot’s selection.
Though more research needs to be conducted, mushrooms have shown great promise as functional medicines and nootropics. If you want to add these mushrooms to your daily routine, visit a healthcare practitioner who can recommend an optimal dosage and delivery method.
