Lion's Mane: the Mushroom of The Moment

What can you find in the produce section of some grocery shops, the supplement aisle, in certain varieties of espresso, on the menu at your native restaurant, Neuro Surge Official and perhaps even on a log in your yard? Should you guessed lion’s mane mushrooms, then you’re hip to one in every of the newest food traits. Paul Stamets, who has written six books about mushrooms, sells mushroom-primarily based supplements, and has a 2008 TED Talk called "6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World." He additionally seems in the 2019 documentary Fantastic Fungi. The market for mushrooms for meals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other purposes is thriving, too. We spoke with Stamets and different consultants about lion’s mane’s recognition, its historical past as a medicinal food, and its makes use of immediately. What Are Lion's Mane Mushrooms? Appearance: While lion’s mane is often referred to as one mushroom, there are three totally different species. Hericium erinaceus is the mostly offered, and it appears kind of like a white pom-pom.

Taste and texture: In terms of taste, texture, and nutritional content, recent lion’s mane mushrooms may be a beautiful addition to meals. Alan Bergo, a forager and chef primarily based in Minnesota. Mineral content: "Similar to different mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms are a great source of sure essential minerals reminiscent of potassium, zinc, and manganese and several B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin," says Amy Keating, RD, a nutritionist at Consumer Reports. Use in supplements: You may also get your lion’s mane repair as powders, which you can add to drinks similar to espresso; in capsules; and in gummies. Some supplements are made of extracts from the fruiting body (the part that grows above ground), while others are from the mycelium (the foundation-like structure that grows under ground and is instrumental in supporting the ecosystem). Many of these supplements claim to supply mind and nerve help. Preliminary analysis has instructed that consuming lion’s mane mushrooms could also be linked to raised brain well being and decreased symptoms of depression.

In studies in rodents, the mushrooms have also promoted longevity and protected towards gastric ulcers. But research in humans is proscribed and more research is needed to find out the potential well being benefits for folks. While lion’s mane mushrooms aren’t utilized in standard medicine-and aren’t a substitute for conventional medical remedies-some nutritionists suggest them as a complement to extra standard therapies. Janet Zarowitz, MS, RD, CDN. She advises anybody thinking about taking a complement to test with a physician first. By way of unwanted side effects, Janet Zand, an Austin-based physician of traditional Chinese drugs, counsels her patients to cease taking lion’s mane supplements a minimum of two weeks prior to surgical procedure. Two small research-one on rodents and one in vitro-suggest that lion’s mane may skinny the blood, thereby impeding blood clotting. Lack of definitive research hasn’t stopped the proliferation of lion’s mane on the supplements market. Alongside Host Defense, the complement brand offered by Stamets, many manufacturers have emerged, but not all are created equal.

If you’re occupied with buying lion’s mane supplements, these tips can aid you navigate your choices. Identify authentic merchandise. On Amazon, we found lion’s mane mushroom supplements in capsule, powder, and even gummy form that cost $15 to $53-although after all the worth per unit, or per ounce, varies. But when purchasing on Amazon, it’s important to make sure that you’re shopping for from the manufacturer, and not a third get together. You’re more prone to encounter counterfeit merchandise when shopping for via a third party than when buying the brand immediately, and Neuro Surge Official in relation to supplements that could be especially dangerous. To be certain that you’re getting the suitable product, it’s higher to go directly to the manufacturer’s webpage and buy from there. Look for a third-celebration seal. Zarowitz, the nutritionist. Look for a seal from a reputable third get together, like U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP). For more info on third-occasion seals, learn the way to decide on supplements wisely. Buy natural. If you’re on a supplement manufacturer’s website, learn up on how the corporate makes its product.

Where does it get the mushrooms? Is the product certified organic? Because certain heavy metals could be present in soil, some certified natural products may include as much heavy steel contamination as conventional merchandise. Still, it’s vital to purchase certified natural mushrooms to avoid other contaminants, such as pesticides. To keep away from contaminants, Stamets recommends that consumers make sure that the mushrooms they’re getting aren’t coming from China. Depending on your location, lion’s mane can be found at shops akin to Whole Foods and Wegman’s, on Fresh Direct, and at some specialty Asian markets. Keep in mind that lion’s mane is a specialty item, so it's possible you'll pay upward of $10 per pound of mushrooms. Lion’s mane, like different forms of mushrooms, are also a superb meat analogy, which means that when it comes to texture and taste, it may be a great substitute for meat in a dish. Keep in mind, nevertheless, that nutritionally, mushrooms are much lower in protein than meat, so chances are you'll want to pair them with a plant-based mostly protein supply.