The brain is a super machine that seems to just operate forever. It is never off but instead works on maintaining and controlling the rest of the body while also storing information, forming memories, and also produces hormones that other organs need.
But like machines, the brain can sometimes, well, malfunction.
Ever went into a room and forgot why you even entered in the first place? Misplaced your keys, only to find it in your pocket? How about experiencing a mental block in the middle of work?
All these, and many other common yet frustrating instances, are all part of cognitive decline. The mental fog which we have all experienced one way or another becomes more common the older we get.
Unfortunately, as much as we don’t want to, our brains also age along with our bodies. This is just a natural part of growing old. We can, however, reduce its effects.
Enter nootropics.
Nootropics are supplements or substances that improve brain function and cognitive health. They especially affect memory, creativity, executive functions, and motivation.
Lion’s Mane — Good For The Brain?
This wild mushroom, which is indigenous to many parts of Asia, has been known to be a potent cognitive enhancer. Their many health benefits are as listed below:
Minimise the Effects of Cognitive Decline
From the moment of birth, our brains have been steadily forming new connections that aid in memory function and other brain processes. As we age though, especially after reaching middle age, our brains somewhat begin to lose this ability and we tend to have moments of fogginess or forgetfulness. Lion’s Mane contains two compounds, Hericenones and Erinacines, that are reported to have been helpful in nerve cell growth.
Helps with Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are both mental health disorders that have been prevalent in recent years due to stress and other factors. Depression is a very common illness, affecting as much as at least 260 million people worldwide. Suicide, due to depression, has been a silent killer in many sufferers. Anxiety, on the other hand, when experienced in excess, can interfere with everyday life and social interaction.
When taking Lion’s Mane, there has been an improved functioning of the hippocampus which can help reduce anxious and depressive behaviours.
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Antioxidants are important compounds that our bodies need to help get rid of free radicals. When our bodies don’t remove these free radicals, the tendency to develop illnesses and the process of cognitive decline increases.
Lion’s Mane, according to a study, is the fourth-highest source of antioxidant activity when ingested regularly. This could definitely help reduce the development of certain autoimmune diseases and cancers in healthy individuals.
Immune System Booster
Our immune system acts as a protective barrier against infectious diseases like the flu. When our immune system is down or compromised, catching viral and bacterial infections becomes a piece of cake. Who would want to spend a week all cooped up in bed with a fever and a cold?
Lion’s Mane may help boost the immune system by increasing the activity in the intestines.
While all these benefits sound amazing and are certainly worth looking into more, do note that studies that involved Lion’s Mane were done on animals.
Lion’s Mane: a Superfood
Make sure to get your own potent Lion’s Mane from Superfoods Australia. Enjoy this wild mushroom in tablet, capsule, liquid and powder form. If you are lucky enough to get the plant itself, you may cook it, eat it raw, dried, or even steeped in tea.
