Lion’s Mane Mushroom (Hericium Erinaceus), otherwise known as a culinary mushroom, is tender and chewy with a mild and sweet flavor. It is grown in North America, Europe, and Asia and has been studied for its neuro health properties for improving cognitive impairment and brain damage. Many studies have concluded that the consumption of Lion’s Mane Mushroom can provide many health benefits. But does timing matter? Do you have to take Lion’s Mane before bed to get better sleep?
We’ve reviewed several studies and articles and have found some answers.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Nutritional Value
Lion’s Mane Mushroom contains minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron, that aid in the overall health of the human body. Per 100 grams, the mushroom contains 35 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber.
Aging and Health Concerns
The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation reported several health benefits of the consumption of Lion’s Mane Mushroom, such as the protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. Also, a positive effect on blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. With all of these factors combined, it suggests that the mushroom could protect against Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease that causes progressive memory loss.
Bioactive Components
Lion’s Mane Mushroom contains a large number of components that contain antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and neuroprotective properties. Some compounds found in the mushroom include antibiotic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antifatigue, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antisenescence, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, etc. These components suggest an improvement of anxiety, cognitive function, and depression.
Nerve and Brain Health
The regular consumption of Lion’s Mane Mushroom can be useful during injury as it promotes nerve and brain health. A model case study indicated a regeneration of axons in the muscle of rats that were treated with Lion’s Mane Mushroom. This study suggested that the daily consumption of the mushroom can promote the regeneration of nerves. Erinacines found in the mushroom can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the synthesis of trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor.
Ulcer Reduction
In a 2013 study using rats, there was a notable decrease in the ulcer area for those rats that were treated with an extract of Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Treatment using an extract of the mushroom significantly decreased an infiltration into gastric tissue.
Cancer Treatment
A study in 2014 found that the compounds in Lion’s Mane Mushroom have the potential to develop into anticancer agents. The data collected and analyzed in a 2015 study made a strong statement that the aromatic compounds from Lion’s Mane Mushroom can have the potential to act as cancer treatments.
Cognition
Compounds in Lion’s Mane Mushroom have been shown to alleviate depression and improve cognition. According to a 2015 study that involved mice, regular use of the mushroom was found to alleviate inflammation and depression.
Side Effects
Although the use of Lion’s Mane Mushroom has not been studied in humans, there have not been any reports of adverse side effects. In fact, the mushroom is said to be safe to consume.
Does it matter if I take Lion’s Mane before bed?
Sleep is crucial for the body to rest and restore its energy. It is an important cycle of resting, restoring energy, and using it again. However, 50-70 million adults have a sleep disorder in the United States, with insomnia being the most common sleep disorder. Irregular sleep patterns can lead to a disruption of circadian rhythms and a decline in well-being.
A 2010 study concluded that four weeks of the daily consumption of Lion’s Mane Mushroom led to a significant decline in fatigue, depression, and irritability. In addition, there was a decline in insomnia reported after the four weeks.
However, the study did not suggest that it matters whether you take Lion’s Mane before bed or in the morning. There are no studies at this time that suggest that timing has any impact on the effectiveness of Lion’s Mane.
Furthermore, a 2019 study concluded that after eight weeks of supplements, patients showed a reduction in both anxiety and sleep disorders in conjunction with a low-calorie diet.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Improves Sleep Quality
Studies have suggested that consuming Lion’s Mane Mushroom every day can improve sleep quality. Lion’s Mane Mushroom supports nerve and brain health and can aid in the brain’s activities throughout the night such as recharging itself and removing waste byproducts. It doesn’t really matter when you take it, whether in the morning or at night. It’s more so important that you take it daily. Most supplements come in the form of capsules, however, there are also coffee and powders that contain the mushroom.
The Bottom Line
Lion’s Mane Mushroom has so many amazing health benefits. After reading the above information I’m sure you are wondering “where can I get my dose of Lion’s Mane Mushroom?” Invest in a supplement or powder and let the healing begin. Try it for at least a month and if you don’t feel the benefits, stop taking it and see how you feel. As long as you are taking it daily, the time when you take it doesn’t matter so much.
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- Promote Neurogenesis and Brain Cell Growth – Lion’s mane extract may promote nerve growth factor and support the production of neurons in the brain.
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