{"id":28502,"date":"2023-03-15T08:00:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-15T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/?p=28502"},"modified":"2025-03-03T14:41:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T22:41:27","slug":"lions-mane-mushroom-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/supplement-articles\/dietary-supplements\/lions-mane-mushroom-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"How Lion\u2019s Mane Mushroom Benefits Memory, Focus and Mood"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tldr\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Studies show that lion\u2019s mane mushroom may support brain health. The benefits stem from its soothing properties.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Animal studies show that lion\u2019s mane mushroom may increase levels of BDNF, a protein that supports brain health.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">For a potent way to increase BDNF levels, try <a target=\"_blank\" data-parsed=\"shop\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.bulletproof.com\/products\/energy-focus\">Energy + Focus<\/a>, which contains whole coffee fruit extract to keep you focused and sharp.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<p><a data-parsed=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/ingredients\/lions-mane\/\" title=\"Lion\u2019s mane\">Lion\u2019s mane<\/a> mushroom earned its common name because some say it looks like a lion\u2019s mane. This fluffy white mushroom is also a powerful <a data-parsed=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/ingredients\/nootropics\/\" title=\"nootropic\">nootropic<\/a> with science-backed benefits.<\/p>\n<p>You might have heard of people mixing lion\u2019s mane into their coffee or <a data-parsed=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/supplements\/\" title=\"supplements\">supplementing<\/a> with lion\u2019s mane mushroom capsules. As it turns out, if you want to remember better, age gracefully and support cognitive health, lion\u2019s mane may be worth your time. Here\u2019s what you should know, including a few tips to embrace the neurosupportive benefits of this mushroom.<\/p>\n<h2>Lion\u2019s mane mushroom benefits<\/h2>\n<p>With roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), lion\u2019s mane mushroom (botanical name: <em>Hericium erinaceus<\/em>) is also known as yamabushitake, hedgehog mushroom and houtou<sup><a href=\"#ref-1\">[1]<\/a><\/sup>. This mushroom has powerful soothing, antioxidant and immune supporting properties.<\/p>\n<h3>Supports brain health<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-28293\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/lions-mane_Supports-brain-health-264x180.jpg\" alt=\"Lightbulb illuminating dark room\" width=\"264\" height=\"180\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your brain naturally slows down over time. Many symptoms associated with aging\u2014like memory and focus comlpaints\u2014are caused by factors in your nervous system like shrinking neurons and damaged brain cells. Animal studies show that lion\u2019s mane mushroom extract may actually support brain health.<sup><a href=\"#ref-2\">[2]<\/a><\/sup><sup><a href=\"#ref-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"bulletproof-supplements\" class=\"nosto_element\"><\/div>\n<h3>May support cognitive function<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-28289\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/lions-mane_Alleviates-symptoms-of-neurodegenerative-diseases-264x180.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of red brain inside outline of head on blue background\" width=\"264\" height=\"180\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In 2008, a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial found that lion\u2019s mane effectively supported cognitive function in a randomized group of 15 older adults.<sup><a href=\"#ref-4\">[4]<\/a><\/sup> Rodent studies found that lion\u2019s mane potentially may have protective effects on brain cells, support memory and promote the creation of new neurons.<sup><a href=\"#ref-5\">[5]<\/a><\/sup><sup><a href=\"#ref-6\">[6]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<h3>Mood and focus<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-28291\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/lions-mane_Improves-mood-and-focus-264x180.jpg\" alt=\"Woman wearing beanie smiling in front of colorful wall\" width=\"264\" height=\"180\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In 2010, in the largest study to date, researchers examined the effects of lion\u2019s mane mushroom on 30 women over a four-week period.<sup><a href=\"#ref-7\">[7]<\/a><\/sup> The participants were randomly assigned to a test group or a control group, and they were given lion\u2019s mane mushroom cookies or placebo cookies (science!). At the end of the four weeks, the lion\u2019s mane mushroom group reported more positive moods.<\/p>\n<p>This was a small study, and clinical research on lion\u2019s mane is limited. However, these findings complement a growing body of research that suggests natural treatments can help you feel more balanced.<\/p>\n<p>Lion\u2019s mane may support focus, too. Improved blood flow provides your brain with more oxygen. The side effect of more oxygen in your brain is better brain performance. The antioxidants in lion\u2019s mane may help support learning and memory, possibly by supporting your brain and neurons.<sup><a href=\"#ref-8\">[8]<\/a><\/sup><sup><a href=\"#ref-9\">[9]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n<div id=\"nootropics-brain\" class=\"nosto_element\"><\/div>\n<h2>How to take lion\u2019s mane mushroom<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-900074675 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/My-project-7.png\" alt=\"Lion's mane mushroom on display\" width=\"1000\" height=\"562\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lion\u2019s mane mushrooms have been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for millennia, as a food with functional benefits. But what\u2019s the best way to add it to your diet?<\/p>\n<h3>How to cook lion&#8217;s mane mushroom<\/h3>\n<p>You can prepare and cook lion\u2019s mane mushroom like any other soft-fleshed mushroom. It tends to be in season in the late summer through fall. When cooked, it has a flavor and texture similar to crab or lobster.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t live in an area where this mushroom is available in farmers markets or the grocery store, you can also take lion\u2019s mane in capsule form.<\/p>\n<p>As with any supplement, lion\u2019s mane mushroom delivers more benefits when taken consistently, and dietary supplements are generally more convenient than cooking. Keep reading for our top recommendations.<\/p>\n<h3>Lion\u2019s mane mushroom capsules (and other supplements)<\/h3>\n<p>Lion\u2019s mane supplements are available as capsules, extracts and powders. However, you need to do your research and make sure your supplementation comes from a reputable company.<\/p>\n<p>You should be able to determine how much of the useful bioactive compound you\u2019re getting in your supplement and how much is actually filler.<\/p>\n<p>Start with half a serving and slowly increase your dosage based on how your body responds. Talk to your health care provider for advice before you add anything new to your supplement routine.<\/p>\n<h2>Other ways to support brain health<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-28290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/lions-mane_As-a-supplement-264x180.jpg\" alt=\"Lion's mane mushroom in capsule form on wood table\" width=\"264\" height=\"180\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" data-parsed=\"shop\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.bulletproof.com\/products\/energy-focus\">Bulletproof Energy + Focus<\/a> is made with coffee fruit extract, which contains compounds shown to support memory, focus and healthy aging. To start your smart routine, take one capsule in the morning.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read this next: <a data-parsed=\"internal\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/gut-health\/immune-system-in-gut\/\">Does Your Gut Control Your Immune System? The Science Behind the Connection<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lion\u2019s mane mushroom earned its common name because some say it looks like a lion\u2019s mane. This fluffy white mushroom is also a powerful nootropic with science-backed benefits. You might have heard of people mixing lion\u2019s mane into their coffee or supplementing with lion\u2019s mane mushroom capsules. As it turns out, if you want to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":104,"featured_media":28288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31578],"tags":[3,14,536],"class_list":["post-28502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dietary-supplements","tag-biohacking","tag-brain","tag-nootropics","reviewer-theresa-greenwell"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lion\u2019s Mane Mushroom Benefits for Memory, Focus and Mood<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lion\u2019s mane mushroom is packed with benefits. 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When she isn't reading about the latest developments in fitness and nutrition, you can find her training jiu jitsu, meal prepping or listening to podcasts.","sameAs":["rebecca.p@bulletproof.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/author\/rebecca-paredes\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/104"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28502"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":900106158,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28502\/revisions\/900106158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bulletproof.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}