The Mystery of the “REAL” Magic Mushroom

When you think of gut health, increased energy levels, focus, and laser-like concentration, what comes to mind? If you were thinking Lions Mane Mushrooms, you are correct. Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is widely available in supplement form. As it grows, usually on dead decaying trees, it develops a shaggy appearance that resembles… you guessed it… a “Lion’s Mane”. Native to the mountainous regions of Asia, and commonly found in the Northern United States and Canada, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are also a key ingredient in Koios Sparkling Brain Energy. Not to mention, it’s probably the coolest-looking mushroom of all time, and it may even be the most helpful!

Let’s be honest, we are more aware than ever that harmful bacteria can lurk anywhere. These days, it is extra important to maintain a healthy and strong immune system, but that isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Especially with the hectic work life many people have. We are rushed from meeting to meeting, stopping by the nearest fast food establishment to fuel our productivity. These over-processed foods can weaken our immune system and damage the sensitive ecosystem that is our gut microbiome.

Luckily, adding some Lion’s Mane Mushrooms into your diet can play an important role in building up a resilient immune system. As harmful pathogens enter the body through the mouth or nose as we breathe in, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms can bolster our defenses by helping to stimulate gut bacteria to trigger the immune system. Scientific research shows that Lion’s Mane Mushrooms contains a number of health-promoting substances, including antioxidants and beta-glucan. Beta-glucans are sugars that are found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae, lichens, and plants, such as oats and barley. They are sometimes used as medicine as well and are most commonly used for heart disease and high cholesterol. Beta-glucans might lower blood cholesterol by preventing the absorption of cholesterol from food in the stomach and intestines. All these benefits are packed into this truly magic mushroom.

In addition, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are said to strengthen the immune system, stimulate digestion, and protect against cancer. Lion’s mane is also a natural anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for those looking to improve their gut health. Lion’s Mane has been shown to increase mental clarity and memory retention with some studies showing that Lion’s Mane could be the key ingredient for long life! Who doesn’t want that?

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms – Your new favorite supplement

I understand that some of you may be skeptical. A mushroom that can make me live longer? How is that even possible? As Lion’s Mane Mushrooms continue to grow in popularity, studies on the fungi have started to become more and more common. I went done the internet rabbit hole on this awesome outdoor treat so you don’t have to. Here are some interesting facts about Lion’s Mane Mushrooms that I have uncovered. Lion’s Mane may benefit older adults with mind cognitive impairment, according to a study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2009. Researchers assigned 30 older adults with mild cognitive impairment to take either lion’s mane extract or a placebo every day for 16 weeks. In cognitive tests given at weeks eight, 12, and 16 of the study, members of the lion’s mane group showed significantly greater improvements compared to members of the placebo group.

Lion’s Mane extract may also offer protective effects against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. Lion’s Mane is rich in polysaccharides which have been shown to promote nerve growth factor (NGF). Lion’s Mane has also been found to increase the production of acetylcholine, a compound that occurs throughout the nervous system, in which it functions as a neurotransmitter. Lion’s Mane may be an important part of a daily regimen to promote cognitive health and fight age-related memory loss.

Lion’s mane is among the most ancient medicinal mushrooms, revered by Asian cultures for centuries due to its ability to boost immunity and vitality in addition to potentially increasing life span. Lion’s Mane has been found in traditional Chinese medicine stores as well as online retailers, where reviews cite that Lion’s Mane can increase energy levels, relieve anxiety, reduce inflammation, stimulate hair growth, combat yeast overgrowth, boost insulin sensitivity,  and even improve sleep quality! I’ve personally used Lion’s Mane extract myself for at least six months now and have seen a significant improvement in my day-to-day life. I have more energy throughout the day, and I feel well-rested when I wake up in the morning. Lion’s Mane extract is one of the best supplements you can take to improve your overall health and well-being.

You really are what you eat

Do you know that “gut” feeling? The gut and the brain are more connected than you may think. Our mood and the way we react to our emotions can be heavily influenced by the flora of our stomach lining. The human microbiome, or gut environment, is a community of different bacteria that has co-evolved with humans to be beneficial to both a person and the bacteria. Researchers agree that a person’s unique microbiome is created within the first 1,000 days of life, but there are things you can do to alter your gut environment throughout your life as well. Like I mentioned before, ultra-processed foods like fast foods are made to be extra tasty, but often contain an excess of sugar and salt to enhance the flavor. But how does this affect my mood?

It’s important to know that 90% of serotonin receptors are located in the gut, so when we consider the connection between our stomach and our brain, it’s obvious that if you eat junk, you feel like junk. Lion’s Mane supplements have been found to increase levels in both depression and stress hormones like cortisol, while also reducing symptoms associated with mood disorders.

Lion’s Mane also helps to control anxiety by inhibiting GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter known as the “calm down” chemical; it boosts adrenal function and helps with sleep disorders like insomnia. Giving your gut the proper tools to work with, like Lions Mane Mushrooms can have a major impact on your health and mood at the same time. It makes sense that this amazing mushroom is one of the oldest “superfoods” that we know of. A better diet can help, but it’s only one part of the treatment. It’s important to note, that just like you cannot exercise out of a bad diet, you also cannot eat your way out of feeling depressed or anxious. According to a Harvard Health study, here are a few more suggestions for a healthier gut and an improved mood to consider when supplementing with Lion’s Mane Mushrooms.

• Eat whole foods and avoid packaged or processed foods, which are high in unwanted food additives and preservatives that disrupt the healthy bacteria in the gut.
• Instead of vegetable or fruit juice, consider increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits without added sugars/additives are a good choice too.
• Eat more fiber and include whole grains and legumes in your diet.
• Include probiotic-rich foods such as plain yogurt without added sugars.
• To reduce sugar intake at breakfast, add cinnamon to plain yogurt with berries, or to oatmeal or chia pudding.
• Adding fermented foods such as kefir (unsweetened), sauerkraut, or kimchi can be helpful to maintain a healthy gut.
• Eat a balance of seafood and lean poultry, and less red meat each week.
• Add a range of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and consider choosing organic produce.

The best way to enjoy a healthy brain

After finding out and feeling all the benefits Lion’s Mane Mushrooms have brought to my life it’s hard to think about my diet without it. I feel healthier, more focused, and refreshed after a good night’s sleep. As a company, we have decided to add Lion’s Mane Mushrooms to Koios Sparkling Brain Energy because we care about people’s brain health. I know it is cliche, but it feels good to feel good.

In today’s society, we overwork our brains daily and hardly take into consideration the lasting effects that overworking does on our mental health and cognitive function. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms promotes healthy brain function and cognition. Lion’s Mane can also help protect the mind from cognitive decline associated with aging, which includes memory loss as well as other mental impairments like depression or anxiety.

Lion’s Mane extract has been shown to promote nerve growth factor synthesis in the hippocampus-an area of your brain responsible for short-term memory storage (Morris et al., 1988). It does this through activating its receptor called TrkB receptors on neurons thus promoting their proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms have the ability to stimulate both general secretions of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and serotonin in the hypothalamus (Marek et al., 1989). Lion’s Mane is an incredible herb because it helps prevent many age-related diseases by promoting healthy levels of NGF.

With the rise in popularity, Lion’s Mane Mushrooms will become a household name in a short time. There is no better way to enjoy this trusted ancient supplement than by drinking it in a Koios Sparkling Brain Energy beverage. We are excited for our community to experience Lion’s Mane and all of the benefits that come with it. For those of you who have tried supplementing with Lion’s Mane, please share your stories with us. It’s incredible that we live in an age where we can study these fungi and other superfoods to find out what they actually do. The ability to share information at such a vast level is amazing. I hope the word gets out about how awesome Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are, and I look forward to more discoveries in this field of study.

Lion’s mane is one of the most popular mushrooms and can be found at almost every grocery store across America. It typically comes dried or canned; however, it should always be cooked prior to consumption. If you want an extra health kick, then we recommend drinking Lion’s Mane in one of our Koios Sparkling Brain Energy. We combine it with MCT Oil, nootropics, and electrolytes. It is literally your brain’s best friend. Koios was created to replenish, rejuvenate, rebalance, hydrate, and motivate you to be your best self. I hope that after reading this, you decide to give Lion’s Mane a try if you haven’t already, and please reach out and let us know how it has improved your day-to-day life. Stay sharp and healthy!