LIONS MANE

Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are white, globe-shaped fungi that have long, shaggy spines. People can eat them or take them in the form of supplements. Research suggests that they may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health. People in Asia use these mushrooms for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Health food stores sell lion’s mane extract in supplement form, and both the fungus and its extracts appear to be beneficial to health. Here we discuss the potential benefits of lion’s mane mushrooms and consider the possible risks and side effects of their use. What are the potential benefits? Lion’s mane mushrooms may help with the following: Inflammation and oxidation Antioxidants may fight both inflammation and oxidation in the body. Inflammation contributes to many medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. A 2012 study evaluating the medicinal potential of 14 typ