Are you frustrated with the fad diet cycle? If so, you may be looking for a helpful supplement to add to your weight loss regimen. Losing weight is not easy. Sometimes it may feel like everything is working against you despite your best efforts. Lion's Mane mushrooms are taking the world by storm! These shaggy, white mushrooms - also known as Hericium erinaceus - have been enjoyed for centuries in Asian cuisine and are now growing in popularity worldwide. With their mild, seafood-like flavour and impressive nutritional profile, they’re an exciting addition to any diet. Lion's Mane isn’t just another mushroom - it’s a standout ingredient packed with flavour and valuable nutrients. Whether you’re a foodie looking for something new or just curious about its growing reputation, there’s plenty to love.
What is Lion's Mane?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a species of tooth fungus or mushroom. They’re called “lion’s mane” for a reason. These big, white incredible, edible (they taste like seafood) mushrooms have icicle-like spikes that dangle downward, resembling the king of the jungle’s shaggy mane. Other nicknames include monkey head, bearded hedgehog and pom pom mushrooms. Definitely the cooler cousin in the fungi family (move over button and shitake), lion’s mane mushrooms (hericium erinaceus for the scientific set) have a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and in Native American healing practices. And because of the impressive benefits they may have to offer the mind and body, lion’s mane mushrooms have become increasingly popular. “People are looking for alternatives for things before they go on medications,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD. “It’s in this holistic attitude that we find food is medicine.”
Lion's Mane and Weight Loss: Is There a Connection?
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), is making waves across the food and beverage industry, with its seemingly-endless benefits gaining interest amongst manufacturers and consumers. Links to improved cognitive function, in particular, have already produced a noticeable uptick in global demand for lion’s mane products, leading to a strong market value of $27.81m, and a projected CAGR of 19.84% over the next four years, according to Technavio. However, it’s links to weight loss, which could really put lion’s mane on the map, pushing it to the forefront of innovation and new product development, in food and beverage. Lion's Mane mushrooms have been studied more recently for their purported weight-loss properties.
How Lion's Mane May Aid Weight Loss
The weight-loss properties of lion’s mane are many. “Lion’s mane mushrooms may help with weight loss through various mechanisms,” says Elliot Webb, mushroom expert at Urban Farm-It and author of Growing Mushrooms at Home. “They are believed to play a role in improving fat metabolism and maintaining healthy triglyceride levels, which can be crucial for those looking to shed extra pounds.”
- Fat Metabolism: The researchers said Lion's mane might support a healthy weight by modifying the expression of genes associated with fat metabolism. In other words - they may turn these genes on and off to help your body break down fat most effectively. It's also important to note that these mice were fed a high-fat diet naturally high in calories. Despite this, the Lion's Mane group still had less weight gain than the placebo group.
- Stress Reduction: Lion’s Mane mushroom is considered an adaptogen - a natural herbal substance that helps to relieve stress. In this way, Lion’s mane mushrooms can indirectly positively affect healthy weight control by enabling you to adapt to stressful situations.
- Mood Enhancement: In addition to helping you combat stress, Lion’s Mane can promote good mood and overall well-being. Well, your mood can significantly affect your eating habits for better or worse. One study tested 30 women taking Lion's Mane mushroom for over four weeks. If you struggle with cravings or mindless eating when you're feeling down, improving your mood can get you back on track with healthy habits.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Getting quality sleep is a must for weight management. When you lack sleep or have trouble falling asleep, it can lead to fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and intense food cravings that are hard to ignore. Some studies have shown Lion's Mane mushrooms positively affect the typical time it takes to fall asleep and the ability to stay asleep longer.
- Antioxidant Properties: Lion’s mane is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Lion’s mane contains compounds that may help battle free radicals and inflammation.
What’s more, the overall wellbeing effects are believed to indirectly assist in weight-loss efforts. “Their adaptogenic properties can help manage stress, which may curb stress-induced eating,” says Webb. “By supporting a calmer state of mind, lion’s mane may help maintain healthier eating habits, leading to better weight control over time.” Further to this, lion’s mane is also associated with improved sleep quality, which is deemed essential for weight management. “Improved sleep can reduce fatigue, balance hormones, and minimise food cravings,” says Webb. “With enhanced rest and recovery, you are more likely to maintain a consistent exercise routine and make mindful dietary choices. These combined benefits make lion’s mane a promising supplement for those seeking a holistic approach to wellness.”
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Other Potential Health Benefits of Lion's Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms have a mild, sweet flavor that people often say is similar to lobster or crab meat. You can eat them raw, dried or cooked. They also come as a supplement in capsule, liquid and powder forms, so you can sprinkle them in your soup or add them to your morning cup of joe or smoothie. There are even lion’s mane capsules and gummies for added convenience. But is the hoopla worth the hype? Are lion’s mane mushrooms really all that?
- Brain Health: Non-human studies show that lion’s mane mushrooms have compounds that stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which helps grow brain cells and may enhance memory and focus. Lab research also suggests that lion’s mane may help grow and repair nerve cells after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), like a stroke. While we need more studies to know if these claims are true in humans, it’s no wonder lion’s mane is sometimes referred to as the “smart mushroom.” Another study included two groups of 50- to 80-year-olds with mild cognitive impairment. One group took 250-milligram tablets containing lion’s mane dry powder three times a day for 16 weeks. The other group was given a placebo (a supplement with no active ingredient) for the same amount of time. Results showed that those taking lion’s mane scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t. After stopping lion’s mane, the first group’s test scores went down. In one small study, 41 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease who took three 350 milligrams (mg) capsules of lion’s mane daily for 49 weeks saw significant improvements in brain health. Meanwhile, those who took a placebo experienced a decline in several markers of cognitive function. Lion’s mane has also been linked with stimulating a protein known as nerve growth factor (NGF). “Nerve growth factor is essential for brain health and neuron conductivity,” Richard says. Neuron conductivity refers to the ability of nerves to transmit impulses through the nervous system. While there is promising research for lion’s mane for brain and cognitive health, more human research studies need to be conducted to confirm these results and help determine dosage and other specifics, says Michalczyk. A pilot study conducted by Northumbria University investigated the effects of Lion's Mane supplementation on cognitive function and mood in healthy young adults. The study found that participants who consumed 1.8 grams of Lion's Mane performed tasks more quickly 60 minutes after consumption.
- Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Chronic inflammation is a symptom of many conditions like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and even certain cancers. Lab research shows that the anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties of lion’s mane may help minimize inflammation and guard your cells against damage. “Anytime we can add an anti-inflammatory into our bodies, that’s a good thing,” says Czerwony.
- Gut Health: Lion’s mane mushrooms contain probiotics, which support your immune system and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your digestive system. They also prevent the growth of a bacteria called H. pylori, which can cause stomach ulcers. A 2019 non-human study showed that lion’s mane mushrooms might help treat ulcers. But more research is needed before we know if it can be helpful for treating stomach ulcers in humans. “Improving immune function is directly related to gut health,” says Czerwony. “When your gut microbiome is healthy, your immune system works better. Lion’s mane mushrooms seem to quiet down inflammation in your gut.” Another non-human study also suggests that lion’s mane may reduce liver inflammation from excessive alcohol consumption. And other lab study shows that it may help treat ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But these studies need to be done in humans before we can know for sure. Research done on test tube samples and mice suggests that lion’s mane may prevent the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can have negative effects on the gut lining. Another study on mice found that lion’s mane may play a prebiotic role, potentially improving gut health. However, since this research focused on mice, Michalczyk notes that more human research studies need to be conducted to confirm these results.
- Heart Health: Non-human studies suggest that lion’s mane mushroom extracts may help keep cholesterol numbers in check. Another non-human study showed they could reduce high blood pressure, too. They were noted to do this by improving lipid metabolism (how the body breaks down and stores fat for energy) and circulation, as well as helping blood vessels stay healthy and work better. To know if the same effects will be true in humans, more research is needed. Lion's Mane mushrooms contain important vitamins and minerals, including potassium and copper. According to the British Heart Foundation, potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure and could even lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Like many mushrooms, Lion's Mane contains naturally occurring beta-glucans - types of fibre that help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
- Cancer: Because of its unique ingredients, lion’s mane mushrooms may help fight off cancer cells and slow the spread of certain types of cancer, at least according to some non-human research. No human studies have been done as of yet, though, to test the effectiveness of lion’s mane mushrooms in treating cancer.
- Diabetes: Lion’s mane could also be beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes.
Incorporating Lion's Mane into Your Diet
You’re probably wondering how to best include these spectacular mushrooms in your life. Each gummy contains 500 milligrams of Lion's Mane per serving (standardized to contain 30% Beta-Glucans) and is gluten-free, gelatin-free, and vegan-friendly. Shakes and smoothies are primed for lion's mane fortification.
With their meaty texture and rich, savoury flavour, Lion's Mane mushrooms are a great way to mix up your meals. Whether you sauté, grill, or roast them, they add depth to all kinds of dishes. Ready to take your love for mushrooms to the next level? With our Lion's Mane grow kits, cultivating your own gourmet mushrooms at home has never been easier. Perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike, our kits come with everything you need to grow delicious, nutrient-packed Lion's Mane right from your kitchen. While fresh Lion's Mane can be eaten raw, cooking is often the better choice. Adding heat can help make it easier for your body to absorb all the good stuff it contains. When it comes to how much Lion's Mane mushroom to eat, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re just starting out, try smaller portions to see how your body reacts. Allergic reactions, though rare, can happen. Fresh Lion's Mane isn’t just another edible mushroom; it contains nutrients that support your health in more ways than one. Ready to get started on your urban farming journey? Our range of mushroom grow kits makes it simple and fun to grow your own gourmet mushrooms at home. Whether you’re a foodie, a gardening enthusiast, or just curious about cultivating your own food, our kits suit all skill levels.
Considerations Before Trying Lion's Mane
But Czerwony strongly recommends talking with a healthcare provider first. As you consider whether to give these fungi a try, you might want to know more about their health claims. While lion’s mane mushrooms aren’t stocked in all supermarkets, you might have better luck finding fresh or dried varieties and supplements in specialty grocery and health food stores. And of course, like almost everything else we consume these days, they’re available online, too. “But no matter where you buy them and in whatever form - fresh, dried or as a supplement - make sure it’s from a place you trust that has good reviews,” warns Czerwony.
Are lion’s mane mushrooms good for you? Lab studies sure point that way, but research on humans is very limited. It’s important to keep that in mind. “Things like this are almost never approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA),” says Czerwony. “So, we can’t really say if the potential benefits for humans are reliable in the long term, and we have no real guidelines for consumption.” Czerwony recommends similar steps before starting any supplement: “Ask yourself why you want to take it, what are you expecting it to do what are your goals? Then, if there are no known side effects, it’s really up to you.” Fortunately, lion’s mane seems to be safe to take unless, of course, you’re allergic to mushrooms.
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