Its important to maintain good health throughout our lives, but as we age, it becomes even more important, and that includes good brain health.
Mushrooms, which are enjoyable additions to your diet, have also been used in ancient medicine for different purposes. In terms of brain health, there are mushrooms that help fight anxiety and depression, boost the brains circadian rhythm, and even help protect against Alzheimers disease.
Lets take a look at 3 important mushrooms that support brain health.
1. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Lingzhi, are sometimes called the King of Mushrooms, or the Mushroom of Immortality. It has a long history in Asian cultures for promoting health and longevity, and has also received positive initial results from recent scientific tests.
Reishis contribution to brain health comes from the fact this miracle mushroom can help protect the brain against cognitive diseases such as Alzheimers. But it does more than that. It can help stabilize blood sugar, a benefit to diabetics. It helps lower blood pressure, and it has been shown to shrink tumors, help regulate the bodys natural sleep cycle, and even regenerate liver cells.
Reishi can be quite bitter, so its best to consume it in extract form or as a powder.
2. Lions Mane Mushrooms
Lions Mane provides several health advantages, including cognitive benefits. Thats because its believed to increase cognitive function in older adults with dementia or other cognitive diseases. It also helps those suffering from depression by reducing symptoms of irritability and anxiety.
Lions Mane has also been shown to shrink the size of colon tumors and fight off leukemia cells. It may serve as a digestive aid, help prevent heart disease, and be an anti-inflammatory. Preliminary studies are promising on the benefits of Lions Mane mushrooms.
To eat Lions Mane mushrooms, you can either cook them, or purchase Lions Mane supplements.
3. Cordyceps Mushrooms
The Cordyceps mushroom is typically taken in powder form, because its found on the larvae of caterpillars in Japan. There is a more affordable, lab-created version that is used in most supplements.
Besides its link to brain health, Cordyceps was also used in ancient Asian medicine to treat medical conditions such as low sex drive, fatigue, and kidney disease.
In modern times, research and anecdotal evidence have indicated that cordyceps may be able to increase your VO2 max, resulting in a better workout.
Cordyceps can also help diabetics by mimicking insulin, and it has antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties.
Final Thoughts
We all want to do what we can to encourage good health, and as we get older, brain health becomes even more important.
Reishi, Lions Mane, and Cordyceps are three medicinal mushrooms with brain-boosting benefits that are worth adding to your daily routine. Besides the cognitive benefits, you can also help protect your heart, fight against cancer, and more.
