Can Mushrooms Improve Your Brain Health?

Mushrooms for Brain Health

How Do Mushrooms Work for Brain Health?

Mushrooms have been used by people for a long time, either as food or for medicinal purposes. One of the health benefits of mushrooms is that they improve brain function. Since there are different species of mushrooms, each has different active compounds.

These compounds work to help improve brain and cognitive health. According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, the Lion’s Mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, contains compounds known as erinacines and hericenones.

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Thanks to these compounds, the mushroom showed a potential to work as a neuroprotective agent to stimulate nerve growth release, keep the nerve cells from apoptosis, and many more.

In addition, according to some preclinical studies, lion's mane benefits for the brain include improving cognitive impairment like Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, and ischemic stroke.

Also Read: Top Mushrooms for Anxiety and Depression Relief

Another active compound that makes mushrooms good for the brain is terpenoids. A review of different pre-clinical studies published in the National Library of Medicine concludes that terpenoids could serve as a therapeutic option to alleviate behavioral features associated with psychiatric disorders.

Benefits of Mushrooms for Brain Health

Improved Cognitive Performance

Mild cognitive impairment is associated with Alzheimer’s disease symptoms like poor memory, language, and spatial orientation issues. This condition is mostly a result of aging in older adults. However, research has shown that a greater intake of mushrooms may have a neuroprotective effect due to the antioxidants ergothioneine, glutathione, and vitamin D present in them.

Behavioral Change

One of the active compounds found in different mushrooms is Psilocybin. A review published by the National Library of Medicine highlighted that several controlled trials have suggested Psilocybin as a treatment for mood and anxiety disorders as it helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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Mental Openness

Psilocybin may also be associated with elevating openness in humans. This might be a result of the compound’s ability to induce or increase neuroplasticity. Increased openness means an individual will become more sensitive, imaginative, and appreciative of values and other people’s perspectives.

Types of Mushrooms for Brain

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane is also known as Hericium erinaceus, an edible mushroom found in East Asia and has long been used as food and medicine. This mushroom is considered the best mushroom for brain health. According to research, Lion’s Mane has promising potential as a neuroprotective agent with the ability to stimulate nerve growth and protect nerve cells.

Maz Packham, mBANT, rCNHC, a nutritionist & therapist, was quoted in Women's Health says,

“Lion's mane has been studied for its neuroprotective benefits and may promote the production of nerve growth factor which supports nerve cells and is really important for optimal brain health, focus, and memory.”

Chaga

Chaga mushroom is native to northern Europe and has been used in folk medicine for a long time. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Chaga mushroom is concluded to help enhance cognitive health, reduce oxidative-nitrative stress, and improve brain functions like memory and learning.

Reishi

Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is an oriental fungus with a woody texture. In China, it is also known as the “herb of spiritual potency.” According to a study, polysaccharides and water extract from the mushroom can help treat cognitive decline.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are a mushroom type that is popularly known for their nutritional benefits to promote health. The mushroom has an active compound known as polypeptide complexes, which may help improve learning memory and also protect the nervous system.

Incorporating Mushrooms into Your Diet

Mushrooms are a wonderful addition to your diet, and they will not only make your meals taste better but also provide certain health benefits. However, even though they are beneficial, it might not be easy to incorporate them into your diet. These are a few ways to incorporate mushrooms into your diet.

Meal plan

You can add mushrooms to your meal plan by making them part of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Depending on your preference, you can add scrambled eggs, sandwiches, whole grain beds, and many more.

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You can add it to your salad at lunchtime. If your culinary skills are good enough, you can make soup, broth, and stew to make them richer and tastier. Lastly, you can make Sautéed mushrooms for dinner. Then, you can add it to other meals like pasta for a tasty and nutritious evening.

Snacks

Suppose having mushrooms in your meal plan is too much for you to handle. Then, you can opt for snacking on mushrooms instead. A simple process you can follow is to put the mushrooms into the olive oil; next, you can bake for a crispy snack.

Dietary supplement

If you are not a fan of cooking or you are not able to keep up with adding mushrooms to your meals, your best bet is mushroom powder. Some mushroom supplements for brain health are in powder form. That way, you will be able to add to your shakes, smoothies, tea, and other beverages.

On the other hand, mushroom dietary supplements are not restricted to powder form. They are also available in pills, so the only thing you need to do is swallow them.