How Lion's Mane Mushrooms Increase Energy
Article at a Glance:
- Lion’s Mane has been shown to increase energy due to its naturally occurring antioxidants and polysaccharides.
- Lion's Mane may support stable energy levels via its effect on normal blood sugar levels.
- If you’re looking to get more energy naturally, try our vegan gummies, which contain 500mg of lion's mane per serving.
Lion’s Mane is one of the most popular functional mushrooms and nootropics around. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine; held in high regard for its antioxidative and health effects.[1]
Previously, we’ve covered the functional mushroom’s benefits for mood, focus, and immune support.
Today, we delve into one of the lesser-known benefits of lion's mane mushroom -- how it helps increase energy.
How Lion’s Mane Increases Energy
To understand how lion's mane increases energy, it may help to have a brief discussion about fatigue, which usually happens due to low energy levels.
Fatigue can be either physical or mental. Physical fatigue is caused by things like excessive exercise or low-calorie intake. Mental fatigue can occur as a result of sleep deprivation or stress.
As you’re all too aware, the more fatigued you are, the greater and quicker your performance deteriorates.
So, what does this have to do with lion’s mane?
Well, there are several ways in which lion's mane promotes greater physical energy.
For starters, lion's mane exerts antioxidant effects in the body, which helps combat oxidative stress. Research indicates that oxidative stress is a contributing factor to excessive fatigue.[2]
Additionally, animal studies indicate that the polysaccharides naturally occurring in lion's mane have been shown to possess significant anti-fatigue activity by decreasing lactic acid, urea nitrogen, and malondialdehyde -- a biomarker for oxidative stress. Researchers also observed that lion's mane supplementation helped increase glycogen content in the muscles (the storage form of carbohydrates) and antioxidant enzyme activity.[3]
Based on these findings, researchers believe lion's mane could be a helpful supplement in the field of sports nutrition.[3]
Furthermore, bioactive compounds present with the fruiting body and mycelium of lions mane (such as erinacines and hericenones) are known to encourage the expression of neurotrophic factors (including Nerve Growth Factor -- NGF) that are associated with cell proliferation as well as the growth, development, and maintenance of neurons.[1]
Anecdotally, lion’s mane supplementation also leads to a heightening of mental energy and alertness. This may be due, in part, to the increased activity of NGF in the brain.
To top it off, a recent review on lion’s mane found that it was able to significantly improve mood through monoaminergic modulation, neurogenic/neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory pathways.[1] Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with low mood.
Last but not least, lion's mane may support stable energy levels via its effect on normal blood sugar levels. At one point or another, we've all experienced an energy lull ("crash") following the consumption of too many carbohydrates, particularly of the hyper-processed variety. Stable blood glucose levels promote steady energy and focus.
Why Lion’s Mane?
Lion’s Mane is a fascinating functional fungi rife with bioactive goodies that offer a wide variety of benefits, both mentally and physically.
Typically, lion's mane is lauded for its nootropic qualities, but there's a growing body of evidence indicating that this funky fungi may improve mood, athletic performance, and overall health.
If you’re looking to get more energy naturally, without having to resort to energy drinks or gourmet coffees constantly, try adding some lion's mane to your daily supplement regimen and see what it can do for you!
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Gummies
At this point, you're probably wondering the best way to incorporate this magnificent mushroom into your life? While lion's mane supplements are available as capsules, extracts, and powders, we prefer gummies since they are convenient, easy to take, and mess-free.
Each Fungies® gummy contains 500mg of lion's mane per serving (standardized to contain 30% Beta-Glucans) and is gluten-free, gelatin-free, and vegan-friendly. Did we mention that they're delicious too?
So grab a bottle (or two) today and experience firsthand how lion's mane can help increase energy.
References
- Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;21(1):163. Published 2019 Dec 25. doi:10.3390/ijms21010163
- Lee JS, Kim HG, Lee DS, Son CG. Sci Rep. 2018 Aug 27;8(1):12890. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31270-3. PMID: 30150620; PMCID: PMC6110864.
- Liu J, DU C, Wang Y, Yu Z. Exp Ther Med. 2015;9(2):483-487. doi:10.3892/etm.2014.2139