Improves your heart health
How do Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps Militaris and Chaga mushrooms improve you heart health?
Mushrooms, the often overlooked denizens of the forest floor, have a long-standing role in traditional medicine and increasingly modern scientific research is substantiating their benefits. Among these fungal species, three stand out for their potential contributions to heart health: Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus), Cordyceps Militaris and Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus).
Lion’s Mane is a type of mushroom known for its distinct appearance and potential health benefits. It’s suggested that it could have neuroprotective effects and could promote brain health. One study found that rats that consumed Lion’s Mane had a reduction in the size of a stroke-induced injury in their brains. This suggests that Lion’s Mane may have potential benefits for heart health, as strokes are often caused by heart-related issues, but more research is needed to confirm this in humans.
Lion’s Mane is not just a culinary delight; it’s also packed with beneficial compounds like hericenones and erinacines that have been shown to support heart health. These compounds are thought to reduce the levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, a significant contributor to heart disease. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Lion’s Mane can reduce inflammation in the body, including in the cardiovascular system.
Cordyceps, on the other hand, is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. They’re thought to boost exercise performance by increasing the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This might improve the way your body uses oxygen, which could indirectly benefit heart health by enhancing physical endurance and reducing fatigue. Some research also suggests that Cordyceps has anti-aging properties, which may be due to its antioxidant content. Antioxidants help neutralise harmful free radicals that can contribute to aging and various diseases. Furthermore, there is some evidence that Cordyceps may have anti-tumor effects, which could potentially be beneficial for heart health in the context of certain cancers.
As for Chaga mushrooms, we are still gathering information about their potential heart health benefits. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, substances that combat harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and damage in the cardiovascular system, among others. Chaga’s antioxidant properties can help to mitigate this harm. In addition, Chaga contains betulinic acid, a compound that has been shown to break down LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
It’s important to note that while some studies suggest potential health benefits of these mushrooms, much of this research is preliminary and has been conducted in lab or animal studies. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of these mushrooms on human health, including heart health. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
