Infused with Lion’s Mane and Chaga mushrooms, the Mushroom Mind Brew is abundant in phytochemicals. Let’s see what that means and what the health benefits are.
A Look at Mushroom Mind Brew
Mushroom Mind Brew is a nootropic beverage consisting of organic Arabica coffee, Lion’s Mane mushroom, and Chaga mushroom powder.
The blend results in a unique and nuanced nutritional profile that provides numerous health benefits, ranging from an immune system boost to neuroprotective effects and more.
The Benefits of Mushroom Mind Brew
Stronger Immune System
The first and most notable benefit of Mushroom Mind Brew comes courtesy of Chaga, a mushroom known for its anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antiparasitic properties.
It supports immune system function and could even slow the progression of certain cancers and diabetes (1). According to one study, “It can be concluded that I. obliquus (Chaga mushroom) fits the definition of functional food and has a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.” (1)
Protection From Oxidative Stress
On any given day, countless biological processes take place in the body. Some generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which provide some benefits but could also be harmful (2).
High levels of ROS can lead to excessive oxidative stress, speeding up the aging process and increasing the risk of certain diseases.
The body produces some antioxidants, which counteract ROS and their effects, but we must also get these compounds through our nutrition for maximum protection.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are rich in oligosaccharides (carbohydrate molecules), which exhibit antioxidant, antitumor, and immunity-boosting effects. According to research, “The results indicated that HEO‑A (Lion’s Mane) may serve as an effective healthcare food and source of natural antioxidant compounds.” (3)
Neuroprotective Effects
Lion’s Mane and Chaga exhibit neuroprotective effects in the literature. For example, in one paper from 2020, researchers isolated nine triterpenoids from Chaga mushrooms and found that each exhibits neuroprotective effects, with one type preventing oxidative damage (4).
Similarly, a study from a couple of years ago suggests that Chaga could protect neurons from oxidative stress that results from the accumulation of Aβ fibrils (5).
Another recent experiment also showed promise, but this time for Lion’s Mane (6). In it, researchers gave one group of people with mild Alzheimer’s Disease erinaceus mycelia capsules containing 5 mg/g of erinacine (natural substances found in Lion’s Mane) every day. The other group received a placebo.
The experiment lasted for 49 weeks. Researchers noted marked improvements in cognitive function, independence when tackling daily tasks, and contrast sensitivity (the ability to notice sharp and clear outlines of small objects).
In contrast, the placebo group didn’t experience any of these improvements. In fact, some of their biomarkers increased or decreased for the worse over the experiment duration.
Protection Against Anxiety and Depression
Lion’s Mane mushroom is often praised for its beneficial impact on mental state. In one paper, researchers noted that as little as four weeks of Lion’s Mane consumption significantly improved anxiety, depression, and irritability scores (7).
Another study had similar findings, with researchers suggesting, “Although antidepressant effects of H. erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) have not been validated and compared to the conventional antidepressants, based on the neurotrophic and neurogenic pathophysiology of depression, H. erinaceus may be a potential alternative medicine for the treatment of depression.” (8)
References
Szychowski KA, Skóra B, Pomianek T, Gmiński J. Inonotus obliquus - from folk medicine to clinical use. J Tradit Complement Med. 2020 Aug 22;11(4):293-302. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.08.003. PMID: 34195023; PMCID: PMC8240111.
Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541.
Hou Y, Ding X, Hou W. Composition and antioxidant activity of water-soluble oligosaccharides from Hericium erinaceus. Mol Med Rep. 2015 May;11(5):3794-9. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2014.3121. Epub 2014 Dec 19. PMID: 25529054.
Zou CX, Dong SH, Hou ZL, Yao GD, Lin B, Huang XX, Song SJ. Modified lanostane-type triterpenoids with neuroprotective effects from the fungus Inonotus obliquus. Bioorg Chem. 2020 Dec;105:104438. doi: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104438. Epub 2020 Oct 28. PMID: 33171406.
Xin Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X. Protective Effects of Chaga Medicinal Mushroom, Inonotus obliquus (Agaricomycetes), Extract on β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC12 Cells and Aging Rats: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2021;23(9):55-62. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021039791. PMID: 34591398.
Li IC, Chang HH, Lin CH, Chen WP, Lu TH, Lee LY, Chen YW, Chen YP, Chen CC, Lin DP. Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Aging Neurosci. 2020 Jun 3;12:155. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155. PMID: 32581767; PMCID: PMC7283924.
Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.31.231. PMID: 20834180.
Chong PS, Fung ML, Wong KH, Lim LW. Therapeutic Potential of Hericium erinaceus for Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 25;21(1):163. doi: 10.3390/ijms21010163. PMID: 31881712; PMCID: PMC6982118.