Lionsmane What is it and Why is it so good for You?

Have you heard about this mushroom? It’s in all kinds of products these days. Lion’s mane is truly having a moment in the health world. You can mix it in teas, and coffee. There are also supplements you can take. Is it good for your health? If so what kinds of benefits can you expect to get from adding it to your diet? 

Lion’s mane has a ton of different health benefits. It’s particularly good for brain and nerve health. It’s great for maintaining a healthy weight, and even fights cancer. It’s been shown to boost your immune system and reduce anxiety.

You’ll find a discussion here about all of the different benefits you can expect from supplementing with Lions mane mushroom. I’ve provided some recipes to get you started on your Lion’s mane adventure as well.

Lions mane mushroom is Health Superfood

Lion’s mane supports brain health, and memory. It has been shown to protect against the buildup of beta amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimers disease. Its also been shown that Lion’s mane promotes neuro-protective effects against ischemic stroke.

Lion’s mane is a nootropic, or cognitive function enhancer. The compounds in the mushroom increases NGF, or nerve growth factor, which stimulates the growth and regeneration of neurons. This also helps the brain to form new neural pathways. NGF promotes enhanced learning and memory.

Lion’s mane helps to alleviate depression and anxiety. Consuming Lion’s mane makes you less irritable. Studies also shown that individuals were able to concentrate better when they added Lion’s mane to their diet.

Lion’s mane is showing promising signs that it reduces the risk of cancer.  In one study, Lion’s mane knocked out Leukemia cells! It has helped reduce the size of cancerous colon tumors in studies with mice.

Lion’s mane also reduces inflammation, and reduces the amount of free radicals in your body. Due to its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties lions mane may boost immune system function.

Lion’s mane reduces obesity, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Lion’s mane could even improve fat metabolism. One of the compounds in Lion’s mane helps reduce the clotting of blood which could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

It’s been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcerative colitis. Lion’s mane helps to prevent the overgrowth of H. Pylori on stomach tissues, which is associated with the over consumption of alcohol or pain-killers.

Lion’s mane could help with controlling blood sugar levels by blocking an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates.

How to Use

There are several ways to start getting the amazing benefits of this mushroom.

I’ve been taking Lionsmane for a month now. I mix it in with my morning coffee, and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my functional memory. I’m able to recall numbers, and facts with much more ease.

Lion’s Mane Latte

1/2 tsp. Lion’s Mane powder

1/4 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Hemp Milk

Coffee of your choice

  1. Measure 1/2 tsp. Lions mane powder and pour into cup.
  2. Pour coffee over the powder.
  3. Whisk well using a bamboo whisk
  4. Top with milk.

I also don’t get that typical sweaty, over-caffeinated feeling in the morning when I add Sun Potion’s Lion’s mane powder. With all the potential benefits I find that the daily addition of Lion’s mane into my diet has made me feel amazing!

If you are able to find the whole fruiting body at a farmers market I highly recommend you purchase some. It tastes amazing! I make so many delicious recipes using Lion’s mane mushroom. After eating it I experience a kind of head change, where I experience enhanced clarity. Everything looks like its in crystal clear high definition.

Lions mane mushroom tastes a bit like a scallop if I had to compare it to something. It doesn’t have any ocean flavor to it, and will take on the flavor of whatever you cook it with. Here’s a recipe to get you started cooking with Lion’s mane.

Pan Seared Lion’s Mane

  1. Slice the Lion’s mane mushroom into 1/4 inch thick slices.
  2. Place in a pan on medium heat. Sear each side for 3-5 minutes to remove excess water. You don’t want to burn them. Just give them a light brown color.
  3. Add ghee, or olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for 8 minutes on medium heat.

I’ve paired Lion’s Mane with all kinds of meals from curries to steak dishes. They are a filling and hearty addition to any meal. Don’t be afraid to use them in any dish.

 

 

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Pelicans

out the back

Waiting for waves

Patience is a virtue

Oftentimes we wait weeks to even paddle out

Then we find ourselves waiting between sets

In a crowded lineup with other people waiting  

Or maybe you’re alone in the lineup at some special place

Waiting for a wave that will dawn a feeling 

It’s all unique and individual I suppose

However, there are times when it feels as if the Ocean chose you

You’re the only one left in the spot where the energy of a wave feels the bottom

Gratitude and fear as you appreciatively attempt to rise to the occasion

A Sea Lion Pops up as the wave rolls into a bay

Or a Frigate bird hovers over you as you see a set out the back 

And you know there’s a wave coming to carry you

It’s playfulness in the face of surf that feels larger than yourself 

That’s what moves the soul

Something greater than ourselves 

 

 

 

 

Indigo Child

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Artistry is a life of feeling

What is emotion?

Something you feel from a product of ‘art’ …

Where does feeling arise

Where does it actually occur

Is it even a place?

No!

It’s more abstract and equally profound!

There are no words for feeling

Only people who have been where you’ve felt

Thus, understanding is born. 

Adventures

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Strand

Something in the heart of a man

That makes him want to climb the tallest mountain in range

That makes her want to voyage downriver on a bustling creek

That makes him hike the distance of a country

That makes her desire to jump off the cliff and fly just as the birds soar

That sees a perfect wave and longs to be a part of it all

Nature beckons 

The human soul completes the puzzle

To the adventurers in us all!

 

Water Love

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Came across these photos 

I smiled upon realizing my lover took them

The one who taught me about the Ocean

Continuing to bless me with his waterman knowledge

To guide me to the spots where the waves are the best

Whether it be to take photos or to paddle out

No matter how heavy the surf becomes

He told me he’ll always be there to hold my hand

And he always has been 

 

Full Moon Risen

Feb 22 2016 full moon

Emotions easier pronounced through photographs 

Yet the feat of accomplishing such an endeavor remains 

Lying like an attachment to a desire unknown.

I felt close to something more than myself tonight

Then for a moment everything became still

My hands manually moved the camera’s settings’ subconsciously 

As if I had wrapped my being around this apparatus

Actually it felt more like something moved me

Most of the time I fail to recreate the beauty seen in nature

The photo never seems to do justice to the experience …

I waited as the shutter remained open for what seemed like an eternity ..

This is the photo I saw, and it brings me great joy. 

Rae

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The Mandala of life

Connects to the infinite beat of the hummingbirds wings

Thanks to the SeaLion who told me to go on that gift of a wave from mother Ocean

Gratitude for the harmonic restorative halasana with moss beneath my foundation.

Forever lots of love, and peace. Om Shanti Shanti Om