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Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is a kind of adaptogenic mushroom that predominantly grows in the woodland areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is known for its unique appearance that resembles the lion’s mane as it grows. It is also universally recognized for its benefits for mental and physical health and is even regarded as one of the healthiest mushrooms in the world. But we want to know about Lion’s Mane and its effects on hair loss and hair growth.
At present, the most notable benefit of lion’s mane mushrooms is improving the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. An animal study has also noted lion’s mane’s potential benefits in improving memory, focus, and visual recognition in mice. Furthermore, lion’s mane may improve digestive health and lower blood sugar levels.
From being a mysterious plant, the lion’s mane has become one of the most popular healthy mushrooms. However, more human research is still needed to fully understand its benefits. That’s why many of its health claims remain to be contentious. One of these controversial claims is the effect of a lion’s mane on hair growth or hair loss.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the effects of lion’s mane mushrooms on hair growth as well as its possible indirect effect on hair loss. We will also discuss how to check for lion’s mane quality and where to buy this healthy food. Let’s get started.
Lion’s Mane and Its Effects on Hair Loss and Hair Growth
While the health claims of lion’s mane mushrooms are truly promising, there is still limited research to prove their effects on hair growth or hair loss. There are also very little anecdotal data to prove any claims about the effects of Lion’s mane mushroom on hair.
Nevertheless, we have taken the challenge and conducted an impartial evaluation of lion’s mane and its effects on hair growth or hair loss. Continue reading to discover further details.
Perceived Benefits of Lion’s Mane on Hair Growth
There are different perceived ways in which lion’s mane mushrooms can boost hair growth. Below we discuss them one by one.
1. Lion’s mane may relieve oxidative stress
Essentially, lion’s mane mushrooms are high in antioxidants. These antioxidants may help protect the hair and scalp from free radicals and damage caused by environmental toxins. This may improve overall health and reduce the risks of hair loss.
2. Lion’s mane may relieve psychological stress that causes hair loss
Lion’s mane mushrooms may improve your mood and change how your body reacts to stress and anxiety which are common factors for hair loss. By taking lion’s mane you may prevent stress-related hair fall and other possible stress-induced conditions.
3. Lion’s mane may balance hormones
Hormonal imbalance is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Mushrooms like lion’s mane may help regulate the production of hypothalamic hormones and prevent hair loss due to hormonal imbalance.
4. Lion’s mane may reduce inflammation
Inflammation may play a role in hair loss. This happens when the body interprets hair follicles as harmful intruders to the body. When this occurs, the immune system will create an inflammatory response to protect the body’s system. This leads to inflammation-based hair loss or more commonly called alopecia. The anti-inflammatory properties in lion’s mane may help reduce this inflammation and block triggers that cause it.
5. Lion mane contains vitamins that can promote hair growth
Lion mane contains small amounts of beneficial vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and folate. These vitamins help promote hair growth allowing you to achieve fuller-looking and healthier hair.
Potential Indirect effect of Lion’s Mane on Hair Loss
Another line of thinking suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms may have an indirect effect on hair loss. As briefly discussed in the first part of this article, lion’s mane mushrooms have been widely regarded for their potential positive effects on the brain. This causes an increase in the production of testosterone which is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus. The testosterone hormone is then converted to DHT in the body. Essentially, the higher the testosterone, the higher the DHT levels also are.
DHT refers to Dihydrotestosterone. It is an offshoot of testosterone that stimulates the development of male characteristics. Due to high levels of DHT, hair follicles may shrink and cause hair to grow thinner and more brittle. it may also cause hair to fall out faster and grow new hairs slower.
Apart from lion’s mane mushrooms, it is important to take note of other potential causes of hair loss. Hair loss is a common condition that may be influenced by several factors. These factors include genes, hormonal imbalance, age, illness or stressors, hair care, and medication.
How to Get the Most Benefits from Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane is originally known as a tasty culinary mushroom and is usually used in different cuisines. It is safe to eat raw or cooked however to get the most health benefits from lion’s mane, we recommend taking it in supplement form. Here’s why.
First of all, raw lion’s mane can be hard to digest. In addition, the effects of the lion’s mane can be noticed after weeks of consistently taking it. Hence, you will need to cook and eat a lot of mushrooms before feeling any difference. This makes lion’s mane in supplement form more convenient and easier to consume. By taking supplements regularly, you can maximize lion’s mane health benefits.
In addition to supplements, you may also use lion’s mane powder every day. The powder form can be mixed with your favorite food or beverage making it extra enjoyable to take.
How Do You Know What Quality Lion’s Mane Is?
Good quality lion’s mane mushroom extracts are dark brown in color and not sweet in taste Some commercial mushroom extracts may contain some starches to make them taste better, however, this may affect the nutritional value of the mushroom. Hence, always opt for one that has low levels of starch. When it comes to composition, top-grade lion’s mane extracts should only contain no more than 35% polysaccharides.
Furthermore, high-quality lion’s mane products should be organic. Organic lion’s mane products tend to be of the highest quality. Hence, when buying these commercial items, make sure to always read the label. In addition, it should also be a non-GMO product verified to ensure that it is made from non-genetically modified organisms. It should contain high levels of beta-glucans as well.
When it comes to lion’s mane spawns, all spawns tend to have the same quality as they haven’t been processed yet. However, you should still keep in mind to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure quality and safety.
Where Can You Buy Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?
There are many retailers that sell lion’s mane products nowadays. You can buy raw lion’s mane, supplements, and powder in different health stores or online shops. However, that doesn’t mean that these shops offer the same quality. Hence, when buying lion’s mane mushrooms, make sure to only buy from a company you can truly trust. Always check the product’s descriptions and reviews if there are any.
You may also buy directly from fresh farms for fresh lion’s mane mushrooms. Some farms may also offer freshly made lion’s mane products.
If you found this article interesting you should check out Cordyceps and the Effects on Hair Growth and Hair Loss.