While certain mushroom supplements may positively affect memory function, these products confer other important health benefits, such as reduced inflammation and enhanced nerve cell growth. We’ll discuss five benefits of mushroom supplements for memory and recommend one of the best functional mushroom brands on the market.
Whether you are forgetting details or struggling to recall past events, memory issues can impact your daily life and make it challenging to function at your best. However, the good news is that there are simple and effective ways to improve memory and boost cognitive function.
One of the easiest ways to improve memory is by incorporating specific changes to your diet. Mushrooms contain compounds that can help improve memory and overall brain health. However, it can take a lot of work to keep up with a daily regimen of mushrooms, especially for those with busy schedules.
Mushroom supplements are a convenient way to increase mushroom intake for those who cannot add a diet of mushrooms easily into their schedule. We’ll look closer at how mushrooms can boost your memory and some of the best mushrooms to include in your diet.
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Mushroom supplements for memory:
Rich in antioxidants
For memory impairment, oxidative stress can be the most significant danger, causing direct damage to the brain cells. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like dementia. The antioxidant content in mushrooms makes them an excellent food choice if you’re looking to improve your mental health.
Research suggests that the Lion’s Mane mushroom contains high levels of antioxidants, including ergothioneine, which has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. Because of the antioxidants in mushrooms, this fungi is perfect for the brain when combating mental decline.
Mushroom supplements for memory:
Enhance nerve growth factor
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an essential protein for brain neurons’ growth, maintenance, and survival. NGF is essential for many processes, including learning and memory. Some species of mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, have been found to enhance NGF production in the brain.
By consuming these mushrooms, you may help to support the growth and maintenance of healthy brain cells and improve cognitive function. By stimulating NGF production, mushrooms have the potential to protect neurons and reduce the risk of cognitive diseases.
Mushroom supplements for memory:
Rich in choline
Choline is a nutrient involved heavily in cognitive function. Studies are beginning to show that a person’s choline levels determine whether or not they will get Alzheimer’s. However, the body cannot produce enough choline alone, so you must get choline from your diet to meet your body’s needs.
Mushrooms are a rich source of choline, with some varieties containing up to 30% of the recommended daily intake in one serving. Supplements containing mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane are great for mental health as they are rich in choline.
Mushroom supplements for memory:
Contain beta-glucans
Beta-glucans are a type of fiber found in mushrooms’ cell walls. Recent research has demonstrated that beta-glucans can positively impact memory and brain health.
Lion’s Mane is one type of mushroom that is exceptionally high in beta-glucans. A study found that this mushroom improved cognitive function in mice with induced mental impairment. If you want to use mushrooms to boost mental capacity, Lion’s Mane should not be overlooked as an addition to your diet.
Mushroom supplements for memory:
Rich in B vitamins
Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidants and choline and are rich in B vitamins. Mushrooms are high in vitamins B1, B2, and B3, which support energy metabolism in the brain and protect brain cells from oxidative damage.
Mushroom supplements for memory:
Which mushrooms are best?
Mushrooms are becoming more popular as people look for natural ways to support their mental health. While different mushrooms have been shown to have benefits for memory, some are better than others.
- Lion’s Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, which could stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve memory.
- Reishi is a popular mushroom used in traditional medicine for centuries. This mushroom can help protect brain cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
- Cordyceps has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can further support brain health.
- Shiitake utilizes polysaccharides, a type of beta-glucan that has various health benefits and increases antioxidant activity.
- Maitake is rich in beta-glucans.
Real Mushrooms offers a large selection of mushroom supplements to help naturally improve memory. What separates Real Mushrooms from other mushroom brands is their focus on transparency and the time they put into sourcing the best mushrooms.
Founder Skye Chilton works closely with certified organic mushroom farms in China, as China produces over 85% of the world’s mushrooms. China’s rich mushroom cultivation history against an increasing trend in the West of offering mycelium cultured grain, similar to tempeh and not mushrooms, has created the opportunity for this consumer-focused mushroom brand. Real Mushrooms’ expertise in mushroom cultivation uses the distinct benefits of each mushroom type for their audience’s individual needs.
Their Lion’s Mane powder mushroom supplement comes in two sizes, 60 and 150 servings, and it also comes in capsule form. You can also buy Reishi and Cordyceps in either capsule or powder form on the Real Mushrooms website. They also provide blends, like RealClarity, which contains Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Bacopa.
Closing thoughts
Overall, mushrooms can be a natural way to support memory function. Whether you incorporate mushrooms into your diet or take mushroom supplements, there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of these fungi. By making mushrooms a regular part of your diet and lifestyle, you can support your overall brain health and improve memory for years to come.
Further Reading For Additional Reference:
News Medical: Mushrooms contain high amounts of antioxidants that combat aging and promote health
National Library of Medicine: Role of polysaccharides in food, digestion, and health
Medical News Today: What Is the Nutritional Value of Mushrooms?
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.