Until recently I wasn't even aware of this powerful mushroom and what all it can do for the human body! They are revered by Buddhist monks as a mystical source of nutrition.
Lion's Mane or Hericium erinaceus is one of a variety of mushrooms that have stupendous healing capabilities. It tastes kind of like a lobster with it's mild flavor and actually looks like a lion's 'mane'. Although similar to the healing abilities of other mushrooms, they have great properties and are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, including immuno- stimulating & wound healing. But their main healing comes with their brain & nerve support! This includes cognitive function, memory, dementia, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders & nerve regeneration & it can shrink or stop tumor growth!! Very few foods or herbs can stimulate nerve regeneration.
This mushroom contains more than 35 beneficial polysaccharides. These polysaccharides can help treat or prevent cancer, gastric ulcers, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver injury and a host of neurogenerative diseases. Some active compounds may delay what's called neuronal death in neuro-degenerative diseases and ischemic stroke, Parkinson's & Alzheimer's.
Lion's mane helps to regenerate nerves and can stimulate the activity of the nerve growth factor. Separate research shows taking lion's mane can improve cognitive function in as little as 12 weeks. Compounds in this mushroom are known to be able to bypass the blood-brain barrier which is why they can help with cognitive issues. This has had a revolutionary impact on neuro-degenerative diseases by increasing neuron growth. It's possible to slow or reverse cell degeneration in the brain. According to a 2012 study in Malaysia, they can actually regenerate damaged nerve cells!
These mushrooms contain at least 32 bioactive compounds. It's hard to pinpoint the vitamin & mineral content, but it's believed to be a rich source of potassium, zinc, iron & selenium.
I get my lion's mane mushrooms from Adamsmushrooms.com, it's a great source. I know there are other sources to get them, all you have to do is search.
Sources of information: Green Med Info & Dr. Axe.