History shows that Eastern Medicine discovered medicinal mushrooms before Western Medicine—countries like China and Japan have used mushrooms for thousands of years. However, as our research and the results show that we’ve been missing numerous benefits of medicinal mushrooms, we are slowly adopting functional mushrooms.
Think of the three mushrooms outlined below as sidekicks for your brain health. Start taking these medicinal mushrooms today—you will find it easier to absorb and retain information when prepping for your college finals!
1. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Known as Hericium Erinaceus in the scientific community, Lion’s mane’s brain health benefits are unparalleled. Below, we will examine the specific brain health benefits offered by Lion’s Mane.
The Mushroom Promotes Neurogenesis
According to Nature’s Rise, Lion’s Mane carries two main bioactive compounds that benefit brain health: Erinacines and Hericenones. These compounds stimulate the generation of the nerve growth factor.
The nerve growth factor plays a vital role in boosting and maintaining high overall brain power as it helps the body develop nerve cells and connections in the brain. With more nerve growth factors, your brain makes more connections, boosting your cognitive and memory functions. When you start consuming Lion’s Mane, you will likely notice a boost in your focus and memory, making things easier for you when studying for your finals.
In 2013, researchers analyzed the neurotrophic properties of Hericium Erinaceus. This study focused on the effectiveness of Hericinones and Erinacines in promoting neurogenesis. The researchers determined that the mushroom carried neuroactive compounds that inducted the production of Nerve Growth Factors in the NG108-15 cells, thereby enabling the outgrowth activity of the neurites.
In 2019, researchers conducted another study to analyze Lion’s mane neurogenesis benefits. The researchers concluded that Hericium Erinaceus improved the recognition memory in frail aging mice by promoting the production of the nerve growth factor.
The Mushroom Promotes Learning and Memory
While researchers are still determining how Lion’s Mane boosts memory health, some studies have shown that this fungus is effective.
For example, in 2018, researchers analyzed the effects of Lion’s mane mushroom on memory. Using mice as the study subjects, researchers examined the mechanisms that allow Lion’s mane mushrooms to generate memory benefits. The research study showed that Lion’s mane mushroom promotes neurogenesis within the mice’s hippocampus, which, in turn, boosts memory.
The brain’s hippocampus region plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Research studies have shown new nerve growth in this region carries tremendous benefits for cognitive function, including retention and memory formation. Therefore, simply taking Lion’s Mane could make remembering what you study easier.
2. Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps boasts neuroprotective function, helping protect and improve brain function. Regarding assisting with the finals preparations, cordyceps stands out for two main reasons—it promotes memory & learning abilities and fights stress. Let’s look into these unique benefits of cordyceps mushrooms.
Cordyceps Boosts Memory and Learning
Research has confirmed that cordyceps mushroom is effective in improving memory and learning.
In a research study conducted in 2018, researchers analyzed the impact of cordyceps in boosting memory. In this study, the scientists investigated how Cordyceps improves memory and learning. They first impaired the learning and memory abilities of the study mice using scopolamine hydrobromide.
The researchers then gave the mice an extract of cordyceps and analyzed the improvement in learning and memory capabilities. The study concluded that cordyceps extracts could boost memory and learning impairment by preventing oxidative damage, scavenging free radicals, and protecting the nervous system.
Cordyceps Fights Stress
As a college student, you will probably agree that the finals preparation period comes with a lot of stress. Chronic stress impairs cognitive acceleration, memory, reasoning skills, judgment, and cognitive processing. We can all agree that this is not good for anyone preparing for college finals. Luckily, you can use cordyceps to fight stress.
A research study conducted in 2022 analyzed the benefits of Cordyceps in fighting depression and stress. The researchers concluded that the fungus has bioactive compounds that exert antidepressant effects. The study suggests that cordyceps may also be effective in helping you manage the stress often associated with the preparations for the finals.
3. Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms are an adequate brain food with numerous benefits on your overall cognitive function. Chaga brain health benefits can make your work more manageable when prepping for your college finals.
Chaga Boosts Memory and Learning Abilities
Your ability to retain information is vital when preparing for your college finals. Luckily, research has proven that Chaga can improve your memory health.
Researchers conducted a study in 2011 to analyze the effects of Chaga mushrooms on cognitive function and oxidative stress. The researchers induced cognitive dysfunction in mice using scopolamine. They then administered a methanolic extract of Chaga for seven days.
The researchers later analyzed the memory and learning abilities of the mice using the Morris water maze and the passive avoidance task. Treating the mice with an extract of Chaga significantly enhanced their memory and learning abilities. The researchers concluded that Chaga mushrooms directly benefit higher brain functions like memory and learning.
Chaga Fights Stress and Fatigue
Chaga is an adaptogenic mushroom. It helps your body adapt to stressful situations, eliminating the risk of stress impacting your brain health. As an added benefit, Chaga fights fatigue, ensuring peak performance at all times.
In 2021, researchers analyzed the recent developments in the benefits of using Chaga mushrooms. The researchers concluded that some of the benefits of using Chaga included reducing fatigue and stress, among many other benefits.
By reducing fatigue, Chaga will help you make the necessary effort to prepare for your finals. By helping your body handle the stress of preparing for the finals, the mushroom will ensure your brain performs optimally.
Overview
While mushrooms may not be the most favored culinary ingredient among college students, the right mushrooms have bioactive compounds that are highly beneficial for your overall brain health. Adding mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Chaga, and cordyceps to your diet can help you improve your memory and learning abilities and even fight the stress associated with preparing for your finals.
You do not have to worry about leaving college and going into the wilderness to forage for these fungi. They are available in the form of supplements. You can get the powdered form of the mushrooms, put a spoon in your morning coffee and start reaping their brain health benefits within a short period.