Cordyceps vs. Lion's Mane: What the Science Says About Each
Functional mushrooms are on the rise, and it’s not just because of trending hype. These fantastic fungi can have powerful health benefits that affect almost every area of your wellness.
In the world of medicinal ‘shrooms, there are some species that are more well-known than others – for instance, cordyceps and lion’s mane are both popular mushrooms in the supplement community. But what do they do, and is one better than the other? Read on to learn more about these magical mushrooms.
What Is Cordyceps Mushroom?
Cordyceps militaris is a fungus that is native to China, India, and other parts of Asia. Instead of growing in the ground or on trees, cordyceps grow somewhere a little unusual: inside insects.
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus. When it infects a host, it takes over the insect’s brain and forces it to travel somewhere tall, wide, and open.
As the insect travels, cordyceps mycelium (the part of the mushroom that’s similar to plants) fills the body of the insect. The cordyceps fruiting body finally emerges as the insect reaches its destination, releasing spores that will infect other insects.
Benefits of Cordyceps
The mechanisms of how cordyceps gets around might give you shivers, but you’ll forget all about its unsavory nature when you read about its benefits.
The benefits of cordyceps may include the following:
- Increases VO2 Max: This measurement expresses how easily the body is able to use oxygen during exercise. By increasing your VO2 max, cordyceps can improve your endurance.
- Increases ATP Production: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the main molecule your body uses for energy. Cordyceps increases your body’s production of ATP to physically give you more energy.
- Improves Athletic Performance: Because of the previous two benefits, cordyceps can actually improve athletic performance, both on the field and in the gym.
- Increases Cognitive Performance: Finally, cordyceps can also increase learning and memory, according to animal studies.
What Is Lion’s Mane Mushroom?
Lion’s mane (Hericium ericaneus) is a white, fluffy-looking mushroom that grows throughout Northern America, Europe, and Asia. This mushroom grows on trees and can often develop a shaggy or scruffy appearance, which is likely why it’s also called “old man’s beard” and “bearded tooth mushroom.”
Lion’s mane has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, lion’s mane was used to support mental wellness and overall gut health. While this mushroom can have medicinal benefits, it’s also an edible mushroom, which means you can also enjoy it grilled up with some veggies and a glass of wine.
Benefits of Lion’s Mane
Like many folk remedies, studies are now confirming the ways that lion’s mane has been traditionally used. We’re all about folk medicine, but here at Everyday Dose, we also value scientific research and confirmation.
The benefits of lion’s mane that modern science is able to support so far include:
- Supports Focus: Lion’s mane can support focus, alertness, and cognitive ability in people of all ages. It can also support the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which can encourage nervous system health.
- Encourage Balanced Mental Health: This mushroom can also help ease feelings of depression and anxiety, encouraging a sense of mental stability.
- Promotes a Good Night’s Sleep: Lion’s mane can encourage restful sleep, helping you feel invigorated and energized in the morning.
- Supports Overall Gut Health: This mushroom is notably high in beta-glucans, a type of prebiotic fiber that can support a balanced gut microbiome.
- Encourages Detoxification: Lion’s mane can also support the body’s natural detoxification pathways, encouraging a minimal toxic load.
- Promotes Feelings of Relaxation: Finally, this mushroom can help ease feelings of stress and support a sense of mental calmness and relaxation.
Cordyceps vs. Lion’s Mane: Which Is Best?
Clearly, cordyceps and lion’s mane both work differently when it comes to their benefits. While cordyceps actively increases energy, lion’s mane plays a more passive role when it comes to supporting energy. By supporting feelings of relaxation and supporting mental clarity, lion’s mane can support your body’s energy production and efficiency for the long term instead of just increasing energy.
Because they’re so different, it’s not about which one is best overall — it’s about which one is best for you. The one you choose will depend on the benefits you’re looking for and where you need the most support.
Can You Take Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane Together?
The good news is, you don’t have to choose just one. If you want both the energy-producing benefits of cordyceps and the brain-supporting benefits of lion’s mane, you can easily take them together.
Before you take either supplement, make sure you check with your doctor. If you have any preexisting health conditions or take any medications, they may advise you not to take these supplements depending on your health history. Additionally, ask your doctor before you take these mushrooms if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
What Should You Look For in a Medicinal Mushroom Supplement?
Mushroom supplements come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few key things you should look for to make sure you’re getting the highest quality supplement possible.
These include the following:
- Mushroom Extract: Mushrooms must be properly extracted in order to get all of the beneficial compounds. Here at Everyday Dose, we use a double extraction method to squeeze out every last drop of goodness.
- Fruiting Bodies: Many supplements use mushroom mycelium, which can have fewer healthful compounds.
Our Mushroom Coffee+ blend features lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms, which can support the immune system. But we don’t stop there — our blend also includes collagen to support gut health, L-theanine to encourage focus and mental health, and coffee extract to support alertness and provide a rich coffee taste.
Our blends are all made with 100 percent mushroom fruiting bodies grown on wood substrate. As it turns out, supporting your cognitive health doesn’t have to be complicated — it can be as easy as drinking a cup of coffee.
The Bottom Line
Cordyceps and lion’s mane might both be functional mushrooms, but they couldn’t be more different in how they work. While cordyceps physically increases the body’s energy production, lion’s mane can work by supporting cognitive wellness and overall mental health.
We understand that it can be confusing to analyze supplements and build a routine that does what you need. That’s why we developed our Mushroom Coffee+, which combines five powerful ingredients to support brain function. To try the benefits for yourself, shop all of our mushroom blends today.
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