Lion’s Mane vs Cordyceps Mushrooms: Which Is Better?
Are Lion’s Mane mushrooms or Cordyceps mushrooms better? You want the best for your body, so you obviously want to pick the most impressive mushroom with the longest list of benefits.
But these two are no ordinary portobellos or shiitake mushrooms. Both of these clever mushies have heaps of positives for your physical and mental health benefits, which makes it so difficult to choose.
That’s why we’re diving into the spectacular showdown between these two fantastic fungi: the shaggy superstar Lion’s Mane and the infamous Cordyceps. The question is - which smart shroom is right for you? That’s what you’re about to find out! Let’s get into it.
Taking the Mushroom Out of the Kitchen
There’s more to these mushrooms than meets the eye. Sure, mushrooms have been stealing the spotlight for being culinary delicacies and delicious, affordable and healthy foods. But these fungi are mother nature’s gift to our wellbeing, as well as our growling stomachs.
Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps are two of the famed super-shrooms, grown and cultivated specifically for their health-supporting properties.
As mushroom supplementation has grown in popularity, the science has started flowing, backing up the many benefits of Lion's Mane. So keep the mushroom soup for later. These shrooms have more to offer than a tasty treat…
Lion’s Mane vs Cordyceps - The Battle Begins
Before the battle of mycelium commences, you should probably know who the opponents really are. Lion’s Mane, known by its scientific name Hericium erinaceus, is a shaggy-looking mushroom with white tendrils that cascade in a waterfall of fluff.
It’s widely known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-boosting benefits. So you know this guy is a serious contender.
Cordyceps, on the other hand, have a bit of an infamous origin story. They’re actually parasitic mushrooms, infecting and growing on the larvae of insects (you may have heard its name in a pretty popular zombie video game).
But Cordyceps sinensis isn’t so scary. In fact, it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. How do you choose between this plucky pair? Well, we’re here to help you answer that…
The Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract
Lion’s Mane mushroom puts the ‘pow!’ into ‘powerful mushroom’. This mushroom is more than a cool hairstyle; it contains vital compounds known as erinacines and hericenones. These are pretty much the rockstars of your brain.
That’s because they can stimulate the production of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is basically a personal trainer for your brain, keeping it strong and protected from the neurons!
When NGF joins the party and starts taking care of your nerve cells, it has the potential to enhance your cognitive function overall, helping with memory and thinking power.
And the nerve protection keeps going. Because of this NGF stimulation, studies have shown that your brain is better protected from neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Because Lion’s Mane promotes nerve cell regeneration and shields them from harm, your nervous system is better protected than Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard.
Lion’s Mane isn’t all about the brain function, though. It’s tough, too. Inside those innocent, shaggy tendrils are polysaccharides and beta-glucans, packed with immune-boosting powers.
These compounds can be the ideal immunity whisperer, keeping your body's immune system on its toes where it's needed and helping it chill out when it's not. And, of course, a happy immune system and nervous system start with a happy gut.
Lion’s Mane might just have the secret to a perfectly balanced gut, and that includes your microbiome, small intestine health and enzyme balances.
This mushroom has been linked to improved digestive health, promoting the growth of good gut bacteria as well as reducing inflammation in your tum!
The Benefits of Cordyceps Mushrooms
Cordyceps might have a bit of a scary image from its parasitic tendencies, but it has some serious health-supporting chops.
Imagine you could bottle up that energy you used to have as a little child, constantly on the move and ready to run. Cordyceps may well be the closest thing to that giddy child energy you can get.
These shrooms are energy superstars, increasing energy production and improving your physical endurance levels by making your body more efficient at using oxygen. It’s for this reason that Cordyceps is a firm favourite of athletes and fitness fanatics alike.
But the real impact of ol’ cordy comes with its respiratory health effects. It doesn’t just make you breathe a little easier. It can support respiratory well-being in conditions like COPD and asthma.
Moving a little further into your body now, Cordyceps sinensis gets to work on more than just your lungs. Cordyceps packs a punch with immune-boosting powers, too, since these shrooms are filled with polysaccharides and bioactive compounds that your immune system will simply adore.
Now, if you know anything about chronic diseases and conditions, you probably know that inflammation is the sneaky suspect behind many illnesses.
Thanks to the anti-inflammatory powers of Cordyceps, you can reduce inflammation in your body and reduce common symptoms from a broad range of health issues.
So, Do Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps Compliment Each Other?
Now that we know all about what goes down in fungi-town with Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, it’s time to face the facts - these two make a fantastic couple. Lion’s Mane excels in the cognitive department, while Cordyceps helps your body maintain physical performance.
Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps can work together for a combined impact on your immune system, strengthening your defences against any invading nasties.
And let’s not forget how important it is to support your holistic wellness. By pairing up these two shrooms, you support every part of you.
Want to Try the Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps Fungi-Tastic Health Duo?
While this started out as a showdown between competitively beneficial shrooms, it turns out that Lion’s Mane extract and Cordyceps make a super useful pair.
Lion’s Mane supports optimal cognitive performance, immunity, and nervous system well-being, while Cordyceps boosts energy levels and respiratory health.
Whether you’re thinking of adding this dynamic duo to your diet or supplementing, it’s important to get started with high-quality, trustworthy supplements.
If we do say so ourselves, our high-quality Lion’s Mane capsules are a great place to banish brain fog, improve your focus and stress levels, and maintain optimal health physically and mentally.
