Does Lion’s Mane Give You Energy? Studies & Evidence for Stamina

Lion’s Mane is one of the most interesting nootropics on the market, especially since studies and anecdotal evidence show that Lion’s Mane can give people a much-needed energy boost.

Lion’s Mane has been studied for its effect on neuroprotection, anti-oxidants, and cognition. However, smaller studies in mice and studies for sports medicine also show its powerful anti-fatigue effects.

Here’s what you need to know about this powerful mushroom, and how Lion’s Mane can give you energy and boost stamina.

Lion’s Mane and Anti-Fatigue Studies

Perhaps the best study on Lion’s Mane and fatigue comes from a 2015 mice-model study on Lion’s Mane. This study aimed to look at the effects of Lion’s Mane polysaccharides on fatigue in mice and had some incredible results. 

Mice were given varying levels of Lion’s Mane or a placebo of saline. They were then examined after conducting a swim test until they reached exhaustion.

The mice did this swim test and were given varying levels of Lion’s Mane for a total of 28 days. The mice that were given more Lion’s Mane showed signs of less fatigue than the mice that received less.

That’s because the ones that received more Lion’s Mane had longer swimming times than those that didn’t, which indicates they could swim longer and (in theory) suffered from less fatigue.

The researchers took the study a step further by measuring blood content including:

• Blood lactic acid (BLA)
• Serum urea nitrogen (SUN)
• Tissue glycogen
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) 
• Malondialdehyde (MDA)

Lion’s Mane had a measurable effect by decreasing BLA, SUN, and MDA content. It also increased tissue glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Lactic Acid and Lion’s Mane

Runners and athletes who have done a tough workout might have heard that lactic acid build-up is one of the primary causes of muscle soreness and fatigue.

However, this is a myth that has been proven false by researchers. Still, this doesn’t mean lactic acid isn’t an indicator of fatigue and recovery.

In fact, lactic acid build-up in the body is a clear sign that cells aren’t getting enough oxygen, which can lead to muscle fatigue.

With the mice study showing that Lion’s Mane has the potential to decrease lactic acid build-up, it may be beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to incorporate this mushroom into their daily routine!

Try our delicious & potent mushroom gummies infused with Lion's Mane!

Tissue Glycogen and Lion's Mane

This same study also found that Lion’s Mane had a positive effect on tissue glycogen content.

Tissue glycogen is a form of glucose that is stored in the muscles and liver as an energy source. When our body needs energy, it can convert glycogen back into glucose for immediate use.

One of the benefits of having higher levels of tissue glycogen is increased endurance. This is because our muscles are able to store more energy and have a greater supply to draw from during physical activity.

With Lion’s Mane increasing tissue glycogen content in mice, it could potentially have the same effect on humans, leading to improved athletic performance and stamina.

Antioxidant Properties of Lion’s Mane

Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. These free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which has been linked to various diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

Amazingly enough, studies have shown that Lion's Mane is one of the best medicinal and culinary mushrooms with a high amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing damage to cells in the body.

This means that incorporating Lion’s Mane into your diet could potentially have long-term benefits for your overall health and, of course, energy levels. Separate studies have shown that antioxidant-rich foods, like Lion's Mane, can improve metabolism and energy.

Lion's Mane and Depression

For those struggling with depression, fatigue can often play a big role in worsening symptoms. Feeling tired and sluggish can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks and can also affect one's mood.

Fortunately, Lion's Mane may offer some relief. Studies have shown that people taking as little as 0.5g of Lion's Mane crushed in cookies had less anxiety and depression.

There are several theories as to why Lion's Mane works so well in decreasing depression symptoms. While there still isn't a solid conclusion, it's thought that Lion's Mane's ability to create BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, could play a role.

BDNF is essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons in the brain. It also promotes neurogenesis, which can help improve cognitive function and mood and alleviate depression symptoms.

Studies on depression and Lion's Mane show that its effects are far-reaching, impacting the physical body, brain, and overall health.

Try our delicious & potent mushroom gummies infused with Lion's Mane!

Does Lion's Mane Have Caffeine?

Lion's Mane does not contain caffeine. However, for those looking for a quick boost of energy without the crash that comes with caffeine, Lion's Mane may be a great alternative.

While many energy supplements or drinks rely on caffeine to give consumers an immediate jolt, Lion's Mane works in a different way.

Studies have shown that Lion's Mane given within one hour had a direct impact on people's reaction times, making them faster and more alert. In addition, the same study showed that taking Lion's Mane for 28 days also positively impacted people's stress-levels.

Lowering the amount of stress you feel and boosting cognitive functioning are just some of the many proven benefits of incorporating Lion's Mane into your diet.

While Lion's Mane won't suppress fatigue, which is essentially what caffeine does, it can still provide you with the energy to get through your day and improve your overall stress and energy levels. You also won't get the negative side effects of caffeine which include:

• Jitteriness
• Insomnia
• Headaches due to withdrawal
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Anxiety

Lion's mane and nootropic supplements are an excellent way to get a daily dose of this powerful mushroom. Zen Bites Mushroom Extract Gummies, for instance, provide you with high-quality Lion's Mane extract along with other brain-boosting ingredients, like Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail mushroom, and more, to give you an overall mental edge without the crash or side effects of caffeine.

Positive reviews on Zen Bites and other nootropic supplements also provide anecdotal evidence of the energy-boosting benefits of Lion's Mane.

Experience Better Mood and Energy Levels Today

While Lion's Mane continues to be researched and studied, the evidence so far shows promising results for its ability to improve cognitive functioning, mood, and energy levels.

Whether you're looking to enhance your focus and productivity at work, or simply want a natural energy boost without the negative effects of caffeine, incorporating Lion's Mane into your daily routine may be what you need to kickstart your daily routine and experience better energy levels.

Try our delicious & potent mushroom gummies infused with Lion's Mane!

Zen Bites makes it easy to get your daily dose of Lion's Mane and other adaptogenic mushrooms! Our delicious, vegan, and energy-boosting gummies are the perfect addition to your morning routine and can get you started on the path toward holistic healing.

Try them out today and experience the benefits of Lion's Mane for yourself!