7 Nootropic Mushrooms (Boost Focus & Memory Naturally)

Mushrooms have long been valued for their medicinal properties, and in recent years certain types of mushrooms have gained popularity as nootropic mushrooms.

Nootropics are substances that improve cognitive function and can be found in many forms, including herbs, vitamins, and amino acids.

In particular, mushrooms have been shown to have many potential benefits for brain health, including improved memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function.

In this blog post, we explore 7 nootropic mushrooms that can naturally boost your brain power.

What are the Best Nootropic Mushrooms

These Nootropic Mushrooms are in no particular order.

1. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a species of mushroom that belongs to the Ascomycetes family and is native to the Himalayas.

It is known for its ability to improve physical performance and increase energy and stamina.

Cordyceps has also been shown to have potential nootropic effects, including improved memory and cognitive function.

It is believed to increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that plays a key role in the body’s energy production.

2. Lion’s mane

Lion’s mane is a species of mushroom that belongs to the genus Hericium and is native to North America, Europe and Asia.

It is known for its unique appearance with long white tentacles resembling a lion’s mane.

Lion’s mane has been shown to have many potential health benefits, including improving cognitive function and memory.

It is believed to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a key role in the growth and survival of nerve cells.

3. Reishi

Reishi is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Ganoderma that originates from Asia.

It is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat many ailments.

Reishi is also believed to have nootropic properties, including improved memory and cognitive function.

It is believed to increase the production of antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress.

4. Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail is a species of mushroom that belongs to the Trametes family and is native to North America, Europe, and Asia.

It is known for its colorful striped appearance and is often used as a natural aid to support the immune system.

Turkey tail is also believed to have nootropic properties, including improved memory and cognitive function.

It is thought to increase the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that helps protect the brain from oxidative stress.

5. Chaga

Chaga is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Inonotus, which is common in the cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere.

It is known for its high antioxidant content and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat many ailments.

Chaga is also thought to have nootropic properties, including improved memory and cognitive function.

It is believed to increase the production of SOD and other antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress.

6. Shiitake

Shiitake is a species of mushroom belonging to the genus Lentinula, native to Asia.

It is known for its delicious taste and is often used in cooking. Shiitake is also believed to have nootropic benefits such as improved memory and cognitive function.

It is believed that it increases the production of erinacin, a compound that helps stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells in the brain.

7. Maitake

Maitake is a species of mushroom that belongs to the genus Grifola and is native to North America and Asia.

It is known for its immune-boosting properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments.

Maitake is also thought to have nootropic properties, including improved memory and cognitive function.

It is believed to increase the production of antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress.

Using Nootropic Mushrooms

There are many ways to incorporate nootropic mushrooms into your daily routine.

Here are some options to consider:

Capsules or Tablets: Nootropic mushrooms are often available in capsules or tablets, making them convenient to take with you.

Simply follow the dosage instructions on the product label or contact your doctor for a recommended dosage.

Tea: Many nootropic mushrooms can be made into a tea by steeping them in water.

Simply add mushrooms to a pot of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Strain the tea and enjoy hot or cold.

Powder: Nootropic mushrooms are also available as a powder that can be easily added to smoothies, soups, or other foods.

Simply follow the dosage instructions on the product label or contact your doctor for a recommended dosage.

Tincture: Nootropic mushrooms can also be made into a tincture by steeping them in alcohol.

This method is not recommended for everyone, as alcohol can be harmful in large quantities.

If you choose to use a tincture, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the product label or consult your doctor for a recommended dosage.

Safety and Quality

To ensure product safety and effectiveness, it is important to choose nootropic mushrooms from reputable companies and look for certifications such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) or organic certification.

Some nootropic mushrooms can also interact with certain medications or cause side effects, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding them to your routine.

Nootropic Mushrooms Cognitive Study

In one study, Researchers tracked the data of 663 Singaporean retirees aged 60 and over between 2011 and 2017.

All participants completed tests and baseline interviews to assess their cognitive health and determine relative levels of mild cognitive impairment, or MCI.

A condition characterized by poor memory and language problems that still do not interfere with daily activities.

An increase in MCI symptoms often precedes the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers say they found an association between eating “more than two standard servings of mushrooms per week” and a reduced risk of developing MCI in the group.

A standard portion was defined as “one cup of cooked mushrooms with an average weight of 150 grams.” Two such servings fill about half of a medium-sized dinner.

According to the researchers, seniors who regularly ate two or more servings had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI dietary patterns.

Of the mushroom species included in the study, the four most commonly eaten varieties were goldfish, oyster, shiitake, and white button Even with controls built into this study, it is illustrative, not of clinical significance.

The results support the correlation but cannot prove that mushroom consumption reduces the risk of MCI.

However, this is an interesting link that deserves randomized controlled trials to clarify the association.

Scientists say they have a chemical in mushrooms that have already been further studied.

In an earlier study, members of the same research team found that an amino acid called ergothioneine was significantly lower in the blood plasma of Singaporean elderly with MCI compared to healthy people of the same age.

Mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, which the human body itself cannot produce, so it is at least plausible that this compound is part of the story.

And since mushrooms have already been widely studied for their nutritional profiles and potential links to supporting cellular health and immunity, there is much to explore, and no doubt more discoveries to come.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nootropic mushrooms are a natural and effective way to increase brain power and improve cognitive function.

With so many potential health benefits, these mushrooms are worth considering as part of a holistic approach to wellness.

Whether you choose capsules, tablets, tea, powder, or tincture, there are many ways to incorporate nootropic mushrooms into your daily routine.

Be sure to choose quality products from reputable companies and check with your doctor before starting a new supplement.