(This post contains affiliate links in partnership with Erbology. For more information, see my disclosures here. All opinions are my own.)
What do mushrooms and matcha have in common?
Both substances, despite how different they appear, have become the rising stars in the next generation of popular health drinks. The reason for their relative stardom, however, is for the same reason: cognitive health.
A growing body of research is showing that certain medicinal mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, can provide impressive cognitive benefits similar to those of matcha green tea.
Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
Matcha–a vibrant green tea powder–has been the go-to drink for tea lovers around the world for centuries. In fact, Japanese Buddhist monks have been known to use matcha to support their meditation practice for over 800 years.
The reason for this lies in matcha’s unique ability to increase focus and concentration without the jitters associated with caffeine. This is mostly due to the presence of l-theanine: the amino acid known for reducing stress and anxiety.
Matcha May Improve Focus and Concentration
One study found that l-theanine appears to regulate the stimulating effects of caffeine in matcha. The interaction between the two naturally forms a balance that may increase one’s ability to ignore distractions.
Because matcha contains both of these compounds, it has an advantage over coffee, which doesn’t have the relaxing effect of l-theanine.
Another study explains this further by measuring the brain waves of participants who took 50mg of l-theanine versus a placebo.
During the study, participants who took l-theanine demonstrated a significant increase in alpha brain waves. Because alpha waves are exhibited during conscious, restful states–such as meditation–this emphasizes matcha’s potential for supporting relaxed awareness.
Matcha May Help Reduce Stress & Anxiety
In addition to increasing mental alertness, matcha may also help reduce stress and anxiety.
One study found that participants who consumed 4.5 grams of matcha every day for 15 days had significantly lower stress indicators than the placebo group.
If you’re looking for additional ways to look after your cognitive health, lion’s mane is another promising option.
Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane has long been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine as a supportive supplement, but modern science is now boosting the popularity of this once obscure fungus.
Named for its semblance to (you guessed it) a lion’s mane, this adaptogenic mushroom is one of the healthiest you can consume.
Despite its relative obscurity, lion’s mane has gained global popularity in recent years for its promising potential to improve cognitive health.
Lion’s Mane May Help Prevent Dementia
As the brain ages, it’s not uncommon for symptoms of functional decline to emerge. This is typically due to its decreased ability to form and maintain new connections; which, in some cases, can lead to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lion’s mane has been shown to contain compounds that counteract cognitive decline and promote the growth of new connections in the brain.
One study found that oral intake of lion’s mane supplements for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive function and prevented neural deterioration.
Another study of mice found that lion’s mane was able to reduce the symptoms of cognitive decline usually associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
While research is still ongoing, the ability of lion’s mane to reinforce neural connections may make it a favorable method for preventing dementia.
Lion’s Mane May Reduce Anxiety & Depression, Improve Sleep
In addition to possibly preventing symptoms of dementia, lion’s mane has also shown the potential to reduce mild depression and anxiety.
In one study, 30 women with symptoms of depression and anxiety were randomly assigned to eat cookies containing lion’s mane or a placebo for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, self-reported feelings of depression and anxiety were lower in those who took lion’s mane than in the placebo group.
Another study found that symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders were reduced after 8 weeks of consuming lion’s mane.
Risks and Side Effects
Although significant side effects have not been observed in matcha or lion’s mane when consumed in moderation, you should use caution and consider your individual health when deciding whether to try them.
It is recommended to talk with your doctor before beginning any new healthcare supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Erbology Product Review
In partnership with Erbology, I am pleased to provide 3 drink recipes using matcha and lion’s mane. All of them are delicious, easy to make, and provide a simple way to look after your cognitive health. I’ve included 2 low-caffeine recipes, as well as a classic latte for those who need their morning fix of espresso.
When I tried the recipes myself, I was pleasantly surprised to notice a positive shift in my energy levels.
I’ll admit that caffeine can make me feel jittery, so it was satisfying to have sustained focus without the uneasiness that can come with coffee.
The matcha was high-quality, refreshing, and provided a colorful sojourn from my usual iced latte.
On the other hand, the lion’s mane powder was practically flavorless; so there’s no need to worry about your latte tasting like mushrooms. It was a wonderfully discreet way to sneak in a supplement for my long-term brain health.
Get 15% Off With Erbology
If you’re interested in adding matcha or lion’s mane to your daily routine, use code “CONSCIOUSGLOW15” for 15% off any purchase from Erbology. This code is valid for 30 days after the publication of this article (January 12, 2023).
I would like to give a special thanks to Erbology for choosing to partner with me for this collaboration.
Now, here are 3 simple drink recipes to help you enjoy the cognitive benefits of matcha and lion’s mane. Enjoy!
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 20 mL hot water
- 1 tsp. Erbology Organic Ceremonial Matcha
- ¾ cup oat milk
- 1 tsp. honey or agave nectar
- Ice
Directions:
- Add Erbology Ceremonial Matcha and honey (or agave nectar) to 20 mL hot water.
- Blend with a handheld milk frother to combine and create foam.
- Pour the matcha mixture over a glass of iced oat milk, stir, and enjoy.
Lion’s Mane Iced Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- Double shot of espresso (about 40 mL)
- ½ tsp. Erbology Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
- 2 tsp. honey or agave nectar
- ¼ tsp. cinnamon
- ¾ cup oat milk
- Ice
Directions:
- Pull a double shot of espresso into a medium-sized glass or mug.
- Add Erbology Lion’s Mane powder, honey (or agave), and cinnamon to the espresso.
- Blend with a handheld milk frother to combine and create foam. Add ice and oat milk. Enjoy.
Lion’s Mane Hot Cacao
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat milk
- 2 tbsp. cacao powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ tsp. Erbology Organic Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
- 1 pinch of table salt
- (Optional) 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
Directions:
- Heat 1 cup of oat milk and add to a medium-sized glass or mug.
- Add cacao powder (or cocoa powder), Erbology Lion’s Mane powder, salt, and optional honey (or agave) to the heated oat milk.
- Blend with a handheld milk frother to combine and create foam. Enjoy.
Conclusion
Overall, matcha and lion’s mane have shown promising potential to reduce mild symptoms of stress and anxiety. They can also promote sustained focus and cognitive function, making them great supplements to consider for your daily routine.
