“In particular, Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Turkey Tail bolster gut microbiota and exhibit prebiotic effects, enhancing immune functionality. These fungi are rich in prebiotic fiber and bioactive polysaccharides, stimulating beneficial gut bacteria and supporting overall well-being.” https://herb.co/learn/exploring-mushroom-supplements-benefits-and-risks I need to read more about prebiotics, I haven’t read this whole aspect for Lion’s Mane before. Is it just because of fiber and polysaccharides, that supports gut health? I know Lion’s Mane has a history of use for stomach issues, though I haven’t read modern studies that clarify what’s happening. The questions: do each of these mushrooms have specific qualities that support gut health or do they all share similar, shroomy things that are beneficial to the stomach?

This was so good, I prefer to blend it up in the food processor so it really have that picadillo texture. Will be making this one again. It made the best tacos

In the past year, I’ve heard more mentions of Lion’s Mane being used as a pre-workout. It’s also something I’ve consistently done for the past year. Here’s what I’ve found that Lion’s Mane DOES NOT do for workouts—and what it DOES do. Lion’s Mane extract DOES NOT: - Help muscles push their limits through chemical processes that compounds like Creatine and Nitric Oxide does by increasing muscle mass or blood flow. - Provide a stimulant for the body like Caffeine, which blocks a chemical that makes you feel sleepy. When you look in detail about the effects of Lion’s Mane compounds on the body, you’ll see that it’s limited to two larger factors, one that is common to most functional mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, etc.) and another that is exclusive to Lion’s Mane. Lion’s Mane extract DOES: - Contain polysaccharides called beta-glucans that suppress nervous signaling pathways that typically result in inflammation. In other words, some inflammatory molecules can be blocked by taking Lion’s Mane. I believe the beta-glucans are also helpful for gut health by promoting useful bacteria in the digestive system. - Contain Erinacines, which stimulates the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is crucial to the protection, survival, and regeneration of neurons. Ernacines is also connected to memory, learning, and cognitive function, though I’m unsure if it’s because of NGF production. Somewhere in the mix between these two primary effects on the body is Lion’s Mane’s ability to lessen mental fatigue, which is why people are better able to focus and find clarity in work that needs deeper concentration. Maybe the improved focus that Lion’s Mane provides can help with someone’s “mind-muscle connection”, which is an ability to focus on specific muscle activations that make workouts more deliberate and efficient. There really isn’t enough research to find connections between improved workouts and Lion’s Mane, yet there are more and more people using it as a critical pre-workout supplement.

Yoga has been a way to make me feel present and relaxed yet also sweat so much. I did yoga years ago, but maybe it’s the mindset I'm in now that makes it feel more intentional. I am still adjusting to my surroundings, and at times, all I want to do is be active, but it's hard to push through. When I'm not feeling it and have to go against myself and sign up for a yoga class five minutes in, I already decide, “I made the right decision.” Almost always, I leave the class feeling refreshed and accomplished. I want to dive more into my yoga practice and be more present in my life. Do you guys push through when you do not want to be active or dive into your couch?

“Plant-based food producer OmniFoods is set to introduce the latest advancements in its plant-based cuisine offerings at the upcoming Expo West 2024 in California. The new lineup includes a series of sweet baos and the launch of the OMNI Garden product line, which notably includes the debut of the company’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Steak.” https://vegconomist.com/products-launches/omnifoods-lions-mane-steak-new-generation-fungi-innovation/ — I’m less excited by the steak (though I’m curious how it’ll turn out) than their sweet baos. A note of caution though: there are already pork-based sweet baos the suck, and the it’s the amount of sweet paste to pork that makes it great or an artificially-flavored mess. A lot of pre-packaged baos I’ve had over the years share the same deficit in texture and taste. As long as this company has good taste in what a sweet bao should taste and feel like, using Lion’s Mane versus pork should have no effect on the experience.