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There are an incredible number of medicinal mushrooms available for health and wellness, and two that hit the top 10 are Lion's mane and turkey tail. But there lies the problem - how do you know which one to take?
Read on for the benefits of Lion's mushroom versus the benefits of turkey tail mushroom. We’ll also give you product recommendations and help you decide which mushroom supplement is best with Grape Tree.
What is Lion's mane mushroom?
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Lion's mane mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It grows in moist environments such as woodlands and forests as long white finger-like tendrils that resemble Lion's manes or beards and has a light fishy taste.
Lion’s mushroom is an endangered species. Therefore, you must not pick it in the wild but get Lion's mane supplements from sustainable sources. You can get Lion's mane powder, Lion’s mane extract, and Lion’s mane capsules.
What is turkey tail mushroom?
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Turkey tail, also known as Trametes versicolor, is a polypore fungus - a porous fungus that releases spores. It’s found in damp, wooded areas, usually growing from decaying trees.
The mushroom has a leathery texture and spirals out in layers that resemble a wild turkey's tail. Its’ rings of colour vary from brown to black and cream. Turkey tail has an earthy taste with a woody undertone that some describe as akin to black tea.
Lion’s mane vs. turkey tail benefits
There are many benefits to taking Lion's mane and turkey tail mushrooms, but which one is best? In the next section, we cover the benefits of Lion's mane and the benefits of turkey tail. We’ll also include the advantages both share so you can decide which mushroom supplement is best for you. Let’s dive in.
Benefits of Lion’s mane mushroom
Read on for the top advantages of taking Lion’s mane supplement.
Lion’s mane may be better for brain fog
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Lion's mane has many nutrients that level up your body, but one of its star qualities is its ability to reduce brain fog.
Brain fog is when you struggle to focus, concentrate, or remember things. This can make completing tasks such as work, studying, or even daily chores difficult. There are many reasons for brain fog, including stress, lack of sleep, and an inflammatory diet.
Lion’s mane contains compounds that activate the nerve growth factor (NGF). Over time, your NGF can break down due to a buildup of proteins. However, Lion's mane protects your brain cells from protein buildup and stimulates your nerve pathways to boost mental clarity, concentration, and memory.
Lion’s mane can help your skin glow
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A lesser-known benefit of Lion's mane is that it can improve your skin's complexion. This is because it's enriched with a chemical called niacin, also known as B3. Niacin provides your skin with hydration by knitting together a tight derma barrier - the surface layer of your skin. When the derma barrier is weak, moisture can escape. But niacin replenishes hydration to plump up and smooth skin for a dewy complexion.
Lion’s mane is a natural mood booster
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Two hormones that significantly affect your mood are cortisol, the stress hormone and serotonin, the happy hormone. Cortisol and dopamine work like a seesaw. When cortisol rises, your dopamine dips and as dopamine increases cortisol lowers. Too much cortisol can make you irritable, tired and struggle to sleep.
Lion's mane improves serotonin production, encouraging feelings of contentment, motivation and general well-being. Therefore, taking Lions mane extract regularly could lower feelings of negativity and improve your mental health.
Benefits of turkey tail mushroom
Discover how taking a turkey tail supplement could improve your health and wellness.
Turkey tail is excellent for your immune system
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Turkey tail’s superpower is boosting your immune system. This is because it contains protein-bound compounds called polysaccharopeptides. These peptides encourage the production of particular immune cells called monocytes—a type of white blood cell that invades pathogens and destroys them from the inside.
Turkey tail is so effective at enhancing the immune system that it’s been used in Japan and China as a complementary medicine alongside radiation and chemotherapy. This is because of its anti-cancer properties, which fight cancerous cells and protect the body from disease. However, it's important to note that Turkey tail is not used as a replacement for cancer treatment.
Turkey tail may prevent urinary tract infections
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Turkey tail is an excellent anti-inflammatory, specifically targeting inflammation in the respiratory tract, where urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur. Infections develop due to bacteria gathering in the urethra.
Turkey tail can heal the infection due to its immunity-enhancing properties and decrease the inflammatory effects that make UTIs uncomfortable.
If you are experiencing a urinary tract infection, take turkey tail for a few weeks until the UTI clears up. However, if the infection does not pass, please seek medical advice. Do not use turkey tail as a replacement for prescribed medication.
Turkey tail can enhance athletic performance
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Turkey tail extract could improve athletic performance by lowering blood lactate (the level of lactic acid in the blood) and reducing fatigue. When you exercise, you use more oxygen than usual, creating lactic acid buildup. This causes your muscles to cramp and seize up, impacting your athletic performance.
Turkey tail can lower lactic acid after exercise for better muscle recovery. It’s also been known to reduce and delay fatigue, allowing you to exercise for longer before getting tired.
Benefits of Lion’s mane and turkey tail
Turkey tail vs. Lion’s mane have their differences. But what about the advantages they share?
Both turkey tail and Lion’s mane improve energy
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Turkey tail mushroom and Lion's mane are anti-inflammatories that widen blood vessels by soothing irritated cells. Cell inflammation is usually caused by excess sugar, smoking, alcohol consumption, and a high-sodium diet. Better blood flow encourages oxygen and nutrients to reach your essential organs more quickly, enhancing your energy levels.
Both Lion’s mane and turkey tail balance blood sugar
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If you want to regulate your glucose levels, turkey tail and Lion's mushroom are excellent supplements to take.
Turkey tail may help with blood sugar by relaxing your blood vessels. This lowers the risk of glucose sticking to and hardening your artery walls. Instead, excess glucose can pass through your arteries more easily.
Lion's mane is a great antioxidant that protects your artery walls from swelling and positively raises insulin levels, reducing a blood sugar imbalance.
Both turkey tail and Lion’s mane mushrooms improve mental performance
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Lion's mane is known for reducing brain fog, but turkey tail can also enhance mental clarity. Both mushrooms contain antioxidants that lower damage to brain cells caused by free radicals.
The antioxidants in Lion’s mane and turkey tail shield the brain from harm by neutralising unstable atoms. This act encourages nerve growth, boosting concentration, focus, and memory. It may even help with Alzheimer's disease.
The best Lion’s mane mushroom supplement
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Check out our premium Lion's mane mushroom supplements. We have mushroom extract, which you can add to your water and drink daily, and Lion's mane capsules, which you can take on the go.
The best turkey tail mushroom supplement
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Our turkey tail mushroom extract is of excellent quality and delivers the bodily benefits you need. Check out the mushroom supplement below:
The bottom line: turkey tail vs Lion’s mane - which should you choose?
If you're looking for a mushroom supplement that enhances your mental clarity, Lion's mane is a fantastic option. If you want a mushroom supplement that boosts your immune system, we advise you to choose turkey tail.
However, you can take the mushroom supplements simultaneously to get the health boosts of both. Choose the best mushroom supplements today with Grape Tree.
