Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and modern research is starting to catch up with what our ancestors already knew: mushrooms have incredible health benefits, especially for our brains.

1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s Mane is one of the most well-known and well-studied mushrooms for brain health. It’s named after its unique appearance, which resembles the mane of a lion.

Studies have shown that Lion’s Mane can help stimulate the growth of new nerve cells and protect existing ones, making it a potent memory-enhancer and neuroprotectant.

2. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is also known as the “mushroom of immortality” for its incredible health benefits. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it an excellent choice for protecting the brain from age-related damage.

Studies have also found that Reishi can improve cognitive performance and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

Cordyceps is a unique mushroom that grows on the backs of caterpillars in the wild. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a tonic for vitality and longevity.

Studies have found that Cordyceps can improve cognitive function, increase oxygen uptake, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

4. Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey Tail is a common mushroom found all over the world. It’s named after its colorful, fan-shaped cap, which resembles the tail of a turkey.

Studies have found that Turkey Tail can help stimulate the immune system, making it an excellent choice for protecting against age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

5. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga is a slow-growing mushroom that grows on birch trees in colder regions of the world. It has been used for centuries as a medicinal mushroom, and modern research has shown that it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Studies have found that Chaga can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

6. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake is a large mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees. It’s rich in beta-glucans, which have been shown to have immune-modulating effects.

Studies have also found that Maitake can help improve cognitive performance and protect against age-related memory decline.

7. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake is one of the most popular culinary mushrooms in the world, but it’s also a potent medicinal mushroom. It’s rich in compounds like eritadenine, which can help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

Studies have also found that Shiitake can help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

8. Agaricus blazei (Agaricus blazei)

Agaricus blazei is a species of mushroom native to Brazil and related to the button mushroom.

It’s been used in traditional medicine for its immune-modulating effects, and studies have found that it can help improve cognitive function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Hericium coralloides (Hericium coralloides)

Hericium coralloides is a close relative of Lion’s Mane and has similar cognitive-enhancing effects. Studies have also found that it has potent antioxidant effects, making it an excellent choice for protecting the brain from oxidative stress.

10. Agrocybe aegerita (Agrocybe aegerita)

Agrocybe aegerita is a species of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a tonic for the liver and kidneys.

Studies have found that it can also improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

11. Pleurotus ostreatus (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Pleurotus ostreatus, also known as the oyster mushroom, is a popular culinary mushroom that’s also rich in compounds that have been shown to be neuroprotective.

Studies have found that Pleurotus ostreatus can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

12. Tremella fuciformis (Tremella fuciformis)

Tremella fuciformis is a species of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-aging effects. Studies have found that Tremella fuciformis can help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

13. Auricularia auricula-judae (Auricularia auricula-judae)

Auricularia auricula-judae is a mushroom that’s often used in traditional Chinese soups and stews. It’s rich in polysaccharides, which have been shown to have immune-modulating effects.

Studies have also found that Auricularia auricula-judae can help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

14. Flammulina velutipes (Flammulina velutipes)

Flammulina velutipes, also known as the winter mushroom, is a species of mushroom that’s rich in compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Studies have found that Flammulina velutipes can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

15. Phellinus linteus (Phellinus linteus)

Phellinus linteus is a species of mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a tonic for vitality and longevity.

Studies have found that Phellinus linteus can help protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline and decrease inflammation.

16. Agaricus bisporus (Agaricus bisporus)

Agaricus bisporus is the most widely cultivated mushroom in the world and is the common white or brown mushroom found in supermarkets. Studies have found that Agaricus bisporus can help improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation in the brain.

17. Ganoderma applanatum (Ganoderma applanatum)

Ganoderma applanatum, also known as the artist’s conk, is a species of mushroom that’s been used in traditional medicine for its immune-modulating effects.

Studies have also found that Ganoderma applanatum can help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

18. Sparassis crispa (Sparassis crispa)

Sparassis crispa, also known as the cauliflower mushroom, is a species of mushroom that’s rich in beta-glucans and other compounds that have been shown to have immune-modulating effects.

Studies have found that Sparassis crispa can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive performance.

19. Russula virescens (Russula virescens)

Russula virescens is a species of mushroom that’s commonly found in temperate forests around the world. Studies have found that Russula virescens can improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

20. Lactarius deliciosus (Lactarius deliciosus)

Lactarius deliciosus, also known as the saffron milk cap, is a species of mushroom that’s popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

Studies have found that Lactarius deliciosus can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

21. Boletus edulis (Boletus edulis)

Boletus edulis, also known as the porcini mushroom, is a popular culinary mushroom that’s rich in compounds that have been shown to have neuroprotective effects.

Studies have found that Boletus edulis can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

22. Inonotus obliquus (Inonotus obliquus)

Inonotus obliquus, also known as Chaga, is a slow-growing mushroom that grows on birch trees in colder regions of the world.

It has been used for centuries as a medicinal mushroom, and modern research has shown that it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have found that Inonotus obliquus can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

23. Sparassis crispa (Sparassis crispa)

Sparassis crispa, also known as the cauliflower mushroom, is a species of mushroom that’s rich in beta-glucans and other compounds that have been shown to have immune-modulating effects.

Studies have found that Sparassis crispa can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive performance.

24. Trametes pubescens (Trametes pubescens)

Trametes pubescens, also known as the hairy bracket mushroom, is a species of mushroom that’s rich in beta-glucans and other compounds that have been shown to have immune-modulating effects.

Studies have found that Trametes pubescens can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive performance.

25. Tremella mesenterica (Tremella mesenterica)

Tremella mesenterica is a species of mushroom that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its anti-aging effects.

Studies have found that Tremella mesenterica can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

26. Morchella esculenta (Morchella esculenta)

Morchella esculenta, also known as the morel mushroom, is a rare and highly prized mushroom that’s rich in compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Studies have found that Morchella esculenta can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive performance.

27. Grifola umbellata (Grifola umbellata)

Grifola umbellata is a species of mushroom that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its immune-modulating effects.

Studies have found that Grifola umbellata can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

28. Pholiota adiposa (Pholiota adiposa)

Pholiota adiposa, also known as the king oyster mushroom, is a species of mushroom that’s rich in compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Studies have found that Pholiota adiposa can help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive function.

29. Agaricus subrufescens (Agaricus subrufescens)

Agaricus subrufescens is a species of mushroom that’s been used in traditional medicine for its immune-modulating effects.

Studies have found that Agaricus subrufescens can help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related memory decline.

30. Psilocybin Mushrooms (Psilocybin Mushrooms)

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, have been used for centuries for their psychedelic effects.

While the effects of psilocybin are not well-studied in terms of brain health, recent research has found that psilocybin can have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, making it a promising area of research for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Conclusion

Mushrooms are a fascinating and powerful group of organisms with incredible health benefits, especially for our brains.

While more research is needed to fully understand their effects, the mushrooms listed above have been shown in numerous studies to help improve cognitive function, protect against age-related memory decline, and even offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease. Whether eaten as food or taken as a supplement, incorporating these fungi friends into your diet could be a powerful way to support your brain health for years to come.