The Miracle Mushroom: The 10 Most Impressive Health Benefits of Lion’s Mane for Brain and Body

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Mushrooms are beneficial with tons of medicinal use. Lion’s mane is one of the good variants with both medicinal and culinary importance. These globe-shaped, white fungi have long, shaggy spines. Research showed that they have a good number of benefits on our brain and body.

Yet don’t quickly consider the mushroom you see as Lion’s Mane because some mushrooms can be mistaken for it, including Coral Tooths, Bear’s Head Tooth, Scalloped Hedgehog, and Reddish Hedgehog Fungus. Check out other mushrooms that look like Lion’s Mane at online sources like Mushroom Revival. 

There are different ways to enjoy lion’s mane mushroom in your dining. You can enjoy them cooked, raw, dried, and even in your tea. People describe its flavor as similar to seafood, resembling the taste of a crab or lobster. Let’s put some light on lion’s mane mushroom extract and its benefit to our brain and body. 

  1.   Anti-inflammatory

The lion’s mane mushroom has a profound effect on fighting inflammation. It is rich with antioxidants and can fight inflammation quickly. Research in the US has found that this mushroom has the fourth-largest antioxidant content among fourteen different mushroom variants. Also, it works to reduce excessive prostaglandins, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and others. Not only that but it also helps to decline inflammatory factors such as NF-κB.

  1. Immune Support

Like most other mushrooms, lion’s mane has beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which support our immune system. Clinical trials on mice showed profound improvement to the gut immune system. Other than that, this mushroom extract induces a positive environment for gut bacteria, so the physiological system as a whole gets quick fix. You feel more energetic while there is enhanced immune support. Taking this mushroom regularly can have long term benefits on your overall physiological system.

 

  1. Recovers Nervous System

This has been a good fight to recover your nerve cells and put them in action. It is not unusual to lose your neurons and get dementia at old age. People spend tons of dollars to come out of this. Lion’s mane mushroom extract is a true blessing. It stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor. These two compounds work exclusively to grow new brain cells and nerve tissues. BDNF produces new brain cells and increases the brain’s neuroplasticity. On the other hand, nerve growth factor works through your entire nervous system. It improves communication between neurons and axons.

How does the mushroom cut through? Well, the mushroom has hericenones and erinacines compounds. These are the two main compounds that work on our brains. They protect your brain from regenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. So, you have the least chance of memory loss when you have lion’s mane mushrooms in your diet.

  1. Diabetes control

Diabetes does not have blood sugar control. Furthermore, increased blood sugar damages your other body organs. Mushrooms can play a big role in blood sugar control. Also, they can heal probable side effects after a few weeks of use.

A study on rats reveals the positives of lion’s mane mushroom intake. Six weeks of consumption showed significant improvements in nerve pain, blood sugar level, antioxidant level, and many more.

Lion’s mane blocks an enzyme called alpha-glucosidase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down carbs and increasing blood glucose level. When the enzyme gets blocked, blood sugar declines due to less metabolism. 

  1. Fights Cancer

Lion’s mane has anti-cancer properties, too. They work to prevent tumor growth and show profound action on gastric cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer. One study in the US showed that this mushroom extract provides a synergistic effect with chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin. This is an effective treatment for liver cancer. Chemotherapy alone does not bring the expected output for a patient. 

  1. Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Lion’s mane mushroom improves blood circulation in our body. Also, it reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol LDL. Not only that, but it also enhances the HDL level, so it promotes the right balance of cholesterol in your body. 

A study on rats showed the impacts of lion’s mushroom intake in their diet. In just 28 days, it lowered the 27% triglyceride level and 42% weight gain in mice. To add more, this mushroom extract inhibits platelet aggregation. Besides, it also works to prevent artery thickening, so there is less chance of getting atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. 

  1. Treats Gastric Ulcers

Ulcers are the prime cause of acidity and indigestion to all. It creates a burning sensation and pain in the chest region. To pinpoint more, the breastbone or sternum is where the pain hikes. 

The polysaccharide compounds in mushroom extract shorten the peptic ulcer region. The lion’s mushroom juice protects the gastric mucosa. That is because they can prevent the reduction of antioxidant enzymes, which in turn helps to treat gastric ulcers.

  1. Anti-aging properties

For ages, people have taken herbs to help keep their skin live and fresh. Herbs are always rich with antioxidants. It is a chemical constituent with anti-aging properties. Lion’s mane has polysaccharides, which increases superoxide dismutase activity. This is a powerful cell protectant. It has a direct effect on the liver, brain, and cell culture of our body. So, you get evergreen freshness with more body functionality. 

  1. Reduces Depression and Anxiety

In this fast-paced world, it is getting difficult to manage our stress. Depression and anxiety are the two common words that we are dealing with every day. How can I come out of these? Yes, tons of therapies and medicine to lift you up a bit. Unlike these, only mushroom intake can help you to come out of the box. 

Lion’s mane has amycenone in its extract. This extract has a profound effect on the mice’s study. The compound can boost the production of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitter production. This has a direct impact on lifting your mood and your mental functioning. In other mice studies, scientists found upregulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus region. This region of the brain brings more emotional stability to people. 

  1. Reduces Fatigue

This Mushroom also puts importance in fatigue reduction. Regular intake of the mushroom, both as food and medicine, can improve energy levels quickly. It increases both glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme content, which has a direct impact on fatigue reduction. Other than that, it reduces serum urea nitrogen (SUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), and blood lactic acid (BLA). As it promotes energy, it is also the right choice for athletes for better performance. 

Lion’s mane can be an excellent choice for your healthy diet. This mushroom is also known as monkey’s mushroom, hedgehog mushroom, bear’s head, houtou (Chinese), yamabushitake (Japanese), and hericium erinaceus (Latin). So, don’t get confused with the name. In a nutshell, the perfect ingredient helps keep you safe. 

Charlotte Area Malls Offering Major Deals This Weekend For National Outlet Shopping Day

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Several Charlotte area malls are gearing up for National Outlet Shopping Day with thousands of deals, limited-time giveaways, unique center-wide experiences, including live music, games, and special events.

Concord Mills, Charlotte Premium Outlets, and Gaffney Outlet Marketplace will offer up to 65 percent savings at hundreds of retailers, including; retailers, including Coach, Fragrance Outlet, GUESS Factory, J. Crew Factory, kate spade new york, Oakley, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, Yankee Candle, Nike, Adidas, Carter’s, and tons more.

Throughout the weekend, shoppers can enjoy tote bag giveaways and an Instagram-worthy selfie station outside Brooks Brothers. Additionally, Concord Mills and Charlotte Premium Outlets will be partnering with Dress for Success Charlotte, a local nonprofit empowering woman to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools, to host a National Outlet Shopping Day purse drive.

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11, 2023

NC’s Largest Battery Goes into Operation This Week

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Duke Energy is expanding its battery storage capabilities in North Carolina and has begun commercial operation of North Carolina’s largest battery system, an 11-MW project in Onslow County.

The battery system will frequently be operated in conjunction with an adjacent 13-MW solar facility located on a leased site within Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, which has been generating carbon-free energy since 2015. The two sites can also be operated independently.

“Battery storage is an important resource for our transition to cleaner energy,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina state president. “Pairing the energy storage system with our existing solar facility at Camp Lejeune helps strengthen the reliability of our energy grid and makes better use of our existing solar generation.” 

Together, the projects enable the most efficient and reliable use of renewable resources. Both projects are connected to a Duke Energy substation and will be used to serve all Duke Energy Progress customers. Future work could enable the solar and battery systems to improve the resiliency of MCB Camp Lejeune against outages.

“Through an enhanced use lease (EUL) and strategic partnership with Duke Energy Progress, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune has been able to make an important investment in the pursuit of energy security inside the fence-line,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ross Campbell, director, Public Works at MCB Camp Lejeune. “Integration of the solar plant with a battery energy storage system, unthinkable a decade ago, presents the installation with a number of opportunities to achieve energy resilience objectives. These systems are part of the ongoing collaboration with the Department of Defense and its utility providers to ensure energy security at federal facilities.” 

The battery’s chemistry is lithium iron phosphate with the system rated at 11-MW/11-MWh, and its physical footprint is about 1 acre. Duke Energy partnered with Black & Veatch construction entity OCI, which acted as the prime contractor for engineering, procurement and construction.

In recent years, Duke Energy has been expanding battery storage in North Carolina. In the city of Asheville, a 9-MW lithium-ion battery system is operating next to a Duke Energy substation in the Shiloh community. In Madison County in the town of Hot Springs, the company has a 4-MW lithium-ion battery system that is part of a microgrid in the town.

Battery storage is essential to speed the clean energy transition in the United States. It helps maximize the positive impact intermittent generation sources like wind and solar have on the energy grid.

The company plans to continue investing in battery technology over the next few years.  Duke Energy expects to have more than 1,600 MW of battery storage in service by 2029. Currently, the company’s regulated utilities have about 90 MW of battery energy storage projects in operation in three states.

Mecklenburg Among Wealthiest Counties in North Carolina – Study

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A new study from SmartAsset analyzes the places in North Carolina with the highest per capita wealth, and Mecklenburg County made the list. The study measured the amount of investment income being generated in each county, in addition to the per capita income and median home value to find the wealthiest places.

For a closer look at the top counties in North Carolina, check out the table below:

Rank County, State Median Income Investment Income Median Home Value Overall Wealth Index
1 Orange County,NC $79,205 $63,645 $456,878 30.75
2 Wake County,NC $88,471 $41,155 $463,222 30.30
3 Chatham County,NC $76,791 $39,115 $528,211 29.52
4 Dare County,NC $69,500 $29,348 $547,928 28.68
5 Union County,NC $88,465 $30,910 $419,476 27.00
6 Currituck County,NC $79,416 $14,619 $506,956 26.11
7 Mecklenburg County,NC $73,124 $56,835 $397,105 25.63
8 New Hanover County,NC $62,362 $52,347 $400,840 24.97
9 Buncombe County,NC $59,699 $41,393 $445,516 24.48
10 Durham County,NC $67,000 $33,213 $385,969 24.17

 

The study’s methodology and interactive map can be found here.

Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Just Signed With Miami and Will Be Playing in Charlotte This October

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Argentine football legend Lionel Messi is now playing with MLS’s Inter Miami, a move that shocked the global soccer community after turning down an expected deal with Barcelona and a $1.6 billion 3 year contract from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Tickets for all of Miami’s games are already skyrocketing in price, with seats for Miami’s game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium in October ranging in price from $181 to over $12,000 per ticket.

In an interview with Spanish media outlet SPORT, Messi said, “I have made the decision to go to Miami. If the Barcelona thing didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more of my family.”

Although the exact figures have not yet been released, the deal promises to be the largest in MLS history.

Inter Miami CF, co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, joined the MLS as an expansion team in 2020. The club has shown ambition in bringing high-profile players to improve the team’s performance and global recognition.

Earlier on Wednesday, Inter Miami’s CEO posted a cryptic tweet featuring a No. 10 shirt showing just the last two letters, “SI”, of a last name. The league has confirmed that a deal with Messi is not yet finalized but expressed enthusiasm about the prospect.

Messi’s move to the American MLS comes after a somewhat tumultuous period with French side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After leaving Barcelona in 2021 due to the club’s financial difficulties, he joined PSG, where he won two Ligue 1 titles but failed to secure the club’s first-ever Champions League title. His stint at PSG ended under less than ideal circumstances, with the club suspending him for an unauthorized trip abroad.

Messi, with his illustrious career spanning 17 years at Barcelona and two at PSG, would significantly enhance the star power of MLS. Known for his exquisite skill and prolific goal-scoring ability, Messi would undoubtedly boost the popularity of soccer in the United States and Canada, elevating the MLS to new heights. His move, if it materializes, will likely bring a surge of fans and interest to Inter Miami and the league as a whole.

What do you think about Messi’s decion?

New data: Charlotte Rents Increased 0.4% in May

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Despite this being the peak season for the rental market, rent growth remained sluggish in May. Prices inched up another 0.5% month-over-month, similar to April and slightly lower than March. Rents are up just 1.9% so far in 2023, and in nearly half of all big cities, prices today are lower than they were one year ago. Of course, regional variation exists, and a handful of markets continue to boom, but the national numbers speak to a continued, broad cooldown of the rental market.
For the latest data, you can check out the May Rent Report here. Some highlights include:
  • Rents in Charlotte increased 0.4% in May, compared to a 0.5% increase nationwide.
  • Year-over-year rent growth in Charlotte now stands at +1.4%, down from +17.5% one year ago. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, citywide rents have risen a total of 24.7%.
  • Today the median rent in Charlotte is $1,327 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,454 for a two-bedroom unit. And the citywide apartment vacancy rate stands at 8.3%, up 2.6 percentage points from this time last year.

Surprisingly, the highest rental rate growth for our region continues to be Gastonia, with a year-over-year rent growth of 8.2%.

Code Red Air Alert Issued For The Charlotte Region Today Due To Canadian Wildfires

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For the first time in over 20 years, the majority of North Carolina counties will be under a “Code Red” air quality warning due to a massive smoke plume coming from the ongoing Canadian wildfires.

According to the NCDAQ, the smoke arrived in North Carolina yesterday, leading to a sharp rise in particle pollution. By Wednesday, the warning escalated to “Code Red,” affecting the Charlotte metro, the Triangle, northern Mountain regions, and northern Coastal Plain, indicating unhealthy air quality for all residents, not just sensitive groups.

A state-wide burning ban is active until the alert concludes. To prevent worsening conditions, residents are also advised to limit driving and usage of gas-powered equipment. Air quality is expected to remain at a high-alert level throughout the week. More than 400 wildfires in Canada, with over 200 out of control, have caused the smoke pollution.

This week’s high temperatures, along with the low air quality increases everyone’s chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – make sure to stay hydrated at all times.

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!

NC Cousins Buying Back Their Brewery From Bud Light Parent Anheuser-Busch

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Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber, co-founders of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, are about to reacquire their NC-based brewery from Bud Light’s parent company Anheuser-Busch.

The 2 founders first started their brewery in 2011 and later partnered with the Craft Brew Alliance, leading to an acquisition by Anheuser-Busch. By 2021, Appalachian Mountain Brewery’s beers were officially part of Anheuser-Busch’s craft beer selection.

Despite the changes in ownership Kelischek and Zieber remained actively engaged in the operational aspects of the brewery. They have now successfully negotiated a deal to buy back Appalachian Mountain Brewery from Anheuser-Busch.

The 2 will also be expanding their operations by opening a new tap room in Asheville.

They will continue to maintain their original location in Boone, North Carolina.

Details and pricing of the deal have not yet been released.

New Movie ‘Operation Taco Gary’s’ To Be Filmed in Charlotte – Asking For Paid Extras

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Movie producers are now looking for paid extras for a new film to be shot in several locations around the Charlotte region.

According to IMDB, the new project is a chaotic cross-country journey starring two brothers who unwittingly get entangled in a global conspiracy. “Operation Taco Gary’s” promises a blend of comedy, drama, and mystery with Simon Rex leading the cast. Not only is Rex starring in the project, but he’s also stepping up as executive producer alongside Michael Kvamme, who is making his directorial debut while also contributing his writing talents to the project.

As reported by Deadline, this comedy features an offbeat conspiracy theorist who drags his distant brother along for a road trip with a hidden motive. Simon Rex will bring the character of Danny to life, a man who initially seems like a typical conspiracy theorist, only to reveal a deeper, more intricate persona as the plot unravels.

The call for extras is currently open, but they’re only considering individuals living in the Charlotte area since no travel expenses are being covered.

You can read about all the specific extras needed here.

Top 5 Best Public Parks in Charlotte For Fishing

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best-parks-to-fish-at-in-charlotteMecklenburg County Park and Recreation currently maintains over 27 miles of shoreline at Lake Norman, Mountain Island Lake, and Lake Wylie, as well as dozens of ponds and smaller lakes that are stocked for public fishing.

No matter where you live in Mecklenburg County, chances are there’s a fishing hole close by.

Here are 5 of the best spots around our city: 

#1 Freedom Park:

Yes, just a couple of minutes from uptown Charlotte, you’d be surprised what you can pull from the lake at Freedom Park! You’ll find largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill here. A great place for bank fishing with the little ones, and easy access to the playground when their patience fades.

#2 McDowell Nature Preserve:

On the shores of Lake Wylie, McDowell Nature Preserve and Copperhead Island have boat launches for fishing further out, and seven piers for fishing, too! Bass, catfish, and other panfish are plentiful here. Plus, a fantastic shelter, volleyball pit, and fire ring for group outings!

#3 Latta Plantation Nature Preserve:

So much history here, plus kayak and bank access to Mountain Island Lake. You can literally spend all day here, between the Nature Center, hiking and horseback trails, Raptor Center, and historic Latta Plantation home, but you’re here to fish! You can get loaner tackle here, and buy bait.

#4 McAlpine Creek Park:

Renowned by runners, walkers, and those cyclists who love those e-bikes for its Greenway, McAlpine Creek Park is home to a 3-acre lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. There’s a small pier and several bank-side benches. Accessible from all sides, there’s plenty of elbow room here to practice your fly-casting!

#5 Colonel Francis Beatty Park:

This may be one of the hottest ‘in town’ fishing spots. Colonel Francis Beatty Park is 265-acre park. It’s by no means massive, but it has plenty of amenities. The 20-acre pond is deeper than most at 18 feet, and is stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill. Open every day from dawn until dusk.

If you’re new to the whole fishing thing, you can borrow a rod and reel at a participating Mecklenburg County Park and Rec Nature Center, including Latta Plantation, McDowell, or Reedy Creek. Latta Plantation even sells bait, so you’ll have everything you need. Call in advance to check for availability, then enjoy the fishing!

Make sure you have a valid A North Carolina Fishing License before you go. You can buy your fishing license online at this link, or call 1-888-248-6834.

Special thanks to Mecklenburg County Park and Rec’s New Blog for compiling this list.