NGF meaning

Neural growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic signalling protein that stimulates the growth of nerve cells in the brain.

What are the benefits of NGF?

NGF is an enabler of a process known as neuroplasticity, which governs our ability to develop any new skills, recover from nerve injuries, adapt to new environments and your creative abilities. Whenever you are doing any of the above activities, you are engaging in the neuroplasticity process.

For neuroplasticity to take place, a process called neurogenesis must occur which requires the production of NGF. Neurogenesis refers to the formation of new nerve cells. NGF assists in ensuring the survival of these neurons the during the process of neurogenesis and over their lifetime. Therefore, the more NGF that is excreted in your system the greater the capacity for neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. The result? An increased ability to learn, absorb and store new information.

What can I do to increase NGF?

As a rule of thumb, the three easiest and most effective ways to increase NGF are:

1. Daily exercise: aim for at least 45 - 60 minutes. The form of exercise is irrelevant as long as you are elevating your heart rate over this period.
2. 7 to 9 hours of sleep: adequate sleep is the cornerstone for a health, functioning body. Without this you will struggle to optimise your body for NGF production.
3. 30 minutes of direct sunlight: ensure this is not interrupted by a window or screen (i.e. sunlight in a car is interrupted by the windshield and windows).

Outside of this, our favourite way to promote NGF is drinking lion's mane coffee.

Lion's mane and NGF

Lion's mane (as we have previously covered) has been shown to stimulate NGF production in the brain. Incorporating it in your daily coffee routine makes it an easy way to ensure you are optimising your morning routine.

In fact, a recent study by the University of Queensland tested the effects lion's mane on NGF and memory and found the following:

“Pre-clinical testing found the lion’s mane mushroom had a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory.

Laboratory tests measured the neurotrophic effects of compounds isolated from lion’ mane (Hericium erinaceus) on cultured brain cells, and surprisingly we found that the active compounds promote neuron projections, extending and connecting to other neurons.

Using super-resolution microscopy, we found the mushroom extract and its active components largely increase the size of growth cones, which are particularly important for brain cells to sense their environment and establish new connections with other neurons in the brain.”

Pretty cool if you ask us. That is why we developed our own lion’s mane blend. Try it for yourself today!