Chaga - The King of Medicinal Mushrooms
What are Chaga Mushrooms?
Chaga mushrooms are black-gold mushrooms that grow for 10-20 years on birch trees into a hard, woody mass. They also grow on maple or ash trees, but the best Chaga mushrooms come straight from the birch trees of Siberia. Although they are mushrooms, they don’t look or taste like typical mushrooms you’d find in a supermarket. Chaga mushrooms have a slightly tart taste with notes of vanilla. They are dark in appearance which is thought to be caused by the melanin absorbed from their host birch trees. There are many health benefits of this adaptogenic fungus.
Read on to find out more about why Chaga mushrooms are the king of medicinal mushrooms.
Potential Health Benefits:
- Boosts the immune system
As we move into Autumn, it’s likely you may be feeling a little run down. Regular consumption of Chaga can help to boost your immune system by regulating the production of cytokines (chemical messengers which help to regulate the immune system). Chaga mushrooms help to stimulate white blood cells, which are key for fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Lowers Cholesterol
Studies into Chaga extract have linked its consumption to lower cholesterol levels, leading to a reduction in the risk of heart disease. The studies observed a lessening in LDL cholesterol, which is deemed to be ‘bad’ cholesterol, and an increase in ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. It’s believed the high level of antioxidants found in Chaga have a positive influence on cholesterol levels.
- Reduces Blood Sugar
Chaga can help individuals suffering from a range of high blood sugar related ailments such as type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovaries, and insulin resistance. Regular use can help reduce blood sugar levels by as much as one-third.
- Reduces Inflammation
Due to a high antioxidant content Chaga mushrooms can help to reduce inflammation and damage in the gut. This is particularly helpful if you are suffering from IBS, as Chaga inhibits inflammatory cytokines.
- Prevents and fights cancer
Early studies have found that Chaga can not only prevent but also slow the growth of cancer with significant reductions in tumour size reported. This is thought to be due to Chagas antioxidant activity, which helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress occurs when the body is unable to produce enough antioxidants to avoid this damage. Impairment from oxidative stress can contribute to the development of many health conditions, including cancer.
Conclusion
Individuals have been using Chaga for many centuries due to its full spectrum of health benefits. More and more research is emerging detailing the many benefits of Chaga due in large to its antioxidant properties. If you want to try our Siberian Chaga chunks you can find them here https://onelifefoods.co.uk/ . For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: info@onelifefoods.co.uk