Chaga mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional medicines, and it is now appreciated by modern science for its various health benefits, including improved immune function, anti-inflammatory effects, improved digestive health, and even cancer prevention. We’ll discuss five great benefits of Chaga mushroom supplements and recommend one of the best brands on the market.
When you think of mushrooms, their medicinal usage is probably not the first thought that comes to mind. Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout history to promote both health and longevity. We’ll examine five benefits of Chaga mushroom supplements and recommend a high-quality mushroom supplement brand to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
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Benefits of Chaga:
General information
Chaga mushrooms are medicinal mushrooms that offer an abundance of health benefits. They can be found on birch trees in the northern hemisphere, can weigh more than 30 pounds, and grow in a range of different shapes up to 10-20 cm in diameter. Chaga does not look like the typical red-and-white spotted toadstool that we are familiar with. On the contrary, Chaga mushrooms have a rough black-brownish exterior, similar to burnt charcoal, and a copper-colored interior.
Benefits of Chaga:
History and traditional uses
The benefits of Chaga date back to the 16th century. The word Chaga comes from the old Russian word for mushroom, and native people from Russia and Siberia were perhaps the first people to use Chaga as a natural medicine. Many historians theorize that the Khanty people of Siberia were the first group to take advantage of Chaga’s healing properties. For example, they drank Chaga tea to improve digestion, feel fuller for longer, and detox their bodies.
Chaga has been used for a wide variety of purposes, from treating cancer, tuberculosis, and stomach problems to making anti-inflammatory soap. Modern science has corroborated the health benefits offered by this mushroom, which we will highlight below.
Five health benefits of Chaga
Chaga mushroom supplements should not be underestimated in terms of their potential usefulness. For one, Chaga mushrooms are naturally high in antioxidants, which may help to reduce inflammation. Chronic bodily inflammation has been linked to a range of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. By consuming additional antioxidants, you may reduce your likelihood of developing these illnesses.
Furthermore, Chaga can help to promote heart health. The antioxidants and other compounds in Chaga may reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad cholesterol,” in your blood. A high LDL level can lead to plaque buildup in your blood vessels and increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. With improved blood circulation due to less bad cholesterol in your blood, you may lower your blood pressure and prevent plaque buildup and blood clots. Taking the appropriate steps to monitor your cholesterol levels can further support your heart health.
Additionally, Chaga may help to treat cancer in combination with additional medical treatment. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center writes that “Chaga extracts and its constituents showed inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects against colon, lung, and liver cancer cells.” In other words, Chaga can help to prevent cancer cell growth and to encourage the death of cancer cells. They also report that in pre-clinical trials Chaga showed anti-tumor effects.
Although further research is undoubtedly required, one 2010 study using carcinoma cells from the breast, lungs, cervix, and stomach had positive results. The cells were provided by a South Korean cell bank and implanted in mice. Throughout the study, the mice were fed a form of Chaga extract. The researchers observed a decrease in tumor volume and inhibited tumor growth in the treated subjects, motivating them to conclude that Chaga could be used as a natural anti-cancer ingredient in pharmaceuticals. This is one of many studies that support Chaga’s purported anti-cancer properties.
Among the benefits of Chaga is its ability to support the immune system. Chaga may support the regulation and production of cytokines, which are the immune system’s chemical communicators that play a significant role in white blood cell stimulation. By promoting cell communication, Chaga may help your body to fight minor and major infections.
Lastly, Chaga mushrooms may support gut and digestive health. Chaga stimulates bile flow and can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Taking the appropriate steps to support your gut health may prevent a leaky gut or irritable bowel syndrome.
Benefits of Chaga:
A premier mushroom brand
One high-quality mushroom supplement brand that takes advantage of Chaga’s health benefits is Real Mushrooms. With over 40 years of experience and significant research dedicated to providing its consumers with the purest product, Real Mushrooms surpasses the competition. Its Organic Chaga Extract Capsules come in two different sizes. The 120-capsule bottle can be purchased once for $29.95 or $25.46 if you subscribe. The 300-capsule bottle, which is a 25% bonus, can be purchased once for $59.95 or $50.96 if you subscribe.
Real Mushrooms uses hot water extraction to make its Organic Chaga Extract Capsules as well as the rest of its products. Real Mushrooms supplements are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and quality-verified by accredited third-party labs. The capsules contain no added starches, mycelium, or grains, and have a guaranteed potency of 8%> beta-glucans per capsule. Real Mushrooms Organic Chaga Extract Capsules can help to support your immune system and improve digestive health.
Reflecting on the benefits of Chaga
Chaga mushroom supplements can provide considerable health benefits. Whether you’re searching for a product to support your immune system or to use in combination with cancer treatment, it may be beneficial to see what a Chaga supplement can do for you. It is wise to beware of mushroom supplements that contain myceliated grain. These products may contain grain fillers, which can weaken their potency. We hope this guide enables you to make a more informed purchasing decision.
For Further Reading:
National Center of Biotechnology Information: Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice
Cleveland Clinic: Chaga Mushroom Health Benefits
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: 5 Reasons to Consider Chaga Mushrooms
Important Note:The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products:If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
