What Are Chaga Mushrooms Good For? They are a common and delicious addition to several meals, but they also support the body in a few interesting ways.
Before diving into the health benefits that these mushrooms provide, here is a bit more information on where these plants grow, and how people have been using them.
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The scientific name for therm is Inonotus obliquus, but they are more commonly known as Black Mass or Cinder Cork. These fungi grow in black masses on trees and resemble clumps of charcoal or dark dirt.
The root system, also known as the mycelium of these substances grows once the spores have germinated. From here, the “fruiting body” grows above the ground, which is what we call “mushrooms” that we eat for health benefits and taste.
These plants grow when fruiting bodies from higher species of fungi enter wounds of mature trees. They then form a hardened large mycelial mass or a conk that carries on growing for years. Chaga grows well in northern, cold climates, and they feed on trees such as the Birch.
So by now, you may be wondering exactly what the product is good for? Well here are some of the top health benefits relating to this species of mushroom that you should know about.
Boost Your Immune System
These plants are natural immunity boosters and a subject of numerous different studies. Some of the results from these studies suggest that these tree spores encourage specialized proteins to form in the body that stimulates the white blood cells. This is important for fighting viruses and harmful bacteria.
Just like many other types of edible spores, They also contains a rich source of essential nutrients. Some of these include phosphorus, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These nutrients all contribute to overall health and provide the body with the fuel that it needs to function and thrive
Chaga Mushrooms Lower Inflammation
This item is also rich in antioxidants which lowers inflammation in the human body. This is extremely important since long-term inflammation can lead to several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties might assist with lowering the risks linked to these diseases.
Both the anti-inflammatory properties and an increase in white blood cell production are clear indications that they may help to ward off infections, from serious illnesses to minor colds. By “cleaning up” the system of infected and bad cells and encouraging healthy ones to grow, it promotes an increased efficiency to keep diseases at bay.
Chaga Mushrooms Support Weight Loss
Healthy blood vessels and a thriving immune system are important aspects when it comes to weight management and an active and healthy lifestyle. Through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of these plants, these fungi assist with maintaining good gut bacteria which can indirectly assist with weight loss.
They are high in fiber and low in calories, which also means that those that are counting calories won’t have to worry about adding these beneficial plants to their daily intake.
What are Chaga Mushrooms good for?
Research has indicated that the extracts have positive effects on high cholesterol levels and this lowers the risks linked to strokes and heart attacks. Several studies have proven increases in HDL cholesterol and decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.
HDL, which stands for High-Density Lipoprotein, reduces, recycles, and reuses LDL.
LDL, which stands for Low-Density Lipoprotein, is known for forming plaques in the arteries which increases the chances of strokes and heart attacks.
Can Help To Reduce Caffeine Intake
For those that struggle to limit their caffeine intake, The substance is a fantastic alternative to coffee or tea. In the 1940s in Finland, sugar, and coffee were rationed. Finns started using this brewed spore as a substitute for coffee. The flavor of has been described as “earthy”. It also contains vanillin, the same compound in vanilla that gives it that flavor. Brewed Chaga works well with both milk alternatives and milk.
Yes Chaga Mushrooms Support Gastrointestinal Health
They contain non-digestible polysaccharides that can function as a natural prebiotic. This nourishes the healthy bacteria in the gut, allowing them to flourish. Healthy gut microbiota happens to be vital for gastrointestinal health as well as overall and immune health.
One of the studies indicated that polysaccharides present in these items induce changes in gut microbiota, bringing about a healthier “bacterial profile”.
Tips On How To Use Them
For those interested in reaping the health benefits it can provide, it is actually very easy to include these fungi into a daily routine. This is possible by either blending the mushroom in powder form into a hot drink or a smoothie or taking a daily capsule containing it.
From this information, it is clear that this item offers a host of impressive health benefits. It is an incredible antioxidant powerhouse that aids gut health and inflammation. For hundreds of years, people of Asia and Siberia have harnessed the health properties of these mushrooms, which allowed them to boost their overall health and immunity.
Final Thoughts
The appeal of this medicine stems from the medicinal value that it provides as opposed to nutrition. There may be nutrition “facts” on many websites that are selling this item, but there is little evidence supporting these nutritional values.
What is clear from research and studies is that these plants are rich in antioxidants that support a range of different health conditions, stated in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. They also contain Beetulinic acid. According to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Beetulinic acid has cancer-fighting properties and is present in Birch trees.
