The Chaga mushroom is celebrated for several significant health benefits. In this article, we explore the benefits of taking a Chaga mushroom supplement.
The Chaga mushroom is believed to have a wide range of health benefits. Eastern medicine practitioners have been aware of the healing properties of Chaga mushrooms for millennia. Health-conscious consumers in the West are hearing about the benefits of a Chaga mushroom supplement andwant to know more.
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Skye Chilton, Chief Operating Officer of Real Mushrooms says, “One of the upsides of COVID is that people are taking a more active role in their health and wellbeing.” As a result, medicinal mushrooms are receiving more mainstream attention as a powerful tool in boosting immune defense.
History of the Chaga mushroom
The ‘gift from God’ is just one of the terms used to describe the Chaga mushroom. The ancient Chinese believed Chaga mushrooms supported positive life energy for growth. Chilton says, “Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and are found in some of the TCM texts that are thousands of years old.”
What is Chaga?
Chaga is not actually a mushroom, but rather a sterile conk or canker that forms after a hardwood tree has been infected by a parasitic fungus. Chaga contains over 200 different bioactive metabolites, many of which can support human health.
A Chaga mushroom supplement is an adaptogen that can modulate the immune system’s response to help fight fatigue and reduce inflammation, bringing your body back to its natural, healthy state. Packed with antioxidants, Chaga is widely regarded as a superfood.
Where and how is Chaga grown?
Chaga mushrooms are fungi commonly found on the outside of birch trees in cold climates in the northern hemisphere. Chaga grows very slowly and can take up to 20 years to develop. Airborne Chaga spores penetrate the birch bark. Chaga grows on the inside of the tree, eventually protruding as a black mass that produces more nutrients as it develops.
Nutrients in Chaga
Chaga contains several natural compounds such as triterpenes, polysaccharides and polyphenols that have potent antioxidant effects on the immune system. Polysaccharides (including beta-glucans) are the most active antioxidant and immune system-supporting compounds in a Chaga mushroom supplement.
A Chaga mushroom supplement provides an antioxidant boost
Chaga is also a source of trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, and manganese, which can stimulate the production of antioxidant enzymes.
An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can cause oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and the development of age-related ailments and conditions. The metabolites in Chaga act as potent free radical scavengers.
A Chaga mushroom supplement aids digestion
Chaga helps to regulate gut microbiota. Animal studies have shown that Chaga extracts help protect the integrity of the stomach wall and support the health of the colon. Chaga promotes the production of enzymes that keep the digestive system running smoothly.
A Chaga mushroom supplement helps reduce inflammation
A Chaga mushroom supplement reduces inflammation, which is the immune system’s primary response to toxic agents and foreign invaders. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process; however, it may be a factor in the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Researchers have found that Chaga may help regulate the body’s production of cytokines, which eases swelling associated with conditions like arthritis.
A Chaga mushroom supplement helps balance blood sugar
Insulin helps blood sugar enter the body’s cells so that it can be used for energy. Various animal studies indicate that Chaga may have a beneficial impact on blood sugar and cholesterol. In one study, rats given Chaga were better able to maintain blood glucose levels within healthy limits than rats given saline.
A Chaga mushroom supplement supports muscle endurance
A Chaga mushroom supplement helps support the adrenal glands, which are important for the maintenance of mental and physical energy levels. Oxidative stress can take a toll on your adrenal glands leading to adrenal fatigue. Chaga mushrooms contain pantothenic acid, which is vital for adrenal function.
Mice given Chaga extracts for 14 days were able to swim for a longer period of time and stored more glycogen than mice given distilled water. Glycogen storage impacts exercise endurance.
A Chaga mushroom supplement benefits the skin
Skin problems commonly occur because of oxidative stress. A Chaga mushroom supplement can provide an antioxidant boost, neutralizing the effects of age, sun exposure, and pollution. Chaga may slow the aging process by soothing irritated skin, while melanin in Chaga is believed to protect against DNA damage by absorbing UV radiation.
Certain Chaga mushroom supplements are better than others
Mushrooms grown with high heavy metal substrates may form calcium oxalates which could cause kidney stones. Skye Chilton, Chief Mushroom Funguy, says, “Chaga used by Real Mushrooms is wild harvested and tested for heavy metals while undergoing other rigorous quality control measures.” Chaga harvested in the wild has fewer oxalates than cultivated Chaga. Chaga supplements offered by Real Mushrooms are organic, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Each product lists the percentage of beta-glucans on the label so that consumers know the exact quantity of beneficial ingredients in each capsule or powder.
Chilton is dedicated to giving consumers accurate information. He says, “We are working to give the consumer the information they need to make proper and educated choices to navigate the mismarketing in the marketplace.” For example, Chaga grown in a laboratory does not have the same levels of key compounds as wild Chaga. Chilton adds, “Real Mushrooms uses only wild-harvested, organic Chaga from Siberia to ensure the highest purity extracts possible.”
What to look for in a Chaga mushroom supplement
When buying a Chaga mushroom supplement, look for certified organic sources because slow-growing Chaga absorbs pollutants from its environment. Look for wild-harvested Chaga because it contains more beneficial compounds. You should also look for the beta-glucan content on the label because not all polysaccharides are beta-glucans. It’s clear that not all Chaga mushroom supplements are created equal, but with the right one, you can enjoy a multitude of health benefits.
Further Reading:
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: 5 Reasons to Consider Chaga Mushrooms
10FAQ: Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms
Pharmacy Today: Chaga:Mushroom for Improvement
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, not 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.
