Chaga mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines for centuries for their capacity to boost overall health and wellness. Modern science is finally catching up, and research suggests that these potent fungi may support healthy immunity, fight inflammation, and help control blood sugar. We’ll count down five top brands in our search for the best Chaga mushroom supplement.
Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asia to boost immunity and improve overall health. A type of fungus that grows primarily on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, Chaga is nicknamed the “King of Mushrooms” because of its potent health properties. It produces a woody growth that looks like a clump of burnt charcoal, but it is rich in nutrients that promote health.
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Traditional uses and health benefits of a Chaga mushroom supplement
Chaga is a functional mushroom with a long history in traditional Eastern medicine. This fungus is becoming more popular in the West precisely because of the potential health benefits it offers. A cup of tea made from Chaga is rich in antioxidants and other immune-enhancing properties. This type of mushroom contains beta-glucans, which are naturally occurring carbohydrates that can strengthen immune defense. They may also help regulate the production of cytokines, which can stimulate white blood cells to reinforce immune system function. The nutritional benefits of Chaga are found in the fruiting body, where most of the active beta-glucans are located.
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to protect against disease. However, long-term inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Animal and test tube studies suggest that a Chaga mushroom extract supplement can help to reduce long-term inflammation. Furthermore, the zinc in Chaga can help fight bacteria and viruses.
Additionally, Chaga mushrooms contain triterpenes. Studies show that very concentrated triterpene extract can help fight cancer when used in combination with conventional medical treatment. Chaga also has adaptogenic properties that help the body manage and regulate stress and fatigue, balance hormones, and improve sleep.
Top 5 Chaga mushroom supplements
When looking for a quality Chaga mushroom supplement, it is wise to ensure that it contains organic Chaga extract, which is more potent and delivers better results. The extract should also be made from the mushrooms’ fruiting bodies so that you obtain the benefits offered by beta-glucans.
Many medicinal mushroom products are made from mycelium, which is the mushroom root system grown on top of a grain substrate. The mycelium is mostly filler and does not offer as many health benefits as the fruiting body. We have compiled five high-quality Chaga mushroom supplements to help inform your purchase decision.
#5. Micro Ingredients’ Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder is a U.S.-grown, organic Chaga mushroom supplement powder. It contains no GMOs and is vegan-friendly. It’s rich in vitamin C and zinc. Furthermore, it contains no additives, preservatives, or fillers. The product labeling does not indicate that it’s an extract and does not indicate beta-glucan content.
#4. Host Defense Mushrooms produces a Chaga Extract that is sustainably cultivated and contains antioxidants to prevent free radical damage. It’s made with double-extracted organic mushroom mycelium grown in the U.S.
#3. Double Wood Supplements’ Chaga Mushroom capsules are rich in nutrients and are a “good source of amino acids, vitamin D, copper, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, [and] calcium.” The capsules are soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan. Additionally, this Chaga mushroom supplement contains the entire fruiting body and is tested for purity and potency. However, the ingredient list does not indicate beta-glucan content.
#2. BulkSupplements.com offers a Chaga Mushroom Extract powder that’s third-party tested at multiple stages of the manufacturing process and meets cGMP standards. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and contains no additives. Furthermore, the powder is sourced from wild Chaga mushrooms and does not contain fillers. However, the product does not indicate its beta-glucan content. The extract is also available in capsule form.
#1 Real Mushrooms’ Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Powder
Real Mushrooms Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Powder takes the top Chaga mushroom supplement spot for many reasons. The powder is hot water extracted from wild-harvested Siberian Chaga. Hot water extraction makes it easier to access the beneficial beta-glucans and other nutrients in the mushroom. This mushroom supplement guarantees at least 8% beta-glucans per serving, which work to help support immune defense and speed up recovery. Their products are verified for their quality at accredited 3rd-party labs. Unlike most Chaga mushroom supplements on the market, Real Mushrooms supplement is 100% pure Chaga mushroom extract.
Real Mushrooms was founded following discussions between Skye Chilton and his father, Jeff Chilton, who has been in the medicinal mushroom business for over 40 years. Jeff and his son Skye Chilton are focused on educating consumers who may be confused by misleading labels. Their goal is to help people who may think they’re buying a high-quality Chaga mushroom supplement when what they’re really buying is filler.
Skye Chilton says, “What differentiates Real Mushrooms from others is our quality, our story, our sourcing, our quality-control measures, and the compounds that guarantee benefits.” Real Mushrooms Chaga Extract is certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free. The company guarantees that there are no added starch, grains, contaminants, or fillers of any kind in their product.
The benefits offered by a Chaga mushroom supplement
Now that you are aware of the qualities that identify a high-quality Chaga mushroom supplement, you can decide what brand is optimal for you. Additional research on this topic is available via the reference links below. As the use of functional mushroom supplements is becoming more common in the U.S., it is worthwhile to be educated on this topic. This knowledge can help you make informed purchase decisions concerning Chaga mushroom supplements and mushroom supplements as a whole.
For Additional Research:
BBC Travel: Alaska’s mushroom of immortality
CBC News: More than a mushroom
Shape Magazine: The health benefits of mushrooms that make them one of the hottest new superfoods
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 be 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.
