Chaga: The Benefits of an Immunogenic Mushroom!
Inonotus obliquus or chaga, is a mushroom whose health benefits are well established. It is one of the most recommended medicinal mushrooms by alternative health professionals. Let's see together what this polypore can bring you.
What is chaga?
This medicinal mushroom grows in forests, in Northern Europe or Siberia. It is a pest of birch. It has a bitter and vanilla taste (vanillic acid). it is high in fiber and low in calories.
Traditional medicine incorporates this fungus in different preparations: drinks, food, tincture.
You will find the chaga mushroom in the infusion of tea or coffee, where it is sometimes mixed into a powder. It has become a popular ingredient in health products for the skin but also as a dietary supplement.
Renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties , it relieves many ailments (cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, nausea, respiratory tract).
The benefits of chaga
The active ingredients it contains are numerous and its benefits for the human body are the subject of rigorous scientific studies. This is why, at SIHO, we have decided to offer it to you.
Its antioxidant powers and its action on immunity have been widely studied and documented (see appendix).
It promotes the stimulation of the immune system and allows the regulation of cholesterol and blood sugar levels (glycaemia).
It helps in the proper functioning of the nervous system and has anti-aging properties.
It is an ally of detox cures .
Antioxidant power:
It reduces inflammation in the body, responsible for syndromes like irritable bowel. It also helps fight against certain toxic bacteria and promotes better digestion of nutrients .
It is a veritable cocktail of trace elements and vitamins (vitamins B1, vitamins B3, vitamins B5, vitamin D).
Regulating action of the cardiovascular system
By its action on blood vessels, arteries, it helps regulate blood pressure . Studies are in progress to deepen its cardio-protective role.
Reduce blood sugar
For people with Type 2 diabetes , using chaga mushroom may help lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance.
Several studies show this potential – up to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels – but more research is still ongoing.
Lower cholesterol
Thanks to their high antioxidant content, chaga mushrooms may also help lower cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A study shows that chaga mushrooms reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and overall cholesterol. They also increased antioxidant levels. There is also some evidence that chaga mushrooms may increase HDL "good" cholesterol .
liver protector
The outer part of the chaga mushroom (sclerotia) contains high amounts of polyphenols , which act as antioxidants. They protect against free radicals which can lead to damage to the liver and other organs.
These results are encouraging, but further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of chaga in protecting the liver.
As we have seen, the virtues of the chaga mushroom are numerous.
Chaga directions
Chaga can be consumed daily to help maintain balance and alkalinity in the body. It has been used for centuries in Northern Europe and North America to help treat a variety of health conditions, including the following
- major depression
- rheumatoid arthritis
- bleeding disorders
- heart disease
- autoimmune diseases
- Insomnia
- sensitive intestines
- Menopause
- Alzheimer's disease
The chaga mushroom, inonotus obliquus, provides a rich source of daily nutrients that are anticancer and help maintain optimal health.
It can be consumed in addition to legumes, fruits, soy, whole grains, almonds and spinach.
Chaga contraindications
As with all supplements or vitamins, you should consult your doctor before adding anything new to your diet.
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, chronic inflammatory diseases, SIHO recommends that you consult a healthcare professional.
Also, if you are taking blood thinners or need to have an operation or surgery, talk to your doctor first, as chaga mushrooms contain a protein that prevents blood clotting.
Chaga side effects
Chaga is a powerful free radical scavenger and diuretic , so drink plenty of cool water when taking chaga. This will help flush toxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants from the body.
The side effects of chaga mushroom can be similar to a blood thinner and are believed to be vasodilating as well. As it lowers blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a doctor or to delay taking it in case of low blood pressure.
Chaga stimulates the endocrine system, which helps the body naturally produce melatonin and serotonin . With consistent daily consumption of Chaga, deep REM sleep is induced, allowing the body to perform deep cellular healing.
Beware of vigilance disorders if you drive a vehicle!
Chaga tea side effects can include vivid dreams and waking up feeling refreshed and with improved clarity of mind.
The mushroom is rich in birch sterols which stimulate the pumping action of the heart, increasing blood circulation and energy.
Chaga is naturally antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic . It is therefore a natural way to help control foreign bacteria in your body while promoting healthy flora and intestinal health.
ANNEX
Study antioxidant properties of chaga:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774877/
LDL reduction study:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5305591
