The Medicinal Umbrella: 3 Restorative Properties Of Chaga Mushrooms!
Mushroom variants are plentiful. From the slices of White Button mushrooms on pizzas, Portobellas served with pasta and fresh brown Shiitakes that waft a familiar woodsy aroma. Mushrooms are versatile ingredients with their rich flavor and texture.
One umbrella-shaped fungus with similar utility tends to grow in colder climates, on the pale trunks of birch trees. It tastes bitter or bland compared to conventional cousins, yet it has been used throughout history for its various immunity-boosting restorative properties.
Here are three medicinal uses of Chaga mushrooms:
Reduces inflammation
An umbrella of antioxidants, Chaga mushrooms have been discovered to be helpful in combating inflammation.
"By having these antioxidants, Chaga mushrooms decrease inflammation in our gut, which can cause problems like irritable bowel syndrome," registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD tells Cleveland Clinic.
A study revealed that they not only help reduce inflammation but can also oppose harmful bacteria.
Lowering blood sugar
Taking Chaga mushrooms could help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. This is particularly helpful for individuals with insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or Type 2 diabetes,
As much as a 31% decrease in blood sugar level has been shown in several studies, however, more research, especially on humans, is also needed.
Lowering cholesterol
With its high antioxidant content, chaga mushrooms may also help lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
A relevant study shows that Chaga mushrooms reduced "bad" LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and overall cholesterol. It also increased antioxidant levels. There's additional evidence that Chaga mushrooms may increase "good" HDL cholesterol.
Precautions for using Chaga mushrooms
Just as with any vitamins and supplements, Czerwony advises talking to your doctor before implementing anything new. If you take any blood-thinning medication or have an upcoming surgery, discuss it with your doctor first, as the mushrooms contain a protein that prevents blood clotting.
"You could be getting a mixed bag of potency with each dose," she says. "You may use a tea one time and have no side effects. But the very next time, you may have something that's higher potency because of the way that it was grown or processed. And then you could get some of the side effects."
But if you've accomplished your research, discussed it with your doctor, and wish to give Chaga mushrooms a try, it's worth trying out. KPTown presents Canadian Chaga Mushroom in 160g and 225g containers. It strengthens immunity and suppresses tumors while acting as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent in major organs in the body. They also offer powdered Chaga Mushroom at 20% off!
