- June 17, 2022
Chaga Mushroom History
Chaga mushrooms, also known by their scientific name Inonotus obliquus, typically grow on birch tree bark in cold climates across the globe. You’ll find them in Russia, Northern Europe, Korea, Canada, and even in Alaska in the United States.
Cultures in Asia, Russia, and Northern Europe have long used chaga mushrooms as functional medicine. These mushrooms have been known to boost the human body’s natural immunity, as well as provide a host of other incredible benefits.
Chaga Mushroom Benefits*
Below is a list of the known benefits of consuming the chaga mushroom.
1.May Boost Immune System Function
Scientific studies have shown that chaga mushrooms stimulate the activation of cytokine cells, which regulate the immune system, which in turn leads to the activation of white blood cells. White blood cells are critical to the immune system’s ability to fight off disease.
2. May Prevent And Fight Cancer Cells
Chaga mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, which is most likely the reason why this fungus is able to prevent the growth of as well as fight cancer cells. Antioxidants eradicate free radicals, which cause damage to human cells and can lead to the development of disease, including cancer.
3. May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Studies of diabetic mice that were given regular doses of chaga mushrooms resulted in lower blood sugar levels and insulin resistance for the test subjects. This suggests that chaga mushrooms would have the same effects on human beings.
4. May Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a big concern for older individuals with heart problems. Chaga mushrooms may be of great benefit to such people, as studies have shown that consuming the fungus regularly helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
Chaga Mushroom Side Effects*
Very few side effects have been reported for consuming chaga mushrooms. However, there are some important ones that anyone looking to take it should be aware of.
1. Can Prevent Blood Clotting
Chagas contain a protein which can prevent blood clotting. Anyone who takes blood thinners; has a bleeding disorder, a healing wound, or bleeding ulcers such as ulcerative colitis; or is about to have surgery should talk to their doctor before they take these functional mushrooms.
2. May Worsen Autoimmune Diseases
Because chaga mushrooms increase the body’s immune response, they could also worsen autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases often flare up when the immune system is activated. People with this sort of condition should proceed with caution and consult their doctor if they are considering taking chaga mushrooms.
3. Poses Potential Risk To Diabetics
A person who has diabetes should be careful when consuming chaga mushrooms, to make sure that their blood sugar level does not sink too low. We recommend talking to your doctor first to make sure it’s a good choice of functional mushrooms for you.
How To Consume Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms’ beneficial properties activate in cold or warm water, so most people grate this fungus into their tea or use it to make mushroom coffee. The earthy taste with a touch of bitterness makes chagas a delicious addition to your morning beverage and will improve your mood as well as your health.