Chaga mushrooms have been used as a medicinal herb for centuries, especially in Serbia, and to boost immunity and enhance overall health. And even more than before, this mushroom is getting more recognition and popularity around the world, for its potential benefits to the human body.
Before you learn more about the benefits of Chaga Mushrooms for your immune system, let’s first define what it is; Chaga mushroom is a type of fungus (Inonotus obliquus) that mostly grows in cold climates on birch trees. Some of the popular places include Northern Europe, Northern Canada, Siberia, and Alaska.
If you hear other names such as clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, and cinder conk, they are just other names used to refer to Chaga mushrooms.
Besides boosting the immune system, it has also been used to treat other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Read on to find out how Chaga mushrooms help boost your immunity and improve your overall health.
How Chaga Mushrooms Help Boost Your Immunity
The benefits of Chaga mushrooms are endless. And even the research still continues, some medical studies indicate that there are many beneficial properties they carry;
Fight Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural process in your immune system that helps protect against diseases. However, if inflammation is prolonged, it gets linked to causing certain health conditions such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Consumption of Chaga mushrooms can help reduce long-term inflammation and fight harmful viruses and bacteria. They promote the formation of cytokines, a specialized protein that helps regulate the immune system and stimulates the White Blood Cells, which are the pillars of your immunity.
Nutrient-Dense: Chaga mushrooms are packed with the most beneficial vitamins and minerals the body needs for better immunity and health. Some of these nutrients include Vitamin D, Copper, Fiber, Zinc, B-Complex vitamins, Amino Acids, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium, Cesium, among many others.
Prevent and Fight Cancer: Research shows that Chaga mushrooms can help prevent and even fight some types of chronic cancers. It helps provide the body with antioxidants (chemicals that help in the prevention of cell damage) when the body cannot produce enough to prevent this damage.
Lowers Blood Pressure: According to research, oxidative stress is a factor that contributes to high blood pressure. And, this in turn also increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other chronic cardiovascular health issues. Chaga provides antioxidants that help reduce and regulate blood pressure, which help improve overall cardiovascular health.
Lowers Cholesterol: Chaga mushrooms have antioxidants and properties that may help reduce bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). There are many health risks that have been linked with high cholesterol, especially heart diseases. This means that Chaga mushrooms are useful in fighting and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Fight against Diabetes: Chaga mushrooms help lower blood sugar, which is the key cause of diabetes. It has many antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are essential in keeping the blood sugar levels in check and decrease the risks of getting diabetes.