6 Key Health Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms

Mushroom are now having a moment, especially the functional mushrooms that have been the part of medical field from many years. And, of all functional ones, the most popular has always been the “Chaga Mushroom.” This mushroom grows on the birch trees of Northern Europe, Canada, Asia and some parts of the northeastern United States. Chaga is also popular with many other names, with Kreft Juke in Norway as the most popular one.

From chaga tea to coffee to fancy new supplements, these mushrooms are popping everywhere.  What to know more? Here we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of this mushroom for your health.

What Is Chaga Mushroom?

While most people think of mushroom growing out of the ground, you will have to look up to find a chaga mushroom. Mostly, this type of mushroom grows in cold climates of the Northern Hemisphere like Russia, Siberia, Canada including some parts of North America and the United States.  

Also, these mushrooms are not much attractive; the conk looks like burned, black charcoal that is stuck to the trunk of tree. However, the health benefits of this burnt mushroom overpower its beauty.

Previously, people use it by grating the mushroom into powder and brewing on herbal tea. However, modern usage of chaga mushroom is sold as a powerful supplement.

History of Chaga Mushroom:

Chaga is an old Russian word for mushroom and has been used for hundred years as a part of folk and traditional medicine.  Some speculations also say that the chaga goes to the Roman times.

What’s Found in Chaga Mushroom:

·        Beta-glucans

·        Antioxidants

·        Melanin

·        Polyphenols

·        Triterpenes

Now, let us have a look at the potential benefits of chaga mushroom.

Supports Immune System

A healthy immune system is crucial for a healthy body. And, one of the most significant benefits of chaga is its amazing ability to boost your immune system. It contains compounds like polysaccharides. These are long chain carbohydrates that support the body’s conversion of food into energy.

Supports Heart’s Health

Heart is a vital organ of the body, and it is necessary to keep it working in good health. Chaga mushroom supports your cardiovascular system in several ways. It supports healthy triglycerides and blood cholesterol.

Moreover, inflammation is also associated with heart’s health. Chaga mushroom is effective at reducing inflammation too. It contains health boosting compounds that not only support the immune system but also support the inflammatory system.

Healthy Stress Response

Chaga mushroom is a category of plants called adaptogens. They have unique properties to support the body’s capability to deal with the effects of emotional stress and depression. If you take this immunity bundle constantly for weeks and months, they support a healthy stress response. They help promote feelings of balance and calmness.

Packed With Antioxidants

Chaga mushroom has the highest ORAC score, i.e., around 31 times higher than blueberries. ORAC or oxygen radical absorbance capacity is the measured antioxidant activity of the food. Higher is the score, better the ability of the food to fight against the harmful effects of oxidative or physical stress, and free radicals.

Supports Anti-Inflammatory Response of the Body

If you want to keep the entire body keep functioning well, it is necessary to support the anti-inflammatory response. Chaga mushroom has been used for years to support the immune system, as well as inflammation systems. However, it continues to be an area of research for the researchers.

Besides, the research on animals or other test tubes studies have found that chaga mushrooms can support the growth of healthy immune cells and inflammation systems.

Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Aside from the other benefits, chaga mushroom also helps support healthy blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are also linked to the overall health of the body. Chaga mushroom is an amazing supplement that is believed to improve the sugar levels in diabetic people.

How to Consume Chaga:

You can drink it as a coffee or as a tea adding the extract in the drink. You can also consume it by just adding in a hot water cup  with some cinnamon.

You can also try chaga Chai Latte or make a frothy chaga mexican hot chocolate

Just keep in mind that when choosing the chaga, no matter in what form, you should consume only the required quantity. And, if you are taking supplements, you are having the highest quality.

There are many other health benefits of chaga mushroom. However, it is necessary to consult a dietician or doctor before adding it to your diet. Moreover, if you are suffering from a medical condition, it is better to talk to the physician to know how much dosage is sufficient for you.