This is the ultimate antioxidant powerhouse and often referred to as the king of mushrooms. It has been used for centuries for its incredible immunity boosting benefits and anti-cancer properties.
This incredible fungus is called the king of mushrooms because it's an antioxidant powerhouse with numerous health benefits. Its active components can boost the immune system, improve heart health, and can even fight off tumors and cancerous cells.
The Chaga mushroom is a polypore fungus that typically grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates such as Northeast America, Scandinavia, and Siberia. Chaga has a very distinct appearance, looking like burnt charcoal. Even though it may not look appealing, the chaga mushroom is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for human health.
Some of the active components in Chaga include triterpenoids (betulin & betulinic acid), melanin, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. These components work together to provide the many health benefits associated with Chaga. For example, the triterpenoids in Chaga have antitumor and anticancer properties, while melanin helps to boost the immune system. The polysaccharides and antioxidants work together to improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
Chaga mushrooms have long been revered for their medicinal properties. Like so many functional mushrooms, Chaga possesses immuno-protective and immunity-boosting properties. One of the most notable benefits of Chaga is its ability to boost the immune system. Chaga contains a smorgasbord of antioxidants and polysaccharides which makes them anti-inflammatory and a valuable addition to any health regimen. It is an absolute antioxidant powerhouse containing 1300 times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries.
Its ability to eliminate free radicals and combat oxidative stress go a step further than other known medicinal mushrooms with the same capabilities. Chaga mushrooms are also recognized for their astonishing cancer-fighting properties. There is still much to learn about how these mechanisms work, but early studies have shown that Chaga can inhibit the growth of certain tumors and trigger apoptosis--cell death--in cells with severely damaged DNA to prevent them from replicating.
If all these benefits weren't enough, Chaga also has antiviral properties as well, with early experiments showing notable results against HSV and HIV. Further study is required, but there is a multitude of active components working together to deliver Chaga’s impressive results on the immune system.
One of the most impressive benefits of Chaga consumption is the confirmed effects it has on cell death—namely, delaying it. Its well understood that Chaga can aid the body's natural process of "retiring" cells with malformed or damaged DNA. Conversely, Chaga also helps to extend the life of a cell by keeping it healthier and more resilient to damage. It also accomplishes this on the mitochondrial level of the cell. Cell death (aging) is caused by oxidative stress over time. Chaga slows down the aging process by reducing oxidative stress not just on the human cells, but also on the mitochondria contained within the cells--the healthier the mitochondria remain, the longer the cell is likely to live.
Aging is not the only process on which Chaga has an impact. Chaga has also been shown to help with wound healing. Studies have found that Chaga can stimulate the growth of new skin cells and blood vessels at the site of a wound, helping the wound to heal more quickly. Additionally, Chaga has antibacterial properties, which can help to prevent infection in the wounded area.
These effects are likely due to Chaga's high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are a type of compound that is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As mentioned above, Chaga is especially rich in a type of polyphenol called triterpene, which has particularly strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Interestingly, Chaga's protective properties against oxidative stress also extend to the skin. Lower oxidative stress levels keep the skin young and elastic for longer. This capability in Chaga is credited to its high betulinic acid and melanin content. Melanin is a particularly potent antioxidant for skin cells. Betulinic acid is an antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory compound that protects the skin and inhibits the growth of melanoma cells.
Chaga can also help to soothe and heal skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, thanks to the triterpenes it contains. The triterpenes' anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to positively improve such skin conditions. Lastly, Chaga also helps to improve the appearance of scars and blemishes by stimulating the growth of new skin cells.
If you are interested in incorporating Chaga into your health regimen, there are a few things to keep in mind. Chaga mushrooms that are harvested in the wild are much more beneficial than those grown in a lab. It is recommended to consume 500 to 1500 milligrams per day and is best taken in powder or tincture form to benefit the most from current extraction processes. After months of regular consumption, you can expect the benefits to plateau at around 3000 milligrams.
Chaga works well with other complementary ingredients such as coffee, cinnamon, elderberry, and eleuthero. To improve your immunity, drink Chaga daily during winter. For longevity, make a coffee alternative using plant milk and cinnamon instead of having coffee every day. If improving or maintaining overall beauty is your goal, add a scoop of powdered extract to your regular skincare routine.
Finally and most importantly, make sure to consult with your healthcare professional before taking Chaga or any other supplement, especially if you are pregnant, are trying to get pregnant, or have a preexisting medical condition.
