Chaga mushroom is commonly found in Siberia and other parts of Asia, Alaska, Northern Canada, and Northern Europe. It is also known as clinker polypore, black mass, Cinder conk, and birch canker polypore. This mushroom is used for centuries in Russia and Northern European countries. It is used to boost immunity and treat diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Chaga is available as tea, powdered and capsuled supplement. You can buy it also online. There are a lot of online stores such as Hybrid Herbs. If you want to check their website click here. This fungus is loaded with antioxidants, very high in fiber and low in calories.
According to some studies, chaga may provide certain health benefits (although we need more research). Here are some of those:
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Chaga fights inflammation and boosts the immune system
When some disease attacks your body, the immune system responds with inflammation. It is ok for a short period of time, but long-term inflammation may lead to rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease. According to some studies, chaga extract can reduce long-term inflammation and fight viruses. This happens because chaga stimulates white blood cells.
Chaga could help fight from minor colds to serious illnesses. It can also prevent the production of harmful cytokines, which trigger inflammation.
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Lowers blood sugar
There are animal studies which link chaga to lower blood sugar levels. This indicates it may help manage diabetes. Chaga supplements may lead to a 30% decrease in blood sugar levels over a couple of weeks.
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Fights cancer
Another benefit of taking chaga is that it can slow cancer growth and maybe even prevent it.
According to some studies in mice with cancer, chaga supplements resulted in a 60% reduction in tumor size. This fungus may help fight lung, breast, liver, prostate, and colon cancer.
Chaga is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free radicals. Triterpene is one of those antioxidants. It can help kill cancer cells. Bear in mind, that more human studies are needed.
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Lowers cholesterol
Chaga helps to lower cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of heart disease. It increases antioxidant levels and HDL (“good”) cholesterol while reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides. According to researchers, the antioxidants presented in the chaga mushroom are responsible for its effects on cholesterol.
Side effect
Chaga is usually well-tolerated, but it can interact with some medications. For example, it could pose risks for people with diabetes due to its impact on blood sugar. Chaga also can prevent blood clotting, so if you have a bleeding disorder or you are on blood-thinning medications, consult with your doctor before taking it.
Conclusion
This mushroom has been used for medical purposes for centuries. It is available in supplement form or tea. Chaga can improve immunity, cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, and blood sugar. Even though more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits, it looks like chaga has great potential. It is obviously a great natural solution for a bunch of health-related problems.