CHAGA MUSHROOMS
We do not know the exact nutritional composition of chaga mushrooms. However, they are rich in antioxidants and several beneficial plant compounds, includingTrusted Source:
- triterpenoids
- melanins
- polysaccharides
- polyphenols
- flavans
It is available as a supplement, but people also typically use chaga mushrooms to make teas and other infused drinks. This means that chaga infusions often do not have the same nutritional properties as the types of mushrooms that people consume whole.
Lowering cholesterol
Chaga mushrooms contain many antioxidants and compounds that may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called bad cholesterol.
High cholesterol is a serious risk factor for heart disease, so chaga mushrooms could be useful to protect against cardiovascular disease.
Preventing and slowing the growth of abnormal cells:
Some studies suggest that chaga mushrooms may prevent cancer and slow its growth.
Chaga is rich in antioxidants. These are chemicals that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals or oxidants.
Oxidative stress occurs when the body cannot produce enough antioxidants to prevent this damage. Damage from this type of stress can contribute to the development of many health conditions, including cancer.
Supporting the immune system
Chaga may help regulate the production of cytokines, supporting the immune system by helping cells communicate with one another. This could help fight infections, from minor colds to life threatening illnesses. This communication is often impaired due to toxicity.
When the body is fighting an illness, inflammation supports the fight. But sometimes, inflammation ends up in a chronic health problems.
Some illnesses, particularly chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, are linked to inflammation. Recent researchTrusted Source suggests that some conditions that are not considered inflammatory — including depression — may be partly due to chronic inflammation. The underlying cause of inflammation that is seldom addressed is toxicity.
Chaga’s role in regulating cytokine production may also help controlTrusted Source inflammation.
Risks
Chaga lowers blood sugar, so it can be unsafe for people taking insulin and other blood-sugar-lowering medications.
Chaga extract may also inhibit platelet aggregation, according to rodent studies. Platelet aggregation is a measure of how well a person’s blood cells clump together, which is essential for clotting. As a result, it may interfere with anticoagulant and anti-platelet drugs.
