Perhaps, you already know that there are more than 1.5 million types of mushrooms. With so many varieties of mushrooms present on the market, it is a bit confusing to decide which variety to choose. Well, Reishi Mushroom is a great way to start with!
Reishi Mushroom is a trending thing nowadays. But how does it benefit your health? We’ll discuss it later. First, let us throw some light on what Reishi Mushroom is.
Reishi Mushroom: The Mushroom Of Immortality
Reishi Mushroom, known as Lingzhi in Chinese, is a name given to a group of fungi of the Ganoderma family. It has been used in the traditional healing doctrines as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ due to its amazing therapeutic action.
Sometimes called ‘the queen of mushrooms,’ it is known for boosting immune health, cell regeneration, etc. It is such a superfood that goes a long way in improving the quality of life.
Orange to reddish-brown in color, these fan-shaped mushrooms are rarely found in nature. They were first used in the Asian cultures thousands of years ago and were typically reserved for royalty.
Nowadays, they are grown commercially and are used in a variety of forms, including capsules, tea, tinctures, beauty products, hot cocoa, etc. They exhibit an array of qualities, which make Reishi mushrooms buzzy.
As they are rich in antioxidants, they have been a staple in Eastern medicine for long. There are a plethora of health benefits of Reishi mushroom. Thus, there is no wonder that everyone in the health and wellness world seems to embrace this king today.
Keep reading to know the health benefits of Reishi Mushroom-
Improves The Immune System
One of the most significant benefits of Reishi mushrooms is that it boosts your immune system. Though some details are still uncertain, some studies show that the Reishi mushroom affects the genes in white blood cells, which are an important part of the immune system.
In fact, Reishi mushroom has been used as an immunity booster and immune-stimulant for patients with cancer or HIV. The complex sugars or beta-glucans present in the mushrooms are known to improve the immune system and prevent infection.
Helps Alleviate Fatigue
While Reishi Mushroom’s effects on the immune system are emphasized the most, it has many other health advantages. Reduced depression and fatigue are amongst some of the other benefits.
Reishi Mushrooms are used in herbal medicines as adaptogens. Adaptogens are the plants that help fight against stress. According to a study, Reishi mushroom was found effective in people with neurasthenia, a physical condition characterized by fatigue and mental exhaustion.
Consumption of a compound present in the Reishi mushrooms helps improve pains, aches, or other feelings of irritation.
May Help You Fight Against Cancer
Several studies have been conducted on Reishi mushroom’s effects on cancer cells. A study in the Journal of Oncology found that the tumors got shrunk in the cancer patients who were consuming Reishi mushrooms.
The beta-glucans present in the Reishi mushroom help prevents the new blood vessel growth. This way, it prevents cancer cells from growing. These mushrooms contain triterpenes (essential oils) that restrict the development of tumors.
However, if someone is undergoing cancer treatment, make sure to consult the doctor before adding Reishi mushrooms to the diet.
Good For The Brain Health
Researches done on the animals suggest that Reishi mushrooms are therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is also helpful in protecting the brain from seizures.
Helpful For Diabetes
Reishi mushrooms are also found to be helpful in decreasing the blood sugar levels by inhibiting the enzyme that produces glucose. Thus, they can help prevent or stop kidney complications in diabetic patients.
Moreover, Reishi mushroom spores promote liver cell regeneration and prevent the organ’s ability to keep the toxins out of the body. In turn, a healthy liver is important for supporting health benefits, like managing blood sugar levels or allergies.
Packed With Antioxidants
Though their other nickname is ‘the mushroom of immortality,’ Reishi mushrooms are not going to make you live forever. However, they have antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of premature aging.
Reishi Helps You Sleep Better
Reishi mushroom helps you chill out and sleep you better. However, it isn’t a sedative. So, it won’t make you feel drowsy. If you consume reishi in continuous, small doses, it may help you support your sleep cycles.
Dosage Recommendations
Unlike the other supplements, the dose of Reishi mushrooms may vary substantially depending upon the type you use. When someone consumes mushroom itself, 25 to 100 grams is recommended.
However, dried extracts of mushrooms are used more often instead. In such cases, the recommended dose is around ten times less than when the mushroom itself is consumed.
Some supplements use only some portions of the extract. For these, the recommended doses are lower than the values listed above. Make sure to buy organic Reishi mushroom, which is free from the exposure of harmful toxic elements. And to double check which food was received in the temperature danger zone so not to mix it with.
Things To Keep In Mind
Despite its growing popularity, many people have questions about the safety of the Reishi mushroom. Consuming Reishi more than the recommended doses may increase the risk of stomach upsets or other digestive problems.
Thus, it is better to start with small doses, see the results, and gradually increase the amount. If you have any medical condition, talk to your doctor to ensure if you can consume Reishi or not.
Besides, pregnant and breastfeeding women or those who have a blood disorder, low blood pressure, etc. should avoid consuming Reishi mushroom.
Wrapping Up
Reishi mushroom is a popular type of fungus found in Eastern medicine. It boosts the immune system, particularly in people who are ill. This fungus also helps decrease the number and size of tumors, improving the quality of life for cancer patients. The best thing is, you can find Reishi mushroom in a range of products, including superfoods, hot cocoa, tinctures of tea, and many more. So, you have an option to choose the product you like.
