For those who are looking for a healthy, organic sup which boasts reported health benefits by the bucketload, have you considered Chaga mushroom? Often called ‘black gold’ for its health benefits and healing power, this mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), grown on a birch tree, is all natural with no intervention in its cultivation.
Indeed, people around the world have been using it for centuries for the reputed anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, with this mushroom is most commonly enjoyed in tea form. Whether or not Chaga consumption will bring you a long and healthy life, we just can’t get enough of the taste of it! Anyway, here are the 7 IDEAL health benefits of drinking Chaga mushroom tea.
NUTRITION GALORE
Chaga is rich in vitamins and minerals. What’s more, it’s a great source of the vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, Potassium, amino acids, copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. And the list goes on. Actually, it doesn’t because phew, we need a breather now. Indeed, it’s rare to find a food source that has such a variety of nutrients as Chaga mushroom.
A SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Chaga also ranks high among foods which boast natural sources of antioxidants. Chaga has the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) out there, outgunning even those beloved Acai berries, blueberries, and pomegranates. Chaga accumulates this amount of antioxidants from the host tree trunk, and this process can take years. Like a fine wine, it just gets better with age.
IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER
Chaga Mushroom is an adaptogenic plant that can bring back the balance in our bodies, if only you believe it. That antioxidant quality found in Chaga, particularly, helps to strengthen the immune system. Chaga has the capacity to help in your body’s fight against bacteria, which further strengthens our immunity to unwanted bodily visitors. Traditionally, Chaga has even been used as an anti-aging agent.
KEEPS CHOLESTEROL & HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK
High cholesterol is a growing concern worldwide as obesity increases exponentially across the planet. Chaga is beneficial in keeping your cholesterol levels in check. Chaga can reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing low-density lipoprotein in our body.
The antioxidants in Chaga mushrooms can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure by lowering oxidative stress; those antioxidants in Chaga absorb free oxygen radicals and thus lower oxidative stress.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS
While inflammation is a natural bodily response to diseases, it can cause chronic health issues when it happens overenthusiastically. However (and you guessed it by now, right?) that magical Chaga has anti-inflammatory potential. It might even help with bowel diseases that are inflammatory.
ANTIBACTERIAL BENEFITS
The Chaga mushroom can regulate the immune system by means of controlling Cytokines, and this property of Chaga is beneficial for fighting bacteria. Indeed, chaga has been used as an antiseptic for years with recent studies on Chaga mushroom’s potential to fight bacteria backed by age-old traditions.
IMPROVING DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Chaga improves digestive functions by simulating bile and acid flow; and hey, we all need a bit more of that right? As such, the mushroom also helps to break down protein molecules. This magic mushroom’s (not that kind) anti-inflammatory powers can help to ensure proper digestion and reduce inflammation of the intestine.
SO HOW EXACTLY DO YOU USE CHAGA MUSHROOM?
After extolling its benefits so thoroughly, here’s the bad news; Chaga does not taste like normal store-bought mushrooms. As it is the mycelium portion of the mushroom, it tastes a little earthy and bitter. Don’t worry; by adding ginger, turmeric, or honey will mellow out the bitterness and complement the original taste of Chaga.
If you want to introduce Chaga to your diet, the most common way is by drinking Chaga tea. You can also use Chaga extract as a supplement. Siberian Chaga Mushroom Extract can be a good source of Chaga extract, which is harvested as chunks from the tree trunk and grounded as a powder for use. Delicious.