Reishi mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years for their healing properties and life-extending effects. However, their immense benefits are only now receiving attention in Western societies.
Known in the scientific world as Ganoderma lucidum, the reishi mushroom has been the subject of several prominent scientific investigations in recent decades. Scientists have discovered more than 400 bioactive compounds which have extensive health benefits when ingested. These are the six strongest health benefits of the reishi mushroom, as proven by scientific research.
They Boost Your Immune System
A 2009 study from Bioorganic and Medical Chemistry revealed that the polysaccharides present in reishi mushrooms boost immune system function and prevent abnormal blood vessel formations.
The consequences of this are numerous. Firstly, the study noted that those that drank reishi mushroom tea daily were able to extend their lifespan. Secondly, by preventing abnormal formations, reishi mushrooms were good for preventing cancer and tumour growth.
They Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Not only do reishi mushrooms help keep cancer away, but they also help fight it in cases where cancer has already been diagnosed. A Chinese study from 2010 found that the ganoderic acid found in reishi mushrooms inhibits tumour growth.
It also makes cancerous cells more responsive to cancer treatment. The ganoderic acid can contribute to apoptosis, the natural cell death of cancerous cells, making treatments more effective.
They Help Combat Fatigue and Depression
One study indicated that reishi mushrooms helped improve the well-being of those suffering from chronic fatigue. The study had participants take reishi mushroom supplements over a period of eight weeks. In this short time span, many participants reported feeling more energized. They also reported less anxiety.
Reishi Mushrooms Reduce Inflammation
Reishi mushrooms have their root in Chinese and African medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Several studies have verified their use as an anti-inflammatory and discovered their effectiveness in treating conditions like rheumatism and asthma.
They Help Regenerate the Liver
A study published in 2013 in Food and Chemical Toxicology revealed that scientists had successfully reversed liver damage in mice by administering reishi mushrooms.
Scientists believe this is due to the triterpenes present in the mushroom. These triterpenes helped the release of free radicals which boost cell regeneration and repair. They also helped improve circulation, helped promote clearer skin and aided concentration and mental focus.
They Protect Your Heart
The same triterpenes that help in liver regeneration also help fend off heart disease. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center conducted a study on the reishi mushrooms two most prominent triterpenes.
It found that they were effectively able to reduce cholesterol and improve oxygen flow. This means a reduced risk of heart disease and cardiac issues.
Given the extensive list of health benefits, of which these are merely the tip of the iceberg, everyone should be supplementing their diets with reishi mushrooms to improve their health and well-being.
Most choose to consume reishi as a herbal tea or tea coffee (when the taste is almost undetectable). The reason being, although reishi mushrooms are good for the body, they are not so delicate on the taste buds.
Start brewing your cup of reishi mushroom tea to unlock these health benefits for yourself.
