A common fungus that grows on trees in the northern hemisphere is the star of many homemade dishes. The Chaga Mushroom has a distinguishing feature – orange tissue in its center. It has astounding health benefits that will leave you wondering why you haven’t tried it already. We introduce you to its beneficial properties and show you how it can boost your health.
What Are Chaga Mushrooms?
Known as the Inonotus Obliquus, it is a fungus that grows in remote areas in the Northern hemisphere, like Siberia, Alaska, and Northern Canada.
This mushroom doesn’t look particularly attractive; it has an exterior similar to burnt charcoal. It also tends to be lumpy. But don’t let its appearance fool you; it has a host of advantages for overall wellness. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and fat-free.
The Health Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms
The benefits of this mushroom don’t end there. We explore them in detail.
First of all, the Chaga Mushroom is a nutrient-dense superfood. It hosts an almost endless range of vitamins and minerals, which include:
2. Slows aging
Unwanted fine lines and wrinkles are the results of oxidation. Prolonged exposure to the sun creates free radicals that accelerate the aging process.
The Chaga Mushroom contains antioxidants that will arrest the visible signs of aging. According to this study, it has antioxidant potential. Another piece of research suggests that it limits Parkinson’s Disease. Animal studies also refer to its ability to prevent chronic inflammation.
3. Fights Cancer
Studies on human cells show that the Chaga Mushroom stops cancer cells from metastasizing. Other research unveiled this fungus’ ability to reduce the size of tumors by about 60%. According to this research, this mushroom enables the immune system to detect invasive cancer cells. The body can thus develop an immune response against cancer.
4. Reduces inflammation
5. It arrests diabetes
Studies on animals show that Chaga Mushrooms reduce the symptoms of diabetes, including high blood glucose, LDL (bad cholesterol), and free fatty acids. The Chaga extract increased HDL (good cholesterol) and insulin in mice. It prevents high blood sugar and complications from diabetes.
6. Chaga mushroom rises physical tolerance
Animal studies revealed that the extract from these mushrooms allowed animals to swim for prolonged periods. They also stored more energy in their livers. It also reduced lactate, which can cause fatigue.
7. Defends the body against blood clots
Accumulation of blood platelets can cause blood clots. They can lead to strokes if they are in the brain. Chaga Mushrooms inhibit platelets.
8. It promotes cognition
Chaga Mushrooms limit cognitive dysfunction in animals by lowering oxidative stress.
9. It relieves pain
This type of mushroom limits pain by reducing the effects of enzymes that cause inflammation. It works in the same way as NSAIDs, so it decreases body aches.
10. It fights bacteria
The extracts in Chaga Mushroom can kill bacteria and fungi. They also stop quorum sensing, according to research.
What Are the Risks?
The extract of Chaga Mushroom may interact negatively with medications. Since it lowers insulin, people with diabetes should take care when consuming it.
To limit these risks, continue taking all prescribed medications. Inform your doctor of the medications you are taking and note any side effects from Chaga use. Also, limit the herbal supplements that you use. As the Food and Drug Administration has not recognized Chaga extract, it’s wise to buy it from reliable sources.
Five Ways to Consume a Chaga Mushroom
You can consume whole chunks of a Chaga Mushroom or add the powder to beverages.
Life Advancer shares five delicious Chaga recipes:
A spice-infused, Bodum tea is refreshing and makes full use of Chaga extract. You will need tea, Chaga powder, and two tea infusers.
Place a heaped teaspoon of regular tea into an infuser. Place another into a large mug and pour 400 ml of hot water into it. Pour the drink into a teapot with a built-in infuser. Let it steep for about five minutes, and it is ready to enjoy.
2. Chaga Chai Latte
A latte is a perfect relaxant on a stress-filled afternoon.
To make Chaga Chai Latte, you’ll need:
- A cinnamon stick
- A few green cardamom pods
- A few black peppercorns
- Some cloves
- A slice of ginger
Put these ingredients in a teapot. Boil half a cup of milk in a pan. Pour it into a mug, and add honey to taste.
3. Chaga Smoothie
A smoothie is a must-have on a hot day. Add chocolate, and it’s heaven.
- Half a frozen banana
- A cup of frozen berries
- A cup of cold Chaga tea
- A teaspoon of cocoa powder
- An optional pinch of cinnamon
Pour the smoothie out into a mug, and enjoy.
4. Chaga Maple Frosty
A frosty is heavenly on a hot summer day. All you need to do is blend these ingredients until they are creamy.
- A cup of Chaga tea
- A cup of ice cubes
- Two teaspoons of maple syrup
- A teaspoon of vanilla
- You may add blueberries but reduce the ice.
Relish your frosty!
5. Chocolate Chaga Elixir
An elixir is meant to be soothing, and this indeed is. One made of chocolate will hit the spot.
- Three cups of hot water
- Two teaspoons of Chaga Extract Powder
- A quarter cup of hemp seeds
- A quarter cup of cashews
- Three teaspoons of Cacao Powder
- A teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of Cayenne Powder
- A quarter teaspoon of vanilla powder
- A pinch of salt
In all, Chaga Mushroom will not only give your health a boost but also add zing to your dishes. Try these delicious recipes today.
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