The Many Benefits of Chaga Mushroom
Chaga (Innonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom known to have many healing properties. It grows almost exclusively on birch trees in old-growth forests in cold climates, such as Northern Europe, Siberia, Russia, Northern Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern United States. The fungi are found high on the tree, and they take 3-5 years to grow. They are very hard and look somewhat like burned charcoal. They are primarily black with striations of golden yellow; this dark color is due to the high amounts of melanin in them.
Indeed, they are rich in many phytochemicals; 215 identified so far. For instance, chaga contains polysaccharides, alkalines, organic acids, important minerals, and many micronutrients. This high number of constituents make it a powerful healing agent, and it is widely used as a tonic and natural medicine in Northern Europe and Asia. Russia, in particular, has used chaga for its purifying, detoxifying, and healing properties for centuries.
There have been over 1,600 studies conducted on chaga, in the last 40 years, in countries all over the world, and it has been found to be the most potent fungus against cancer. Research showed that it increases natural killer cells by 300%, making it a potent cancer fighter. In addition, it is a powerful adaptogen (meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress, reduces fatigue, and boosts mental sharpness.) Chaga mushroom is also an immune system modulator. It calms an overactive immune system (as in auto-immune disease) and stimulates an underactive immune system.
Chaga is considered one of the most potent superfoods; it is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as B complex, Vitamin D, potassium, zinc, calcium, and iron! In addition, chaga is rich in amino acids, which have strong antioxidant activity. Omega 3s and Omega 6s, which are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes, are abundant. In addition, these amino acids can help our bodies repair DNA damaged by free radicals.
Chaga mushroom has a 52,000 ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity), one of the world’s highest ORAC ratings for antioxidants ever recorded. This score measures the ability of a food to counter the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants are our first line of defense against free radicals, which damage cells, cause disease, and hasten aging. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) constitute a critical agent against oxidative stress in the body, and chaga has 50x more SOD than any other mushroom.
One of its most powerful attributes is its impressive ability to fight inflammation, and this is significant because inflammation has been seen as the root cause of disease and illness. Russia has studied its effects extensively. They, among other researchers, have found it to be an anti-tumor agent, a toner for the gastrointestinal system, and a genoprotective agent, which means that it shields and is protective of, DNA.
Because chaga is so loaded with nutrients, it is very nourishing for the skin, and it is very effective when used topically. For this reason, it can be a great ally in healing troublesome skin or in preventing the aging effects of free radicals. Because it is so high in antioxidants, it protects the skin from the free radical damage due to UV rays. And because it is such an effective anti-inflammatory, it helps deal with a wide range of skin problems because it is so calming to the skin. Further, it is so rich in amino acids that it stimulates the cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Collagen gives our skin that plump and youthful look, while elastin provides elasticity, contributing to a younger look.
Overall, chaga is one of our most powerful natural healing agents available. In Siberia, it is consumed as a daily tonic. It has a rich, satisfying flavor and is easy to add to one’s daily routine, both internally and externally.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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