Celebrate the Health Benefits of Chaga Mushrooms

According to a study published in the Journal of Enthnopharmacology, chaga mushroom extract promotes immune system function by encouraging the production of cytokines, proteins vital for cellular communication. With improved communication, your immune system cells can better collectively combat threats posed by viruses or other infection-causing agents. During cold and flu season, regularly drinking a cup of chaga mushroom tea will give your immune system a welcome boost.

Recent studies show chaga mushrooms have the power to slow the growth of tumors associated with breast, cervical, and even lung cancer. There is evidence that these mushrooms may even contain cancer-preventing properties. Thus far, research has been confined to mice, but because chaga does not harm other cells, there is considerable medical interest in developing this mushroom as a cancer treatment.

lauraag / Getty Images

If you frequently suffer from digestive complaints like indigestion or bloating, consider drinking some chaga mushroom tea. Often, poor digestion occurs when the body can’t produce enough enzymes to efficiently digest food. Chaga mushrooms promote the production of healthful digestive enzymes that will help keep your digestive system running smoothly.

Detry26 / Getty Images

Research shows chaga mushroom extract can help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Regulating blood sugar is essential to prevent complications. Studies involving blood sugar and chaga mushrooms are still in the animal-testing stage but are promising. If you are looking for natural ways to reduce your blood sugar, try chaga tea.

Fydorov / Getty Images

Are you looking for a soothing way to slow down the aging process and decrease the development of gray hair and wrinkles? There is evidence that chaga mushroom tea helps keep signs of old age at bay. Wrinkles and sagging skin commonly occur because of oxidative stress. Chaga mushrooms contain powerful antioxidants that can neutralize this side effect of age, exposure to the sun, and pollution. Chaga mushroom tea may not be the fountain of youth, but it can help keep you looking youthful for longer.

Many athletes have hopped on the chaga mushroom tea bandwagon because this fungus has a natural ability to promote physical endurance. Energy-boosting chaga mushrooms can increase the physical performance of mice. Athletes who swear by chaga mushrooms report they can perform longer without fatiguing. If you’re a swimmer, runner, or tennis enthusiast, you might give this tea a try to enhance your performance.

Inflammation is a factor in the development of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and even depression. Reducing chronic inflammation through diet is something we should all consider for optimum health. Many foods have this power, including chaga mushrooms. By regulating cytokine production in the body, the mushrooms help reduce inflammation and the risk of developing inflammation-related health conditions.

Chaga mushrooms have the potential to support cognitive function and memory by restoring levels of acetylcholine reduced by oxidative stress. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory functions in the brain. Researchers in Japan determined chaga mushroom extract helps improve memory function in people with scopolamine-induced amnesia. There’s also evidence that chaga tea can promote alertness—without the unwanted effects of caffeine-like increased nervousness.

Your adrenal glands are important for maintaining mental and physical energy levels. Oxidative stress can take a toll on your adrenal glands and cause them to release an abundance of cortisol, leading to adrenal fatigue. Chaga mushrooms contain the pantothenic acid vital for adrenal function. If you’re showing signs of adrenal fatigue such as feeling tired for no reason, gaining weight, and having trouble sleeping, you could be suffering from adrenal fatigue. Add some chaga mushroom tea or extract to your diet to boost adrenal function and minimize adrenal gland burnout.

eskymaks / Getty Images

You already know chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants. Some antioxidants reduce oxidative stress that causes wrinkles; others specifically target bad LDL cholesterol, the artery-clogging stuff that increases the risk for heart disease. Additionally, there’s evidence that chaga helps prevent blood clots that can lead to life-threatening heart attack and stroke. In animal studies, extract from the mushroom proves highly effective in preventing clots in animals.