Proven Health Benefits of Chaga

Regardless of if it is technically a mushroom or fungus, there are numerous Health Benefits of Chaga.  Chaga contains very significant amounts of powerful antioxidants with far-reaching health applications.

Crucial other chemical ingredients include beta-glucans, other polysaccharides, phytosterols and triterpenes like botulin and betulinic acid which give chaga a diverse range of therapeutic benefits.  

Ergosterol peroxide is a medically exciting component of Chaga.  Ergosterol peroxide has shown anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunosuppressive capabilities in the lab.

Chaga is considered to be an adaptogen; a substance which helps normalize and balance body functions.

Research has demonstrated that chaga could both stimulate immune response while simultaneously reducing inflammation, unlike most medications which typically have one effect or the other.

When it comes to potent antioxidant superfoods, chaga has few equals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is present in chaga in substantial quantities. SOD efficiently neutralizes the damage done by free radicals, protects against disease and slows down the aging process.

Studies have linked low levels of SOD with declining health and decreased lifespan. Diet is the best way to increase SOD levels and compared with other foods, chaga is an excellent source.

In the ORAC scale a scale which was designed to measure the ability of food to deal with oxidative stress and absorb free radical damage, chaga has the highest rating.

It has up to 50 times more SOD enzymes than fruit juices, leafy greens, truffles, and seaweed. Chaga’s incredible ability to combat oxidative stress makes it a powerful ally in the fight against aging, heart disease and cancer.

An active and healthy immune system is essential to good overall health and protection against illness. Chaga is understood to be an adaptogen simultaneously working in two directions to helps boost and modulate the immune system. Many experts consider it to be one of the most potent natural foods for autoimmune diseases. 

A variety of the compounds contained in chaga such as betulinic acid and inotodiol work to reduce dangerous inflammation within the body.

Inflammation can be extremely harmful and left unchecked might lead to severe conditions like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.

Because of its immune boosting and anti-inflammatory abilities, chaga has traditionally been used to support intestinal health and treat ulcers.

According to research, chaga might be a useful alternative treatment for ulcers and inflammatory bowel syndrome.

As well as protecting the heart by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature, the betulinic acid in chaga is known to help break down the bad LDL cholesterol in the body.

Research conducted in Russia way back in the 1950s discovered that chaga had a beneficial effect on high blood pressure, but no studies have been undertaken since then.

Be sure to consult your doctor if you have hypertension and are considering taking chaga supplements.

Chaga extract has been approved as a treatment for various types of cancer in Russia since the 1950s.

The betulinic acid found in chaga mushrooms is known to induce apoptosis or cell death and prevent tumors from developing. Many research articles have confirmed that chaga has exciting anti-tumor potential. 

Another study has demonstrated that inotodiol; the triterpenoid compound found in chaga has potential as an anticancer agent.

Researchers concluded that these subfractions isolated from chaga had the potential to be used in food or by the pharmaceutical industry as an anticancer ingredient. 

A 2015 study looked at another compound from Chaga mushroom and its anti-cancer potential.  The study tested the anti-cancer activity of Ergosterol peroxide from Chaga mushroom on mice.  Ergosterol peroxide was shown to inhibit colorectal cancer in mice. The extract inhibited cancer cell and tumor growth.
Authors concluded that the Chaga extract has properties to advocate its use as a supplement for preventing colon cancer. 

Research suggests that Chaga may contain multiple anti-cancer components: Betulinic acid, Inotodiol, and Ergosterol peroxide.

Chaga can be drunk as a healthy tea and is a great way to keep your digestive system in excellent shape. It helps relieve indigestion and other gastrointestinal pain while maintaining the digestive system working smoothly.

Chaga stimulates digestive bile production which helps break down food especially stubborn fats and allows them to be absorbed more efficiently. Chaga is also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Chaga gets its distinctive dark color because of its very high melanin content. Melanin is a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect the genes and the DNA.

Melanin is also the main pigment present in our skin and experts suggest that Chaga’s melanin content can enhance the health of your skin, keeping it beautiful and supple. It can help protect both the skin and hair from sun damage and might even help diminish the size of age spots.