Reishi mushroom is one of the most underrated superfoods out there. It has amazing healing properties, and not to mention, extremely versatile. Known as “Lingzhi” in Chinese, reishi mushroom is not as well-known in Western cultures as it is in Asian countries.
In fact, this interesting fungus has been held in high esteem in the east for thousands of years now. These mushrooms grow on plum trees in the wild and were initially reserved for royals.
There are various types of reishi mushrooms. The most common one has a soft, cork-like texture and an ear-shaped cap with colors ranging from reddish-orange to black. As the reishi mushroom has quite a bitter and woody taste, it is traditionally used in tea or as an extract. Towards the second half of the 20th century, researchers started to look into the medicinal properties of the mushroom.
As the reishi mushroom becomes known as a veritable panacea, it is now cultivated commercially across the world and is available in an assortment of formats, ranging from teas to capsules.
The mushroom can also be found in superfood protein powder blends as well. While reishi mushrooms may not be tasty by themselves, they can be very delicious when blended and consumed the proper way.
Benefits of reishi mushrooms
If you are still hesitant to give the mushroom a try, here are some great benefits of reishi mushrooms that you should know about:
Reishi Mushrooms Promote Longevity
Reishi mushrooms are found to contain the polysaccharides, which are known for their life-span-extending properties.
The polysaccharides can promote longevity by enhancing immune system function and stopping abnormal blood vessel formations which could lead to fatal cancerous growths. This means that you can reap its longevity benefits simply by drinking reishi mushroom tea every day.
Reishi Mushrooms Come with Anti-Cancer Properties.
Although the exact causes and cures of cancer are still unknown up to this day, there has been extensive research on reishi mushrooms that suggests regular consumption could potentially help fight against cancer cells.
In addition to preventing the growth of cancer, research has also implied that the reishi mushroom may be able to eliminate existing cancer cells in the body as well. One study underlined the role of ganoderic acid, which is a triterpenoid found in the reishi mushroom, in the suppression of the development and metastasis of tumors.
Reishi Mushrooms Promote a Healthy Liver
Your liver plays a significant role in eliminating toxins from the body. If you want to promote the health of your liver, then you should give reishi mushrooms a chance. It was found that the reishi mushroom has the ability to reverse chemical-driven liver damage in mice.
Moreover, other studies suggested that the triterpenes found in reishi mushrooms can promote liver cell regeneration.
Reishi Mushrooms Contain Neuroprotective Properties
Reishi mushrooms can also be beneficial for those with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease as well. It was found that reishi helps to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor, which is a protein that is essential for healthy neurological function.
Therefore, if you want to improve your memory and prevent neurodegenerative diseases that come with aging, then you can start by including reishi mushrooms in your diet.
Reishi Mushroom boosts immunity
Your immune system is responsible for maintaining healthy bodily functions and preventing a host of diseases. Many studies have shown that reishi mushrooms can impact the genes in white blood cells, which in turn alters and reduces inflammation levels.
As your inflammation levels drop, your body is able to fight off infection more effectively. While most of the studies on reishi mushrooms and the immune system have been carried out on sick individuals, there are many reasons to believe that reishi mushrooms can also boost the immune system in healthy individuals as well.
