Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a mushroom species that grow on birch trees throughout the northern hemisphere. It most often resembles a black clump of dirt, however, when broken down, there is beautiful orange flesh hiding inside these mushrooms.
You are probably wondering are chaga mushrooms good for you? Well let just point out that this mushroom is filled with various antioxidants and herbal compounds that may benefit your health.
Chaga is available in form of herbal teas and supplements. Consuming this mushroom daily, as a part of a healthy and balanced diet may help reduce oxidative stress, lower LDL (bad cholesterol), and improve the functioning of the immune system.
In order to better understand the effects of Chaga on our buddy, first and foremost we must understand what are antioxidants and how they work.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from free radical damage.
On the other hand, free radicals are compounds that cause harm to cells if their concentration becomes too high in one's body. They are connected to a number of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The human body has its own antioxidant defenses to keep the free radicals in order. In addition to this, many antioxidants are also found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms.
In order to better comprehend the power of the Chaga mushroom, we must mention the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbent Capacity). This scale is a method of measuring antioxidant capacities in biological samples, and Chaga is one of the highest-ranking herbs on the scale, in fact, it ranks 6.5 times higher than Acai Berry. This puts the powerful antioxidants of Chaga above some of the most well-known antioxidant foods such as blueberries and pomegranate.
Chaga is not only known for its antioxidant properties, in fact. "The Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus) mushroom was traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases. For many years, mounting evidence has indicated the potential of I. obliquus extracts for the treatment of viral and parasitic infections. Furthermore, substances from I. obiquus have been shown to stimulate the immune system. The most promising finding was the demonstration that I. obliquus has hypoglycemic and insulin sensitivity potential." according to Konrad A. Szychowski, a Corresponding author. Department of Lifestyle Disorders and Regenerative Medicine, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow. [1]
According to research, Chaga contains many health-boosting nutrients and plenty of antioxidants. One of the most profound substances are:
• triterpenoids
• polyphenols
• polysaccharides
• flavans
• melanins
However, Chaga also contains B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium, Amino acids, Fiber, Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, and Calcium. This makes its micronutrient profile incredible as each of these minerals and vitamins can be used by our bodies to the max!
While Chaga is available as a supplement in form of pills and powder, people also try to use the whole Chaga mushroom to make teas and other infused drinks. This implies that the drunks infused with Chaga ofter do not have the same nutritional value as when consumed whole.
Polysaccharides (Beta-Glucans)
Polysaccharides are large molecules created from several simple sugars (monosaccharides) The most notable polysaccharides found in Chaga mushroom are the (1>3)(1>6)beta-D-glucans. Beta-glucans from medicinal mushrooms like Chaga present unique opportunities for the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents. Due to the vast diversity of health benefits, “Mushroom β-glucans provide a unique opportunity for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and have attracted a great deal of attention due to many health benefits such as immunomodulatory, anticancerous, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, antioxidative and antimicrobial activities.” [2]
Melanin
Melanin is a skin pigment found in mammalian skin, eyes, hair, and nervous system. It possesses a wide range of activities, such as protection against oxidative stress and UV radiation.
The powerful antioxidant and DNA-protective properties of Chaga have been examined in multiple animal case studies. One particular research showed that supplementing with melanin protected up to 80% of mice from lethal doses of radiation. As Chaga has high melanin levels, it has the potential for to be effective protective agent against radiation.
Triterpenes
Chaga contains multiple different types of triterpenes. However, the most important one is inotodiol, a triterpene found only in Chaga mushrooms. Inotodil has been shown to have significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
Studies indicate that Chaga and its unique triterpene profile, including inotodiol may have antiaging properties, due to the high concentration of antioxidants.
Birch bark is the source of two other noteworthy triterpenes, betulinic acid and betulin, which is where Chaga gets to absorb these compounds. Betulinic acid and betulin have shown antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-gastritis, and anti-ulcer effects.
Research suggests that betulinic acid may help compress atypical cell growth. It is speculated that it works by supporting the mitochondria, a part of each cell that helps with the production of energy. These findings indicate that it may be used as an effective treatment for tumorous growth.
Despite the fact that the research on these mushrooms is still ongoing, some studies suggest that Chaga extracts could provide some health benefits.
Chaga Can Fight The Inflammation
Studies have shown that chaga stimulates white blood cells by promoting helpful proteins that regulate the immune system called "Cytokines." This kind of stimulation is essential for warding off various harmful bacteria and viruses.
Research also states that "compound ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide and trametenolic acid showed anti-inflammatory activities," and they’re all found in this mushroom. [3]
Therefore, Chaga could aid in the fight against various infections - from simple codes to serious illnesses.
For instance, one study conducted in mice found that Chaga extract decreased inflammation and gastrointestinal damage by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines.
In addition to this, another study conducted on animals showed that Chaga can stop the production of harmful cytokines, reducing the inflammation which is connected to the disease.
Chaga May Prevent and Fight Cancer
Chaga is believed to have an anti-cancer impact particularly because of its strong antioxidant content, which defends cells from free radical damage. Current research indicates that Chaga may slow cancer growth and even kill cancer cells that are already present.
Test-tube studies have shown that high concentrations of triterpene extract can eliminate cancer cells, and Chaga is loaded with this kind of antioxidant.
A study in mice with malignant cancer showed that supplementing their diet with Chaga decreased the size of their tumor by up to 60%.
In addition, several other studies on animals indicate that Chaga can slow down cancer growth and even prevent it.
Chaga Can Effectively Lowers Cholesterol
High levels of cholesterol are directly linked to heart disease, however, supplementing your diet with Chaga extract may be beneficial for such conditions.
In one study on rats with high cholesterol levels, Chaga extract was given to them over a period of eight weeks. The experiment yielded positive results, as the antioxidant levels in rats drastically increased reducing their total cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
According to researchers, antioxidants that are found in Chaga are responsible for these positive effects on cholesterol. However, more research on human subjects is needed to fully comprehend how Chaga affects cholesterol levels.
Chaga Can Lowers Blood Sugar
Several animal studies connect supplementing the diet with Chaga mushrooms to lower blood sugar levels. These findings may be beneficial for the treatment and management of diabetes due to its antioxidant properties.
One study suggests that "Treatment of Inonotus obliquus could significantly improve the antioxidant activities of the liver." [4]
Because the liver both stores and manufactures glucose, these antioxidant activities may be critical when it comes to reducing blood sugar levels and treating insulin resistance and diabetes.
A 2017 study in diabetic and obese mice found that Chaga decreased blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in mice who were supplemented with these mushrooms compared to mice who did not receive Chaga extract.
In another experimental study, Chaga supplements reduced blood sugar levels in diabetic mice by 31% over the course of three weeks.
As human research lacks, it is unclear whether or not Chaga would have the same effects on blood sugar levels in humans, however, researchers believe that it indeed has great potential.
With its micronutrient profile, Chaga indeed can be considered an antioxidant bullet. If you are still wondering are Chaga mushrooms good for you, let's break everything down to the core fundamentals of this majestic mushroom.
Chaga is loaded not only with vitamins and minerals, but also a high profile of antioxidants such as polysaccharides, melanin, triterpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids. This means that implementing Chaga into your diet may bring you a wide range of health benefits.
Studies have shown that Chaga may be a critical element when it comes to healing various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. It has a positive impact on the cardiovascular system, suppresses cell growth, and even has anti-inflammatory properties. Many diseases are followed by inflammation as that's the body's natural response. However, Chaga can effectively reduce inflammation and stimulate white blood cells, improving the immune system and surprising harmful viruses and bacteria.
Although more human studies are required in order to fully understand the effects of Chaga, researchers speculate that its effects could be beneficial to human health.
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411020309809
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212619817300402?via%3Dihub
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814613000526