Have you heard about Reishi? Since you are here we bet you do. So let’s dive a little bit deeper in it’s benefits.
For centuries Reishi has been one of the most widely used mushrooms in natural medicine and it grows in different parts in Asia. This fungus is also known by the name Lingzhi. It may be consumed raw or often it is in a powdered form, that you can mix with water, coffee or tea.
So why are they so popular?
Reishi mushrooms contain several molecules that are believed to be responsible for their health benefits – triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans. In the next few paragraphs we will explain more how this affects our bodies.
May boost your immune system
Probably the most important effect of consuming Reishi mushroom is that it helps you boost the immunity system.
Several test-tube experiments have shown that reishi may have an effect on the wthite blood cells, which are critical for the immune system. These studies came to the conclusion that this mushroom may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells.
Some tests within cancer patients have shown that some of the molecules found in reishi can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. Their purpose is to fight against infections and cancer in the body.
Different study related to colorectal cancer, showed that under the influence of reishi mushroom there is an increase in the lymphocytes (other types of white blood cells). The studies have been conducted with people fighting different illnesses but it is believed that reishi can help healthy people too.
Overall there is much evidence that reishi mushroom is beneficial for the immunity system and impacts white blood cells. However more research will follow in the next few years and we will have a more clear vision on what is the influence on the body and mind.
Can help you relax and fight depression
We have already discussed the effects reishi has on the immune system, but it also have some more great benefits that we can rely on.
It is believed that reishi helps with reducing fatigue and depression and overall can help us to improve our quality of life. Also something we have learned in 2020 – we have to appreciate everything we have and take care of our families and ourselves even better than before.
One study examined the effects of reishi mushrooms in 132 people with neurasthenia – poorly defined condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches and irritability.
In only 8 weeks the study has found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved with taking supplements with reishi.
Another study found that fatigue was reduced and quality of life was improved after 4 weeks of taking reishi powder in a group of 48 breast cancer survivors. People have reported that they experience less depression and anxiety.
We have to say that mental health is one of the most important things to look after and we should not neglect that aspect of our life. So the power comes from within.
Acts like antioxidant
To begin we should explain what antioxidants are. They are molecules that can help prevent damage to your cells.
Perhaps you have heard a lot of this term in the nutrition and fitness industries, because of their essential functions in the body.
There is still not enough official research on that topic, besides the explained effects by the traditional chinese medicine. A small amount of studies has shown that reishi mushroom could improve good cholesterol or blood sugar. However, the majority of the research does not indicate health improvement in cholesterol, blood sugar or antioxidants in the body.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingzhi_(mushroom)
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