Chaga – Mushroom of Immortality
Who among you love mushrooms? I’ve grown up in
a family of mushroom lovers, yet to this day I cannot stand the taste or smell
of cooked mushrooms and have become what I call...’an expert mushroom picker
outerer’ after carefully picking out the awful little things out of my meals!
For me, it’s a little like Marmite, you either love it OR Hate it! However,
despite my dislike of eating mushrooms I cannot deny that they have truly
remarkable benefits upon health. Reishi, Maiitake, Cordyceps all varieties that
research is highlighting as having a multitude of health benefits from
increasing energy & endurance levels to immune support. But the one
mushroom that is currently piquing my interest is Wild Chaga! Certainly not a
mushroom that you’d come across on your weekly trip to the supermarket to throw
into a risotto or find growing in a field, no, this amazing fungi, grows on
trees! (primarily, the Birch tree)
Inonotus
obliqus or as it’s commonly referred to Chaga, originally derived from the Russian word for mushroom, has
been traditionally used in Siberia, Russia and Northern Europe since the 16th
century for its’ medicinal properties. It is a parasitic fungus that grows on
‘living’ hardwood trees particularly in cold climates and unlike the image of a
mushroom we are used to, it appears as a large, cracked black/brown growth on
the tree that is hard and dense. Large concentrations of melanin, the pigment
responsible for our skin colour, can be found naturally within and this is what
gives Chaga its dark colour. Wild Chaga survives by extracting an abundance of
nutrients from the inner layer of the tree bark whilst at the same time giving
the tree vital nutrients to support its’ health in return - a truly unique
‘symbiotic’ (mutually beneficial) relationship. However, this relationship only
occurs with wild Chaga grown and harvested in its natural environment as
opposed to cheaper, less nutrient dense Chaga commercially grown in vats.
During the past few decades the health benefits of Chaga
have been actively studied with the aim of shedding some light on its biochemistry
and reported human health benefits. Chaga has been noted to have activity in a
wide range of health-related areas such as its free radical (molecules that
damage our cells) scavenging potential, immune stimulating effects and anti
mutagenic and anti cancer properties and is rapidly gaining a reputation as one
of the most medicinally valuable fungi. In China it is referred to as ‘The king
of all plants’, the Siberians call it a ‘gift from God’ or the ‘mushroom of
immortality’ whilst in Japan it is often referred to as the ‘diamond in the
forest’. It certainly is one of the most praised superfoods and that can be
attributed to its unique concentration of nutrients that include: flavanoids,
phenols, antioxidants, various B complex vitamins, minerals including copper,
manganese, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium, high levels of SOD (Superoxide
Dismutase) a component that exhibits a very high antioxidant activity, Beta
glucans, melanin, amino acids, dietary fibre, enzymes, sterols, vitamin D2 and
K to name but a few.
So what health benefits does Chaga potentially offer?
·
Cellular
Protection – research has shown Chaga to have very high
concentrations of antioxidant compounds that help to protect our cells from
damage and premature ageing. In fact it is one of the richest sources of
antioxidants in the world, not only boasting the highest levels but also an
exceptionally rare diversity of antioxidants. It has been reported that the Emperor
of China once outlawed Chaga as he wanted exclusive use of the age defying
tonic so that he could appear ‘eternally young’ whilst everyone around him grew
old.
·
Anti
inflammatory – it contains specific anti inflammatory compounds
such as ergosterol that help to combat inflammation a process that is often
present in chronic degenerative disease. So, with this in mind, Chaga may help
reduce systemic inflammation and help in the prevention of a number of health
problems, leading to a longer and healthier life.
·
Anti
Hyperglycemic – a few studies have shown that
polysaccharides in Chaga have the potential to reduce, glucose, triglycerides,
fatty acids and cholesterol in blood.
·
Immune
support – There is increasing research exploring the role of
Chaga on immune function with evidence suggesting that it has a stimulating and
balancing effect whilst increasing white blood cell population. This has been
attributed to high levels of Beta Glucans (immune supporting polysaccharides)
occurring naturally within Chaga. Making it a fabulous immune remedy to have at
hand during the cold & flu season.
·
Anti
bacterial , Anti Viral & Anti Fungal– Wild chaga has been
reported to to enhance anti viral activity in the body with research
demonstrating positive results in cases of the Herpes simplex virus and
additional research showing that chaga polysaccharides work equally to broad
spectrum anti viral drugs for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections with
additional significant favourable outcomes for its anti bacterial, anti fungal
and anti parasitic effects.
·
Adaptogenic
- It has strong adaptogenic properties. The
European Medicines Agency tried to define adaptogens as clearly as possible in
a 2008 treatise, "Reflection Paper on the Adaptogenic Concept":Adaptogenic
substances are stated to have the capacity to normalize body functions and strengthen systems
compromised by stress.
How can Chaga be incorporated into our health &
wellness
regimes?
Traditionally in Eastern Europe and Asia where it
originates, Chaga has been boiled and consumed as a tea, however with its
growing popularity in the Western world Chaga can now be found as a tincture,
in capsules or powder. In powder form it is ideal to add to smoothies or juices
or taken as a warming, immune supporting hot drink tat makes an ideal coffee
alternative. Perfect during the cold winter months. Top Tip - Always try to
source the best Chaga, preferably Wild and 100% organic where possible to
ensure you are obtaining a full spectrum of nutrients with no added synthetic
binders, fillers or preservatives and that is also from a sustainable source.
For further information, please call Bare Health,
Congleton your local, independent health store on 01260 408413. We are always
happy to answer your queries.
Bare Health highly recommends...
Viridian Nutrition Organic Wild Chaga & Cacoa hot drink -
SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER! 15% off in store at Bare Health #Congleton #Cheshire until end of February 2018
Vegetarian, Vegan, Organic
Potent Wild Nordic Chaga extract and flavanol-rich Cacao from the Peruvian rainforest creates a bi-cultural melting pot.
Harvested in two hemispheres, from organically certified forests to ensure purity and sustainability and carefully blended to create a pleasant tasting, nutrient dense beverage.
From the icy Birch forest of Finnish Lapland and the steamy rainforest of Peru to your cosy kitchen.
Harvested in two hemispheres, from organically certified forests to ensure purity and sustainability and carefully blended to create a pleasant tasting, nutrient dense beverage.
From the icy Birch forest of Finnish Lapland and the steamy rainforest of Peru to your cosy kitchen.
Certified organic by the Soil Association.
The content of this article is for information purposes
only. Always seek the advice of your GP or healthcare specialist if taking
prescribed medication or undergoing any form of treatment prior to embarking on
any new health regime.
Useful References:
