A native of Russia, Chaga mushroom is a parasitic fungus growing on the birch tree. It is irregular in shape and appears like a mass of charcoal. Its black colour is due to the massive amounts of melanin. Chaga mushroom is famous in Russia, though its fame is fast spreading worldwide. Besides being powerful adaptogenic, the Chaga mushroom is an immune booster, an excellent digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties.

Below is a compressive list of Chaga mushroom proven health benefits.

1. Prevention and treatment of cancer

The active compound in the Chaga mushroom has an essential role in prevention and management of cancer, according to research. Betulinic acid, Inotodiol, and Ergosterol peroxide are some of the essential compounds with anticancer properties. Betulinic acid induces cell apoptosis and prevents tumour development while Ergosterol peroxide inhibits colorectal cancer. buy mushrooms online canada Moreover, other extracts in Chaga mushroom help the immune system to recognise cancer cells as foreign and invasive; thus prompting the body to fight against them.

2. Immune booster

Chaga extracts boost and modulate the immune system through the production of immune cells Interleukin-6 and Lymphocyte B. Moreover, the extracts promote the immune system’s ability to differentiate between foreign cells and the body’s cells; thus increasing the accuracy of the immune system in responding to invasion by alien cells. Chaga extract plays a vital role in preventing allergic reactions by helping the body to recognise its cells more accurately; thus it cannot fight against its cells. In the event reducing the chances of occurrence of autoimmune disease.

Also, Chaga mushroom extracts are efficient in reduction of immune system hypersensitivity. Immune hypersensitivity result from a severe allergic reaction. Such reaction can lead to cardiac shock. As a biological response modifier, Chaga mushroom boosts the immune system when necessary and lower it when it is hypersensitive.

3. A powerful antiviral and antibiotic

Chaga extracts have potent antiviral and antimicrobial properties. For instance, Chaga extracts are effective against viruses as they inhibit replication of HIV 1 and prevent Herpes virus from infecting new cells. Furthermore, the extracts are effective in reducing infection due to Hepatitis C. The extracts stop the process that bacteria use to activate gene expression (quorum sensing), an essential step in fighting bacterial infection. A cup of Chaga tea is crucial in eliminating the bacteria that may cause ulcers.

4. Fights inflammation

Chaga extracts reduce overactivated immune responses through decreasing expression of molecules that activate inflammatory responses. Besides, the extracts minimise inflammation of the colon through lessening oxidative stress. Note that, low antioxidant levels can lead to inflammatory bowel syndrome, an inflammation of colon cells. Furthermore, methanolic extracts of Chaga extracts reduce pain stemming from inflammations, by blocking the effects of enzymes that take part in inflammatory pathways, nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2.

5. Powerful antioxidant

Antioxidants play a vital role in neutralising free radicles in the body. The free radicles cause oxidative stress. Chaga has the highest amount of antioxidant potency as compared to any other food. The high amounts of antioxidants are due to the high amount of polyphenols in the mushroom. Besides, the high amounts of Super Oxidase Dimutase, protect body cells against destructive effects of uncontrolled oxidation and free radicles. The antioxidative properties, reduce the rate of cell ageing.