Science based health benefits of reishi mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms called “the king of mushrooms” are known for their cell-regenerating, immune-boosting potential, which could go a long way to improving your quality of life.

Reshi also known as lingzhi or ganoderma lucidum in science are a rare find in nature, and were typically reserved for royalty when they were first used in

Asian cultures thousands of years ago. Nowadays, they are grown commercially and sold in a variety of formats, including tea, powders, capsules, and even hot cocoa, beauty products, tinctures , energy bars, and coffees. But, you won’t find them hanging out in the produce aisle of Whole Foods.

“Reishi mushrooms are great for stimulating the immune system and liver function, producing an anti-inflammatory effect in the body,  and have even been shown to reduce tumor growth,” says Rachel Gargiulo, certified nutrition consultant at Nourishing Journey, a wellness center and organic café in Columbia, MD.

Reishi mushrooms exhibit a full array of the qualities that make medicinal mushrooms the most sort after health supplement—they’re adaptogenic stress-soothers and high in antioxidants, which is why they have long been a staple of Eastern medicine. No wonder everyone in the wellness world seems to be hailing this king right now.

Below are 10 benefits that have been uncovered by scientists:

1. They can boost the immune system

Historically, reishi mushrooms have been used as an immune system enhancer—they are even used in Asian cultures as an immunostimulant for

patients with HIV and cancer. The beta glucans (complex sugars) in the mushroom are believed to stimulate the immune system to prevent infection.

 2. Reishi mushrooms can alleviate fatigue

Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens, plants that help the body combat stress. In one study of 132 patients suffering from neurasthenia (a condition characterized by physical and mental exhaustion), consumption of a compound found in reishi mushrooms was shown to improve aches, pains, and feelings of irritability.

 3. They may be an ally against cancer

Numerous studies have been done on reishi mushrooms’ effect on cancer cells. The results have been intriguing—one small study in the Journal of Oncology found that tumors shrunk in three cancer patients that were taking reishi mushrooms. Researchers believe beta glucans in the mushrooms may prevent new blood vessel growth, which is key as cancer cells need a steady blood supply to grow. The triterpenes (AKA essential oils) in the mushrooms may also inhibit the development and metastasis of tumors. Additional research indicates that the mushrooms could alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and improve the efficacy of radiation therapy.

 4. Reishi mushrooms could lower blood pressure

Compounds in reishi mushrooms may help keep high blood pressure at bay, according to a rat study carried out in 2014. But again, if you are currently taking blood pressure medication, consult with your doctor before taking reishi mushrooms—the combination could lower your BP to dangerous levels.

 5. They might be good for the brain

Research done on animals indicates that reishi mushrooms may be therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and may also be able to protect the brain from seizures.

 6. They have allergy-fighting potential

Some studies have shown that reishi mushrooms may have antihistamine effects and can improve the body’s oxygen supply, which is key to those suffering from chronic and allergic asthma.

 7. Reishi mushrooms contain cholesterol-lowering compounds

Both triterpenes and beta glucans may reduce total cholesterol and LDL—commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.”

 8. They may be helpful for diabetics

Reishi mushrooms were found to decrease blood sugar in one small double-blind, placebo-controlled study—possibly by inhibiting an enzyme that produces glucose. Plus, after seeing noticeably reduced kidney stress and lower blood-sugar levels in test subjects, a different group of researchers concluded that reishi mushrooms may prevent or halt kidney complications in diabetes patients.

 9. They could improve liver function

Reishi mushroom spores were found to promote liver cell regeneration in mice, improving the organ’s ability to shuttle toxins out of the body. A healthy liver can also be critical to supporting other health benefits mentioned above, including managing blood sugar and allergies.

 10. They are rich in antioxidants

Despite the fact that their other nickname is “the mushroom of immortality,” reishi mushrooms won’t, in fact, make you live forever. But they do have antioxidant properties that can reduce the risk of disease and premature aging

—and we can never have too many foods like that in our diets.

If you choose to use a ganoderma supplement, look for a product that contains a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. Ganoderma products with such approval include; REISHI GANO (RG), GANOCELIUM(GL), and REISHI MUSHROOM POWDER, LINGZHI 3-IN-1COFFEE, LINGZHI BLACK COFFEE, and GANOZHI TOOTHPASTE. 

Watch video below to know more about the benefits of DXN Ganoderma.

Click image below to read GANOTHERAPY the miraculous king of herbs by Dr. Lim Siow Jin, Ph. D.

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