For ages, Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma Lingzhi) have been used as natural remedies and treatments in Asian countries. In China, mushrooms are said to be 4000-year-old ingredients that promote health and longevity. Moreover, Reishi mushrooms can be identified by their purple-brownish colour, brown spores, fan-shaped cap, and varnish-coated appearance.
The mushroom is mostly found in China, Japan, and North America but is cultivated in most of the Asian countries. However, its health benefits have made it popular worldwide, so let us dive down and explore some best health advantages of the Reishi mushroom.
6 Benefits of Consuming Reishi Mushroom
1. Keep Yourself Safe From Cancers
Various studies and research have been done on the effect of the Reishi mushroom on cancer cells, and the results were truly surprising. One of the studies was published by “The Journal of Oncology.” which showed that the tumours were reduced in three cancer patients who included Reishi mushrooms in their diet.
Moreover, apart from fighting preexisting cancer, studies have shown that the mushroom also prevents the growth and development of cancer. According to a Pharmacological Report study, it is the ganoderic acid and a triterpenoid present in the Reishi mushroom that fights cancer cells and prevents metastasis of tumours.
Furthermore, with the capability of the Reishi mushroom, it might be possible to lessen the use of chemotherapy and improve the efficacy of radiation therapy. However, if you are going under cancer treatment, then it is better to consult the doctor before adding Reishi mushrooms to your diet.
2. A Good Option To Keep Your Heart Healthy
Studies and research have found that Reishi mushroom can be a good option for maintaining heart health. It can regulate cholesterol levels because it has compounds such as triterpenes, which may help in lowering lipoprotein or bad cholesterol levels.
Moreover, Reishi mushrooms can have hypotensive effects, meaning they could help lower blood pressure, which will result in good heart health. Further, some research suggests that reishi mushrooms have anti-thrombotic effects. Which means they could help prevent the formation of blood clots. And due to this property in reishi mushrooms, it may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Moreover, the adaptogenic properties and their stress-modulating effects may indirectly benefit cardiovascular health. This is because chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, and adaptogens like reishi may help the body cope with stress more effectively.
3. Will Be Good For Your Liver
Reishi mushrooms are believed to support the liver’s detoxification processes. They contain triterpenes and polysaccharides, which may eliminate toxins from the body, promoting overall liver function. Moreover, the Reishi mushrooms have antiinflammation properties that reduce the chronic inflammation of liver diseases.
Also, the antioxidants such as polyphenols and triterpenes in this mushroom neutralise free radicals, preventing oxidative stress in liver cells. Oxidative stress is a factor in liver damage and various liver diseases.
Furthermore, Resihi mushrooms are well known for improving the immune system, which is crucial for a healthy liver. By supporting the immune system, reishi mushrooms may indirectly contribute to the protection of your liver.
Lastly, there is research that indicates Reishi mushrooms may offer protective effects against liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. In addition, the compound in the mushroom may help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver and reduce the risk of liver damage.
4. Could Possibly Lower Blood Pressure
Reishi mushrooms may also contribute to lowering blood pressure through various potential mechanisms. Although there is not enough research to fully understand their effects. However, the compound present in this mushroom may promote vasodilation, which means the widening of blood vessels.
Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of the mushroom can reduce resistance, which will contribute to lower blood pressure. Moreover, for lower blood pressure, healthy endothelial functions are important for maintaining blood pressure. Thus, some studies and research suggest that reishi mushrooms may help improve endothelial functions.
Furthermore, the reasons for high blood pressure are stress and tension hence, the adaptogenic properties of the mushroom can help in stress management. Stress can contribute to elevating blood pressure and promoting a more balanced stress response. Reishi mushrooms may indirectly help in lowering blood pressure
5. Reishi Mushrooms Can Also Help In Brain Function
Reishi mushrooms can improve brain functions and protect it from brain disease that comes with age. In 2012, Nerupharamology published a study that found that Reishi mushrooms also have neuroprotective effects in rodents. This could be an important development for research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, in the study, it was found that the Reishi mushroom boosts the production of nerve growth factor. It is an important protein that is crucial for good and healthy neurological functions. Also, there have been studies done on animals that signifies that Reishi mushrooms may have therapeutic properties for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and can also protect the brain from seizure.
6. It Could Be Helpful For People With type 2 Diabetes
Reishi mushrooms may offer potential benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes, which can be helpful in better blood sugar control. Some studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms have compounds that can significantly help control sugar levels in the body.
Moreover, reishi mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and triterpenes, which may help maintain sugar levels. Some studies have found that these compounds may have anti-hyperglycemic effects that help to regulate blood glucose levels.
Besides, some compounds in Reishi Mushrooms may improve insulin sensitivity. Enhanced insulin sensitivity allows cells to respond more effectively to insulin, reducing the risk of insulin reducing the risk of insulin resistance, which is a common factor in type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Reishi mushroom can be a superb natural ingredient for health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties and compounds promise various health benefits, from preventing cancer to reducing blood pressure and improving brain function. However, if you are suffering from any of the above health problems and want to include Reishi mushroom in your diet. It would be better to seek consultation from a doctor.
References
- Meshram, S., Murthy, H. S., Ali, H., Swain, H. & Ballyaya, A. Effect of dietary β-glucan on immune response and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man. 1879). Aquacult. Int. 23, 439–447 (2015). CAS
- Boh, B., Berovic, M., Zhang, J. & Zhi-Bin, L. Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds. Biotechnol. Annu. Rev. 13, 265–301 (2007). PubMed
