Reishi Mushrooms Health Benefits

Reishi mushrooms are gaining popularity because of their many health benefits. 

Hailed as the “king of mushrooms” they have long been a staple in Eastern medicine. In fact, it’s nicknamed as the “mushroom of immortality”, so you know it’s something special.

The mushroom can be eaten fresh, or in a powdered form. The fungus grows in a hot and humid climate around certain locations across Asia. 

Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting, cell regenerating and anti-cancerous powers.Now, you may be thinking that this is just another so-called “superfood.” So, here are seven scientifically-backed benefits of reishi mushrooms.

Powerful Immune Booster

Given that we are living through a pandemic, now more than ever, looking after your immune system is vital.After all, your immune system is what keeps you protected from illnesses and diseases. And that’s exactly what reishi mushrooms do. The beta-glucans, otherwise known as complex sugars, found in reishi mushrooms help stimulate your immune system to prevent any infection. 

An Ally Agaisnt Cancer

Certain funguses are known to have cancer-fighting properties. Reishi mushroom is one of them.

In fact, a study was conducted on 4000 women who survived breast cancer. The study showed that 59% of the women had consumed reishi mushrooms. 

As far as men are concerned, some research suggests reishi may be beneficial to those with prostate cancer. That’s largely due to the positive effects reishi has on testosterone. 

When reishi is consumed, it helps your body by increasing the activity of white blood cells. White blood cells help your body to fight cancer and other diseases.

Flush Out Your Toxins with Reishi

A healthy liver is critical to your overall health. After all, it’s the organ that flushes out all the toxins in your body. Reishi may detoxify your liver. A study done on mice showed that reishi spores helped to promote liver cell regeneration, which helps your liver flush out toxins quicker. 

Other research also indicated that people with hepatitis B saw a reduction in symptoms after consuming reishi. Research also showed that liver function with those with the same condition also improved. 

Uplifts Your Mood

We all feel sad from time to time, heck it’s a natural human emotion. Did you know that 264 million people suffer from depression globally? Reishi mushrooms can be a great alternative to taking antidepressants. For one, it doesn’t come with all the negative side effects.

The research found that those who suffer from neurasthenia, a condition where people suffer from mental and physical exhaustion improved their mood after ingesting reishi. Although there isn’t enough research to suggest that reishi can help fight depression and anxiety, the available research seems promising. Adaptogens are plants that help your body fight stress. And guess what? Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens. 

Improves Your Brain Health

Reishi helps to stimulate nerve growth in the brain. This is especially important if your family has a history of Alzheimer’s or any type of neurodegenerative disease.

Although more research needs to be done, one study found that reishi mushrooms may have therapeutic properties for neurodegenerative disorders. There’s also a possibility that it may protect the brain from seizures. 

May Control Blood Sugar Levels

If you have diabetes, then you may want to take notes. That’s because reishi may be able to balance out your blood sugar levels. However, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any action.

While it can’t replace insulin altogether, research conducted on animals showed decreased blood sugar levels.

Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants are what help protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants are essential for many reasons. They reduce the risk of many diseases like premature ageing, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Reishi is jam-packed with antioxidants that will help fight off all the free radicals that want to cause damage to your body.

The Bottom Line

Reishi mushrooms are earthy, delicious and full of health benefits. Despite reishi being called the mushroom of immortality, it won’t make you live forever. But, what it can do is improve your overall health and your quality of life. With that being said, it’s time to get your hands on the king of mushrooms and enjoy all it’s health benefits.