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Reishi Mushroom: Uses and Unknown Health Benefits

May 14, 2022
Reishi Mushroom

The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that thrives in hot, humid areas of Asia. This fungus has been used in Eastern medicine for many years. Several molecules found within the mushroom, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans, may be responsible for its health effects.

While the mushrooms may be consumed fresh, powdered versions of the fungus or extracts containing these particular compounds are also common. Cell, animal, and human studies have all been tested on these various forms.

Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

The following are five scientifically proven reishi mushroom benefits. The first three are supported by more evidence, whereas the others are less conclusive.

Immune System Booster

The ability of the reishi mushroom to enhance your immune system is one of its most important effects. While certain details are still unknown, test-tube studies have indicated that reishi can influence the genes in white blood cells, which are important components of your immune system.

Furthermore, these studies have discovered that some reishi forms may alter inflammatory pathways in white blood cells. Some of the chemicals contained in the mushroom have been proven in cancer patients to boost the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. Natural killer cells help the body fight against infections and cancer.

Another research found that reishi can boost the amount of other white blood cells (lymphocytes) in colorectal cancer patients. Some data suggests that it can also benefit healthy people.

In one research, the fungus enhanced lymphocyte function, which aids in the fight against infections and cancer, in athletes subjected to stressful situations.

Other studies in healthy individuals, however, found no change in immune function or inflammation after 4 weeks of consuming reishi extract.

Cancer-Resistant Properties

Because of its possible cancer-fighting qualities, this fungus is consumed by a large number of individuals. For instance, one research of nearly 4,000 breast cancer survivors discovered that around 59% consumed reishi mushrooms. Read more: https://bit.ly/3FKHO6S

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