The many health benefits of the Reishi medicinal mushroom

Whereas a few years back no one in your area had heard of the Reishi mushroom, now you will undoubtedly have a number of friends who use this supplement. This mushroom has recently become wildly popular, but it has been used for thousands of years in Asia. There, they have long discovered its impressive health benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum. From strengthening the immune system to promoting relaxation; the Reishi mushroom is small but very powerful. So powerful, in fact, that the Chinese call it mushroom of immortality. What makes the Reishi mushroom so powerful and what are its health benefits? In this blog, you’ll find all the answers.

Some 14,000 mushrooms exist worldwide. Some of these are poisonous, others are edible or even medicinal . You’ve probably heard of the Cordyceps mushroom, or Lion’s Mane. These are often used in microdosing protocols because of their energy- and focus-boosting qualities. But Reishi mushrooms are also true medicinal powerhouses that have short- and long-term health benefits.

The Reishi medicinal mushroom has several effects proven by science, which it owes mainly to the beta glucans this fungus contains. These are dietary fibers that can improve your overall health. For example, they are able to lower your cholesterol, are good for your heart, digestion, blood sugar and immune system.

The main health benefits of Reishi in no particular order:

Immune system and cancer

Are you often sick? Then incorporate Reishi into your daily routine! The Chinese have known it for centuries, but even science agrees: Reishi is incredibly good for your immune system. By increasing the number of “good” white blood cells, it helps work infections out of your body. It is even used in people with cancer. However, researchers do indicate that more research will be needed to uncover exactly how the fork is in the road. The fact is, however, that in Asian countries Reishi has been used for decades by leading medical institutions, including in cancer treatment. Also, laboratory studies show that it can kill cancer cells.

Fatigue

In traditional medicine, the Reishi medicinal mushroom is used to combat fatigue.

Stress and depression

In addition to fighting fatigue, Reishi is also effective as a relaxant. This is because it is a so-called adaptogen: it helps the body adapt to stressful conditions. Thus, it dampens the production of stress hormones and helps you relax. It also appears to have positive effects and reduce symptoms.

Heart and metabolism

Several studies have been done on the potency of Reishi medicinal mushrooms to positively affect heart health and metabolism. For example, studies show that it can help lower bad LDL cholesterol. Studies also indicate that it is capable of lowering blood pressure. And that all leads to a healthier heart. However, not all studies show consistent results, except for stabilizing blood sugar levels. And that’s good news for the ever-growing group of people with diabetes 2, the diabetes variant caused primarily by lifestyle factors.

Aging

Whether you would like to grow very old or not, you will always feel better when you do your best to combat aging and gain more healthy years of life. Reishi and several other medicinal mushrooms seem to combat aging in different ways. For example, thanks to the antioxidants they contain. These clear away free radicals, which damage your body cells. They also support repair and new cell production.

You can take Reishi in its original form, fresh or dried. However, the taste is not great and in the Netherlands it is not on supermarket shelves. Therefore, it is more convenient to take Reishi medicinal mushroom in capsule form. By the way, you don’t need much of this fungus to notice effects. One or two capsules will give you enough for a day. The maximum dose of this supplement is 9 grams per day.

As you read, the Reishi medicinal mushroom has a wide range of health benefits, many of which are preventative. Thus, you will not notice effects immediately after taking it. If you take this supplement to support your mental health or combat fatigue, it may take a month or two to notice a difference.

As for long-term effects, at the individual level it is even more difficult to determine if and how well it works. After all, you never know how you would have felt without supplementation with Reishi. Above all, try it out for yourself when you think it will benefit you!