6 Proven Reishi Mushroom Benefits
1. Defends Against Tumor Growth and Cancer
Just like other anti-inflammatory foods, reishi mushrooms contain several types of important anti-cancer nutrients, including antioxidants (such as the kinds called polysaccharides and triterpenoids), beta-glucans and amino acids. Researchers believe that one of the most beneficial components of the reishi mushroom is its polysaccharides, which are a water-soluble type of nutrient found in carbohydrate foods that are known to have anti-tumor abilities.
Polysaccharides, also found in other beneficial plant foods like sweet potatoes or beets, along with triterpenoids are immune-modulating substances that seem to defend DNA and stop cell mutations while protecting healthy cells. According to some studies, certain medicinal mushrooms fight cancer because polysaccharides have important biological benefits including antioxidant, neuroprotective, radioprotective, anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis and anti-fatigue abilities.
Additionally, laboratory tests have demonstrated that triterpenes have cancer-fighting properties, which is one reason why brightly colored or bitter-tasting, highly antioxidant foods like pumpkin, berries and black rice have a reputation for promoting health. Triterpene compounds seem to inhibit tumor invasion and metastases by limiting attachment of cancerous cells to endothelial cells. Beta-glucans are also natural cancer-fighters since they stop the growth and spread of cancer cells while causing the immune system to become more active.
Reishi mushrooms have been successfully used to fight cancer of the breasts, ovaries, prostate, liver, and lungs, sometimes in combination with other treatments. For patients who are recovering from cancer or undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, reishi has protective effects that can make the medication more effective. Research in cancer patients suggests that reishi has antiproliferative and chemopreventive effects, helps alleviate side effects of chemotherapy like low immunity and nausea, and enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy — making the reishi mushroom one of the most powerful cancer-fighting foods available.
2. Improves Liver Function and Detoxification
TCM differs from “Western medicine” in some ways because it emphasizes disease prevention, instead of simply treating symptoms once they appear. Within the body, one of the main focal points of TCM is the liver, since the liver is responsible for helping clean, process, store and circulate healthy blood and nutrients. Adaptogen herbs or supplements like reishi mushrooms are one piece of the puzzle when it comes to maintaining the right balance within the body (other important aspects include a healthy diet, exercise, and meditation) because they’re believed to help strengthen the digestive system, where nutrients are actually broken down and absorbed.
Adaptogens can improve liver function and prevent liver disease, resulting in numerous benefits because this allows waste and toxins to be flushed from the body more efficiently, improving immunity against diseases that can develop over time. A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that reishi induces hepatoprotective effects on acute liver injury because it contains antioxidant properties and fights harmful immune responses that slow down liver function.
3. Promotes Heart Health and Balances Blood Pressure
Triterpenes found the reishi mushroom seem to have blood pressure-lowering abilities as well as benefits for blood-clotting and cholesterol, likely because they help lower inflammation within blood vessels and arteries while also restoring hormonal balance. High blood pressure or high cholesterol can sometimes be caused by hormonal issues, including thyroid disorders or high amounts of stress, but reishi mushrooms help restore optimal hormonal levels and also strengthen the cardiovascular system.
In addition to lowering blood pressure, reishi can improve overall circulation, lower inflammation that worsens heart problems and prevent clogged arteries or high cholesterol levels. Some early research suggests that taking reishi mushroom supplements (including ganopoly) reduces symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pains and shortness of breath.
4. Helps Balance Hormones and Fight Diabetes
Research suggests that several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in reishi mushrooms change the way that nerves transmit messages to the brain, improving various functions within the endocrine and central nervous systems and balancing hormones naturally. Reishi mushroom supplementation is used to lower symptoms of diabetes, fatigue and hormonal imbalances while improving fertility and reproductive health.
The reishi mushroom lowers the number of toxins or heavy metals that can accumulate within the body and cause sluggishness, which is why these mushrooms are tied to improved energy levels, better concentration, improved memory, and even better quality sleep. Clinical studies have also shown that reishi extract exerts mild anti-diabetic effects and improves dyslipidemia. Some research suggests that taking reishi mushroom supplements for 12 weeks reduces the severity and complications of type 2 diabetes since it can raise hemoglobin levels but not blood sugar levels.
5. Fights Allergies and Asthma
One of the active ingredients of reishi mushrooms is triterpenes, a type of ganoderic acid that is tied to a reduction in allergies and histamine reactions associated with asthma. It’s this reason why the reishi mushroom is an asthmas natural remedy. Triterpenes are capable of lowering allergic reactions because of the way they affect the immune system, strengthen the digestive organs, protect the gut lining, lower inflammation, inhibit a histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver functions.
6. Reduces Risk for Infections and Viruses
Reishi mushrooms are considered a natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal substance. Aside from reducing allergies, triterpenes offer protection against microbial infections, viruses, and fungal infections. Triterpenes can be found in many plant foods that taste somewhat bitter, a sign that they’re protective in nature and defend the plant against predators. In studies, isolated triterpenes have been shown to strengthen the lining of the digestive organs, fight off “bad bacteria,” help good bacteria replenish and protect against cell mutations.
Because reishi mushrooms can improve blood circulation and lower inflammation, they can help resolve infections more quickly, reduce pain and fight fatigue. Reishi mushrooms have been used to help treat symptoms and underlying causes of urinary tract infections, respiratory and sinus infections, hepatitis, bronchitis, and even the HIV and AIDS viruses.
References
1. Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. (2011). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/