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WELLNESSWEEK
All hail KING CHAGA
For centuries, chaga has been used as a traditional medicine in Russia and other Northern European countries as well as in China, mainly to boost immunity and overall health.
We love Chaga at ENRICHD. It was actually Rich's first mushroom! He drank it every day for around three years! (We're not recommending that, just that he felt that hi body wanted and needed it). Now he drinks it more seasonally, going into winter and at seasons of life when the awesome benefits of chaga are wanted :)
MORE ANTIOXIDANTS THAN BLUE BERRIES (apparently)
Chaga is full of antioxidants such a triterpenes, polyphenols, and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), one of the key metabolites capable of acting as free radical fighters. The metabolites in chaga mushroom benefit DNA health by protecting cells from oxidative stress damage. This concentration as well as the diverse types of antioxidants makes Chaga a great natural support in overall health!
The powerful combination of key acids, proteins, enzymes and antioxidants delivered in a bio available format effective in humans, makes benefits of Chaga one of the most powerful immune supporting fungi. Reducing inflammation, fighting pathogens and supporting cellular defence.
UVA PROTECTION
Chaga mushroom contains more than 200 active components that have a positive effect on various body systems. One of the most important elements of Chaga is melanin, plant melanin is one of the most powerful antioxidants.
Our body produces melanin on its own, and also receives it from certain foods. When exposed to ultraviolet radiation on the skin, the number of melanocytes increases. As a result of the stimulation of melanocytes with ultraviolet light, hyperpigmentation of the skin (tan) occurs.
"These findings demonstrate for the very first time that extracts of Chaga and Betula alba mushrooms shield skin cells from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB radiation because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA-preserving and repairing properties."
Again, not advice, though we've been drinking Chaga for this exact purpose too, protection from the inside out.
MAY LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Chaga contains complex sugars, called polysaccharides. These polysaccharides exhibit a hypoglycaemic effect, meaning that it helps to lower the cholesterol level in blood.
Studies have shown that betulinic acid, found in chaga, can destroy LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, thereby reducing cholesterol and arterial pressure.
CHAGA BENEFITS: REDUCES INFLAMMATION
High levels of phenolic acids and complex carbohydrates help reduce cytokine ‘storms’ in response to perceived or actual threats thereby reducing inflammation. Compounds such as betulinic acid, inotodial and ergosterol peroxide, may help reduce inflammation by inhibiting cytokine production.
How to take it: Chaga mushroom powder has a strong, malty flavour profile and works incredibly in coffee or hot chocolate!
CHAGA REFRENCES
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774877/
Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10728660/
Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630179/