Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — also known as the black birch mushroom — is a parasitic fungus that grows on birch trees and is found in cold regions such as Siberia, Northern Europe, Canada and Korea. Chaga mushroom can also be found in Lithuania. It has long been used in traditional medicine, and today its potential benefits are being explored and discussed around the world. Scientific studies are increasingly supporting the beneficial properties of chaga mushroom for health.
Chaga mushroom is rich in valuable compounds, including polysaccharides, antioxidants, phytosterols, triterpenoids, betulinic acid, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, manganese, vitamin D, B vitamins, melanin and amino acids. Therefore, chaga may be a valuable source of health-supporting nutrients.
Chaga is rich in antioxidants such as melanin, betulinic acid and various polyphenols. These antioxidants may help fight free radicals and oxidative stress, supporting the body in the context of ageing processes, cellular damage and chronic conditions such as heart disease.
Chaga has anti-inflammatory properties. Using chaga may be helpful in supporting the body against inflammation, inflammation-related concerns, swelling and discomfort.
Chaga may help support the immune system, which makes it especially relevant for people who want to strengthen the body’s natural defences. It may help support immune resilience in the fight against infections and viruses.
Some studies suggest that chaga mushroom may reduce glucose absorption and may be useful in supporting blood sugar regulation. For this reason, chaga may be particularly relevant for people who are mindful of blood sugar balance or are prone to elevated blood sugar levels.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chaga mushroom may be useful for maintaining healthy skin and supporting the fight against skin ageing.
Chaga mushroom may also be beneficial for those who care about blood pressure balance, digestive comfort, stomach and intestinal health, and acidity. There is also growing discussion about the potential role of chaga mushroom in cancer research. Scientists are studying and presenting evidence that chaga may help affect cancer cells — by suppressing their growth or promoting their destruction — although further research is still needed in this area.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25782363/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814619316780
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4946216/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411020309809
https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d624b15593d624b153%2052d776f8f63ef.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142110/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774877/
The information provided in this article is not the author’s personal opinion. These are general recommendations and are not intended for any specific individual. If you have health problems or take medication, you should consult your family doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplements. Food supplements are not a substitute for food. A varied and balanced diet is important.
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