TOP 5 PRACTICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF REISHI YOU CAN RELATE TO

Reishi is the Japanese word for fungus. It is also known as Lingzhi in Chinese and has been used for over 2,000 years. It remains one of the oldest herbal mushrooms that is used in treating a variety of ailments these days. Reishi or Ganoderma is native to various regions across Asia, such as China, Korea, and Japan. Both in tropical and subtropical climates, Reishi have been found growing on decaying trees.

There are numerous varieties of Reishi. The most potent among them has a soft, cork-like texture including an ear-shaped cap that ranges in color from red-orange to dark burgundy, commonly known as the Red Reishi. The mushroom has a woody bitter taste and is hard to digest in its natural form. This is why it is traditionally served as an extract. Modern researchers began to thoroughly study the medicinal properties of the Reishi mushroom, around the second half of the 20th century which is known in the scientific community as Ganoderma Lucidum.

The mushroom is considered as the King of herbs because it can help with so many health problems. The qualities that it possesses can help strengthen and repair many organs in the body. Some of the properties that help with this are the polysaccharides, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin and minerals and other medicinal properties that are found in the mushroom.

Here are the Top 5 practical health benefits of the Reishi mushroom in simple terms:

#1: MAINTAINING A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

Are you prone to the cold and flu viruses? Are you sick of being sick every winters? Reishi mushroom is well known in helping to strengthen the immune system. Many anectodal evidences point to users of Reishi that would live through winters without getting the cold or the flu viruses while their close ones usually succumb to them.

The foundation for its success against viruses and bacteria is its powerful way to nourish our metabolism through multiple bioactive compounds and antioxidants. One notable compound responsible for aiding our immune system to detect and destroy viruses is the Polysaccharides molecules which enhance our antibodies to fight against foreign organisms. Additionally, Reishi mushroom contains powerful antioxidants that help to drive out the toxins in the body. Toxins are one reason why the immune system fails. As we age, our immune system is also impacted. Reishi helps to reverse the process by nourishing our organs to continuously perform at peak performance.

#2: ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES

In the last few years, the pharmaceutical industry has shifted focus on

fighting cancers from within our own immune system rather than using poison to kills the cancer cells. This same concept is what Reishi has offered for many years. While the biomedical approach determines the specific composition of the individual cancer cell and program the immune system to recognize it as a foreign organism,

Reishi instead nourishes and stimulates our B and T and NK Lymphocytes so that our immunity can be on at its peak at all time defending us from mutated cells. Reishi has not only been shown to prevent cancer growth, but from research, Reishi can also reduce the existence of cancer cells in the body. In 2010, the role of Ganoderic acid was published by Pharmacological Reports. It highlighted the Reishi role in restraining the development and metastasis of tumors. Also in 2011, another study expanded on these findings, suggesting that bioactive compounds within the Reishi mushroom may seek out and eradicate existing cancerous cells within the body.

International Journal of Oncology published further research examining the effects of Ganoderma on cell growth, cell cycle and cell death in human prostate cancer cells. The results of the study showed that Ganoderma prevented the multiplication of cancer cells. Reishi reduced the effect of proteins cyclin B and Cdc2 that allow cancer cells to spread uncontrollably and by increasing the effect of protein p21 that suppresses the growth of cancer cells. The study concluded that Ganoderma could play a significant role in treating cancer. Officially, Reishi is listed as a verified cancer treatment by the Japanese government and further research and clinical trials should be conducted so it could be an early option in cancer treatment or a complementary one to other approaches to maximize the success rate.

#3: A HEALTHY HEART

Reishi’s high triterpene content helps to regulate cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin resistance. Reishi prevents arteriosclerosis, reduces inflammation which remains the leading factors in heart problems, such as strokes and heart attacks. Immune modulating compounds found in Reishi increase the amount of oxygen available to your heart and enhance blood flow.

Polysaccharides in Reishi has been shown to promote and support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol in laboratory. In Japan, the medicine practitioners use it for the treatment of coronary artery disease due to the significant increase of natural antioxidant effects which negate inflammation. The overall benefits of Reishi result in lower high cholesterol levels, preventing high blood pressure and heart disease, and enhancing blood flow to the heart. Reishi also helps to deter blood clots by thinning the blood and stopping it from clumping. This condition is known as platelet aggregation.

#4: AGE DEFYING PROPERTIES

In 2009, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry conducted a study in Taiwan

that displayed the lifespan-extending properties of the polysaccharides found in the Reishi. These unique molecules improve longevity by protecting our cellular DNA from oxidant damages. It essentially maintains our entire metabolism to its peak performance and reduces the risk of life damaging conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other major ailments.

The Polysaccharides, Triterpenes and Peptide all play a major role in elongating our aging process by boosting immune system function and preventing abnormal blood vessel formations that could lead to life-threatening cancerous growths. Traditionally, Reishi is used in Chinese and Japanese Medicine to slow aging, reduce inflammation, build resistance to disease, cleanse the blood, improve kidney and nerve function, support liver, enhance strength and stamina. All of these proper functions are essential for a longer life.

#5: REDUCES INFLAMMATION AND ALLERGIES

Studies have shown Reishi reduces inflammation in rheumatism, arthritis and asthma, without notable side effects. Based on numerous research, the anti-inflammatory response is due to steroid like compounds that suppress inflammatory activities and histamine production from our body. Red Reishi extract showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and can be considered a useful approach to various inflammation-related diseases.

Since inflammation is the most likely trigger of many chronic and acute ailments, consuming Reishi early and continuously will slow and potentially stop the progression to a full blown disease.

TAKEAWAYS

Reishi works on the whole metabolism rather than a specific ailment. Often times, a disease is due to a cause or condition not directly related to the symptoms. Rather than masking the symptoms, Reishi attempts to repair the underlying issue that cause the ailment. With continuous consumption of this mushroom, Reishi nourishes one’s body and improves the proper function of our organs. This is the big reason why it has so many health benefits and qualities.

It is evident that a great potential exists for any individual wishing to elevate their health status through the addition of Reishi supplements in their diet. To make the most out of Reishi, it should be combined with a sensible and healthy diet that consists of many fresh fruits and vegetables. Last, but not least, consider the use of a quality Reishi extract such as the Pro Formula Reishi, GanoPrime Reishi, Mikei Reishi, Nissan Reishi and Toi Reishi. Taking Reishi supplements can make you feel more balanced and healthier every day.

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