The Reishi mushroom, also known as lingzhi and Ganoderma Lucidum, is a type of fungus that is native to the hot and humid regions of Asia. These mushrooms aren’t one of those kinds of mushrooms you could just order at a restaurant. They are red and woody in appearance, hard in texture, and bitter when it comes to taste and have been a part of the eastern medicine for ages. Thanks to their numerous health benefits, they have become one of the most sought-after mushrooms.
In recent times, the Western world has started using them for their powerful health benefits that include increasing energy, fighting fatigue, protecting your heart, benefiting your digestion, improving your immune system, and even protecting against cancer. These fungi grow on hardwood logs and stumps, including maples, elms, oaks, and many others. It is a soft and flat mushroom with a conspicuous red-varnished, kidney-shaped cap.
Benefits of red Reishi mushrooms
It can act as an antioxidant
Antioxidants are the compounds that help in preventing any kind of damage to your cells. Many people claim that Reishi mushrooms have antioxidant properties that enhance the antioxidant status in the body. This property makes sure that the free radicals and the toxins in your body are removed effectively. However, there is a need for more research to be done in this vertical as there are no conclusive studies that prove the antioxidant properties of the fungus.
Reishi can fight fatigue, anxiety, and depression
While Reishi’s effects on the immune system are often most emphasized by the people, there are other potential benefits of the mushroom that you should know about. The fungus is very effective in reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression, which helps in increasing the quality of life for many people. Studies have found that within eight weeks ok taking Reishi mushroom supplements people experience an effective reduction in fatigue and increased quality of life. Also, studies have concluded that this fungus is very effective in helping people with anxiety and depression.
It promotes heart health
Studies have found that Reishi mushrooms help in increasing the good HDL cholesterol levels in the body while decreasing the triglycerides. This effectively improves the heart health while making sure that the amount of bad cholesterols decreases in the body. However, there is a requirement for more research to be done in this field as there is no research with conclusive results that prove that Reishi is good for your heart health.
It contains cancer-fighting properties
Reishi mushroom is very popular among people because of its potential cancer-fighting properties. Several studies have proved that this fungus effectively kills the cancer-causing cells. Since the mushroom effects the testosterone levels in the body, it is believed that the fungus can be very beneficial for prostate cancer. Also, it is believed to prevent and fight colorectal cancer. However, you must remember that Reishi mushroom alone cannot cure cancer. You need to take it with the traditional treatment to get the best results.
How do you use Reishi mushrooms?
Unlike most other mushrooms that can be consumed directly, Reishi is not recommended to be included directly into food, owing to the bitter taste. Which is why they are often dried and packed and used in different forms. If you like, you can have Reishi mushrooms in the form of tea, which is quite bitter in taste. Since many people would want to have the best of Reishi mushroom without the bitter taste, there are other forms as well. you would find capsules of Reishi mushroom, Reishi mushroom extract, and even liquid extracts.
If you are wondering, where to buy red reishi mushrooms from, worry not. Today you can find them in different health stores, food stores, and even online stores. Taking them on a regular basis, for at least a couple of months in the recommended doses would help you witness its benefits.