6 benefits of Reishi mushrooms
The reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum and lingzhi, is a fungus that grows in various hot and humid places in Asia. For many years, this mushroom has been a staple of Eastern medicine. Several molecules are found in the mushroom, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, which may be responsible for its health benefits.
Although the mushrooms themselves can be eaten fresh, powdered forms of mushrooms or extracts that contain these specific molecules are also commonly used.
Health effects of Reishi mushrooms
Although reishi mushrooms are generally safe for most people, they can have some side effects - digestive and otherwise - and you should consult your doctor before taking them. (This is doubly true if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, about to have surgery, or have any blood disorder or high/low blood pressure.)
However, once your doctor gives you the okay, there are many ways that reishi mushrooms can potentially boost your health.
1. Strengthen the immune system
The triterpenes in mushrooms can help lower blood pressure and counteract allergies, and their sterols can aid in hormone development, all of which support immune system function.
Working together, these substances may even help remove malignant or premalignant cells and improve the immune system's resistance to these cells, according to research.
Some studies show that reishi can influence genes in white blood cells, thus boosting immune system function. These genes and their pathways also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. Some cultures go so far as to treat HIV patients with reishi mushrooms as an immunostimulant through their beta glucans, which are complex sugars.
It is these changes to the immune system that lead to the additional health benefits of reishi mushrooms. Strengthening the immune system helps the body fight not only infections, but also many types of cancer.
2. Reishi mushrooms can relieve fatigue
Reishi mushrooms are adaptogens, which are plants that help the body fight stress.
After taking the supplements for two months, headaches, dizziness and fatigue improved in a small group of 132 people with neurasthenia. Breast cancer survivors reported improved quality of life after one month of taking mushroom powder, in addition to lower levels of anxiety and depression.
3. Fighting cancer
The aforementioned beta-glucans have been shown in studies to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells. Polysaccharides and triterpenes also have cancer-preventing effects according to numerous studies. In one small study published in the Journal of Oncology, cancer patients taking reishi mushrooms had smaller tumors. In addition to cancer prevention, reishi mushroom may even alleviate chemotherapy-related nausea and improve radiation therapy.
Larger studies have shown that the mushroom can lead to cancer cell death and other cancer-fighting measures. Keep in mind that most of these studies have been conducted in test tubes and have not been measured for success in humans or even in animals.
Reishi may have better effects on some cancers than others. Prostate and colon cancer may respond to the effects of reishi mushroom on testosterone, but further studies are needed for conclusive evidence.
Preliminary research shows that the mushroom may increase the activity of white blood cells known as natural killer cells, which fight infections and cancer in the body.
4. They may be good for the brain
Research conducted on animals suggests that reishi mushrooms may be therapeutic for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, and may also be able to protect the brain from seizures. However, more research needs to be done to confirm this.
5. They may be useful for diabetics
In one small double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Reishi mushrooms were found to lower blood sugar levels - possibly by inhibiting an enzyme that produces glucose. In addition, after observing a marked reduction in kidney burden and lower blood sugar levels in test subjects, another group of researchers concluded that reishi mushrooms may prevent or stop kidney complications in patients with diabetes.
6. Antioxidant effects
Antioxidants have been shown to protect cells from damage, reduce cell mutation and carcinogenesis, and also protect immune cells. Reishi mushrooms have shown antioxidant activity in vitro, in many studies. Consuming them in supplemental form could enhance these antioxidant effects.
Are there any risks or side effects of eating reishi mushrooms?
Keep in mind that reishi mushrooms can have some disadvantages as well. They can cause toxicity to some immune cells and could cause liver toxicity. Reishi could also have side effects such as stomach upset or indigestion or allergic reactions to reishi - dry mouth, itchy mouth or throat, indigestion or bloody stools. Due to the limited information available, use caution when deciding whether reishi is suitable for you, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have low blood pressure or other blood disorders.
If you are taking any medications, check with your doctor before taking reishi - just to be safe.