Reishi mushrooms are among the better-known natural remedies used to improve health, immunity and vitality for centuries.
In principle, they are classed among the so-called vital mushrooms, and supporters of traditional Chinese medicine have dubbed them the mushrooms of longevity. Perhaps there is something to it? See for yourselves.
Reishi mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms (from Chinese Ling Zhi), called longevity mushrooms, were long ago an exclusive commodity that only a few could afford. Mainly because of their beneficial, health-promoting properties - it was believed that consuming them prolonged life.
There is certainly something to this, because they are not called vital and medicinal for nothing, and as we know, health and, consequently, immunity are fundamental.
It is a fact that some mushrooms can be successfully used both to improve health and mental condition, as well as athletic performance. What is more, when used appropriately they can prove to be an excellent preventive and health-promoting measure.
It is worth mentioning that more than 400 bioactive compounds in reishi have been identified and classified, and their positive effect on the body has been documented in scientific studies.
They are particularly effective in the context of improving the functioning of the immune system, increasing immunity, reducing pro-oxidative processes and inflammation. In addition, the components present in our vital mushroom can beneficially affect:
- the cardiovascular system,
- the nervous system,
- brain function,
- the liver,
- cholesterol,
- body composition and exercise capacity,
- cancers (support during radio- and chemotherapy).
Reishi mushrooms - benefits of supplementation
The flagship function of reishi - naturally confirmed by studies - is supporting the functioning of the immune system and increasing immunity, which reduces the risk of illness, and also enables the body to fight disease-causing pathogens more efficiently, shortening the duration of the illness (while also alleviating its unpleasant effects). The beneficial effect in this respect is mainly due to the beta glucan found in the mushroom. Thanks to it, the activity and number of macrophages and T lymphocytes increase, which are in fact among the most important in terms of immunity.
They are attributed anti-ageing properties, protecting against processes of premature cellular ageing, which is to some extent related to their relatively strong antioxidant effect. They help maintain the proper balance between antioxidant and pro-oxidative processes, and thus combat reactive oxygen radicals, the excess of which leads to cellular damage. In this respect, they also protect mitochondria from damage.
Moving on, reishi mushrooms, thanks to their antioxidant properties and effect on the immune system, have hepatoprotective effects. Studies confirm that their antioxidant action and ability to inhibit harmful immune reactions help protect the liver and its cells, and also make them a good option, for example, in acute organ damage. It should be noted that the polysaccharides and triterpenoids found in reishi, including those with immunomodulatory effects, reduce inflammation, lower the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-alpha, and stimulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
Interestingly, scientists suggest that thanks mainly to the presence of polysaccharides, triterpenoids or beta glucans, reishi mushrooms can be effective support in the fight against some cancers. This is all the more so because their ability to increase the effects of radiotherapy has quite often been mentioned. It is also said that they alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and show antiproliferative effects.
It is a fact that our medicinal mushrooms are effective in disorders of glucose and insulin metabolism, and also have a beneficial effect on cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. In the context of regulating glycaemia and, consequently, cellular sensitivity to insulin, they will be useful both from a health-promoting perspective and for body shaping.
As for use in sport, beyond the above, their anti-inflammatory potential will be invaluable (also helpful, for example, in RA - rheumatoid arthritis) and their indirect effect on signalling pathways associated with the anabolic mTOR kinase and AMPK kinase.
Reishi mushrooms are effective with regard to the nervous system and brain function. To begin with, their components stimulate and increase BDNF, i.e. brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
This in turn is linked to areas responsible, among other things, for memory processes. The mushroom will support our memory and cognitive functions. What is more, it reduces the breakdown of acetylcholine, has neuroprotective effects (protects neurons) and improves neuron function.
Reishi mushrooms - what are the main benefits of using them?
- antioxidant effect,
- anti-inflammatory effect,
- anti-ageing effect,
- increased immunity and support for the immune system,
- improved memory and brain function,
- protection of the nervous system,
- positive effect on glucose metabolism,
- reduced fatigue and a beneficial effect on mitochondria,
- support in sports activities and in shaping the figure.
