Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that grows in humid environments in different parts of Asia and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines to promote health and longevity.
What Is Reishi Mushroom Or Ganoderma Lucidum?
Reishi is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms today, although it has been used for over 2,000 years. Its benefits are documented in ancient texts such as those of Li Shih-Chen from the 16th century, considered “China’s greatest naturalist.” Also known as lingzhi in Chinese, it is a revered fungus in Asia that has balanced properties for body and spirit and is therefore a symbol of longevity and happiness.
Properties And Benefits Of Reishi
The benefits of reishi are numerous and are based on the active ingredients that we have discussed, especially beta-glucans and triterpenes. Among all these properties and the reishi mushroom benefits list, we highlight:
Reishi For The Immune System And Defenses
One of the most prominent and proven effects of this fungus is in regard to the immune system and its ability to stimulate and modulate it. There is a considerable amount of evidence supporting its immunostimulatory activity, through the induction of cytokines and the enhancement of the effector immune system; The different components of G. lucidum promote the proliferation and maturation of T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, NK (Natural Killer) cells, and other cells of the immune system.
Reishi To Lose Weight
Another benefit of the Ganoderma mushroom is its ability to help lose weight in a balanced way, and these properties are supported by its high molecular weight polysaccharide and triterpene content. These components have been shown to help inhibit the development of fat cells and lower blood sugar in diabetic animals. And other studies indicate that these compounds reduce blood lipids, as well as glucose levels, also acting as antioxidants.
Reishi For Fatigue And Depression
Some preliminary studies have shown that reishi can help reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue, as well as improve the quality of life, in people suffering from certain ailments, as was verified in this study carried out on patients with cancer of the chest and in another with patients with neurasthenia, a little-known disease that presents symptoms ranging from pain, dizziness, irritability, and migraines, among others.
Reishi To Sleep
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom and animal studies support that regular use of reishi can help achieve better quality sleep and increase sleep time thanks to its calming effect on the nervous system, but more studies are needed to support this theory.
How To Take Reishi?
After having listed the properties of reishi, and now that we know it more in-depth, we are going to focus on the different ways to take it.
The texture of this mushroom is not the most appetizing, since it is hard and dense, which a priori makes it a bit more difficult to consume. This does not mean that they are not edible, but you have to know how to do it. Reishi works well in teas, drinks, and even some desserts, but the easiest way is through its extract and tinctures.
However, the best option is to ensure that we take advantage of all the properties of reishi mushroom powder, which contain a higher concentration of the active ingredients of this fungus.
Conclusion
Reishi is a medicinal mushroom whose use comes from the oldest traditions in the East. Today, science has demonstrated the properties of the so-called “mushroom of youth” and it is known with certainty that its content in polyphenols, triptans, and other bioactive molecules, confer various benefits ranging from supporting the immune system, such as adjuvant in cancer treatments and even with an important role in our microbiota.
