Of all the functional mushroom species, Inonotus obliquus or chaga comes out on top for antioxidant content. In fact, it is very near the top of the list of all antioxidant foods. Antioxidants are chemicals found in coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables, spices, and mushrooms. They help to protect our cells from oxidative stress.
Eating a diet rich in colorful foods, mixed with flavorful herbs and spices is a good way to get beneficial antioxidants. Chaga, a black, burnt-charcoal-looking fungus, hardly fits that profile, but in its whole food, powdered form, it provides an easy way to supplement your diet with powerful antioxidant capacity. Take a look at these frequently asked questions to understand chaga’s benefits and learn how to incorporate the optimal chaga mushroom dosage into your day.
What is Oxidative Stress?
As we go about our day, millions of cells throughout our bodies are undergoing important cellular functions. As a result, by-products called free radicals are produced. These molecules that lack a full set of electrons are also called oxidants because they can oxidize other molecules by taking their electrons. This can damage important cellular structures including membranes, proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Free radicals are generated from internal body processes, including exercise, stress, and cell aging. They are also caused by external factors, such as environmental toxins, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and the consumption of smoked meats. When free radicals are kept in balance at low concentrations, they are useful as messengers within and between cells. When their concentration increases, oxidative stress occurs. This creates a domino effect of molecular damage as the oxidants appropriate electrons from other molecules.
According to research, antioxidants have the ability to donate electrons to free radicals thus preventing them from causing damage to cells and body tissues. Ensuring that your diet contains plenty of antioxidant power is a proactive approach to preventing the type of damage that causes chronic disease and contributes to premature aging. Adding the optimal chaga mushroom dosage to your daily routine puts powerful antioxidants to work for you.
What Else Should I Know About Chaga?
With wild chaga growing on birch trees in the coldest regions of the northern hemisphere, it is pretty widely known in some parts of the world. Many cultures have revered chaga’s medicinal properties, using it as a functional tea. If you are not familiar with this superfood, consider the answers to these frequently asked questions.
QUESTION: |
What are the benefits of chaga? |
ANSWER: |
Chaga has been used for centuries in the medicinal practices of Asian cultures, as well as across Europe and North America. Besides its antioxidant potential, it is known as an adaptogen that supports the body’s ability to balance the negative effects of stress. Historically, chaga was made into tea and used to treat infections and stomach ailments. ‡ |
QUESTION: |
What nutrients does chaga provide? |
ANSWER: |
The primary bioactive compounds in chaga are beta-glucan polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolics, and melanin. In addition, chaga contains amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals. |
QUESTION: |
What is the most effective chaga mushroom dosage? |
ANSWER: |
A daily dose of 2000mg (2g) or about one teaspoon of whole food mushroom powder with a beta-glucan content of 20% provides 400mg of immune-supporting polysaccharides. This amount is sufficient to initiate a host-mediated immune response that helps to enhance and balance immune functions.‡ (Due to the high oxalate content in chaga, those who suffer from gout or kidney stones should consult with their doctor before using it.) |
QUESTION: |
How can I incorporate chaga into my daily routine? |
ANSWER: |
You can conveniently add whole food chaga to your daily routine by using certified, organic mushroom supplements, powders, drink mixes, and broths. As an alternative, chaga mushroom powder capsules provide a quick and convenient way to incorporate this superfood. |
QUESTION: |
How long will it take to see results? |
ANSWER: |
If you are new to using chaga, it could take about three weeks of daily use to establish its benefits. You may wish to double up initially on the recommended dose of 2000mg for the first few weeks before settling into a single daily maintenance dose.‡ |
What Are Chaga’s Unique Benefits?
While functional mushrooms support healthy immune functioning, as well as providing antioxidant capacity, chaga has some unique benefits related to its complement of bioactive compounds.
Supports Healthy Skin, Hair, and Nails‡
Chaga contains a variety of nutrients, including protein-building amino acids, B vitamins, minerals, and a range of bioactive compounds. Its antioxidant support helps the body to combat the premature aging that often shows on delicate tissues like skin, hair, and nails.‡
Supports Digestive Health‡
Prebiotic fiber promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria that support digestion and contribute to a healthy immune system.‡
Supports Healthy Blood Sugar and Lipid Levels‡
Animal research suggests that chaga’s polysaccharides work in the digestive system to support healthy blood sugar and lipid levels.‡
Supports the Body’s Response to Stress‡
Chaga is among a small group of functional mushrooms that has adaptogenic activity. As such, regular consumption of chaga supports the body’s response to stress and promotes its capacity to maintain homeostatic balance in spite of internal and external stressors.‡
Where Can I Find a Quality Chaga Supplement?
The benefits of chaga are most effectively gained by using it on a daily basis. To incorporate this superfood into your daily routine, check out Om Mushroom’s high-quality, whole food products made from organic chaga mushroom powder. For a versatile powder that can be stirred into hot or cold beverages, smoothies, or soups, try Om’s Chaga Organic Mushroom Powder. Available in several sizes, it is easy to use and can be added to your favorite recipes. If you prefer the convenience of supplements in capsule form, three Chaga Mushroom Superfood Daily Boost Capsules provide the daily chaga mushroom dosage.
To focus on some of chaga’s specific benefits, Om has created special blends that combine the bioactivity of chaga with other functional mushrooms. Beauty Blend Organic Mushroom Powder combines chaga with maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, and King Trumpet mushrooms to provide a blend that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. Beauty-Full Mushroom Superfood Daily Boost Capsules provide the same mushroom blend enhanced with biotin.
For a blend that supports clean energy and immune health, Om’s Coffee Latte Blend Organic Mushroom Hot Drink Mix combines chaga with lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi, and the botanical astragalus. Om’s Master Blend Mushroom Powder combines chaga with nine other mushroom species, three botanical adaptogens, and reishi extract to promote vibrant good health.
Bringing Chaga’s Unique Superfood Benefits to Your Day
By supporting the body’s response to oxidative stress, sustainably grown chaga can support healthy aging.‡ Like other functional mushrooms, chaga supports immune health and provides prebiotic fiber to promote a healthy microbiome in the GI tract.‡ Just a teaspoonful of whole mushroom powder each day provides the optimal chaga mushroom dosage to support your wellness goals.
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‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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