10 Science-Backed Reishi Mushroom Benefits
An edible fungus crowned “the king of all mushrooms” seems like it would have something pretty special to offer. Used for hundreds of years in various Asian countries for its medicinal properties, this mushroom has much to offer your health. Also known as Ganoderma lucidum, reishi is blended into our Organo™ gourmet coffee.
To learn more about how reishi mushrooms can help you attract more vitality and well-being into your life, check out Mr. Coffee Concierge's 10 science-backed reishi mushroom benefits.
Immune Boosting
Stress Relief
Cancer Treatment
Lowered Blood Pressure
Allergy Combating
Brain Health
Cholesterol Monitoring
Diabetes Management
Improved Liver Function
Antioxidant Rich
What is the Reishi Mushroom?
We refer to this powerful fungus as Ganoderma lucidum, but it is also known as reishi or lingzhi. This mushroom has been a go-to remedy in Eastern medicine for centuries. Medicinal mushrooms have been approved for safe use in conjunction with chemotherapy for over 30 years.
This fan-shaped orange to reddish brown mushroom is a special treat when found in nature, as they are rare. In fact, when they first found their place in Asian cultures millennia ago, they were reserved for royalty!
Now, they are commercially grown and sold as teas, powder supplements, beauty products, energy bars, and – you guessed it – coffee. Science has some neat things to say about this mushroom.
The Benefits
You have likely heard of Reishi mushrooms if you haven’t heard of Ganoderma lucidum, but now you know they are the same thing! Reishi is popping up all over the market and for good reasons. They have significant properties to boost the immune system and liver function.
Reishi mushrooms are generally safe. However, you should always consult with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about health complications, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding, about to have surgery, or have a blood disorder.
Once you get the ‘go-ahead,’ reishi mushrooms can improve your health from many angles. Here are the top 10 ways:
1. Immune Boosting
Reishi mushrooms have been used historically as an immune system booster. This species has even been used as an immunostimulant for patients with HIV and cancer in certain cultures. It is theorized that beta glucans – which are complex sugars – in reishi help the immune system to fight infection
2. Stress Relief
These mushrooms contain adaptogens, which help return your body to a state of homeostasis. It will help manage cortisol levels if you are stressed or fatigued.
One study of 132 patients dealingl with neurasthenia, which causes physical and mental exhaustion, showed an improvement in symptoms of aches, pains, and feelings of irritation after consuming compound in reishi mushrooms.
Another study showed a connection between moderate-to-high level mushroom consumption and reduced risk of depression as well as high levels of B-12, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory markers. Inflammation is linked to depression and other chronic diseases. Mushrooms have the highest dietary amount of the amino acid ergothioneine, an anti-inflammatory.
3. Cancer Treatment
Significant research has been conducted on resihi’s impact on cancer cells. Some research suggests it may help shrink tumor growths by preventing new blood vessel growth – cancer cells need this blood supply to grow. Other research shows it can help with nausea from chemotherapy and improve the results and efficiency of more aggressive treatments.
If you are currently working through cancer treatment, always be sure to consult your doctor before adding new supplements.
4. Lowered Blood Pressure
One study suggested reishi can help manage blood pressure. If you are already taking blood pressure medication, be sure to consult a professional who can determine if it’s right for you to stay safe.
5. Allergy Combating
These mushrooms have qualities that can have an antihistamine effect in addition to improving the body’s blood oxygen supply. This is very important for an individual suffering from allergies or asthma.
6. Brain Health
While further research is needed, reishi mushrooms can be helpful in combating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and even seizures.
7. Cholesterol Monitoring
The triterpenes and beta glucans within the reishi mushroom have been shown to help lower total cholesterol and LDL, which is sometimes called ‘bad cholesterol.’
8. Diabetes Management
In one small study, reishi mushrooms showed to decrease blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes. Another study suggested they could help prevent or even end kidney issues in those with type 2 diabetes.
9. Improved Liver Function
The spores of reishi mushrooms have been shown to promote liver cell regeneration, which improves the body’s ability to sift through waste. A healthy liver promotes the removal of dead, unwanted cells and parasites. This boosts other functions such as blood sugar regulation and allergy management.
10. Antioxidant Rich
Antioxidants are known to reduce the risk of disease and increase longevity. Who wouldn’t want those things? Mushrooms may not make you live forever, but they can certainly help you live better for longer.
While We’re on It > About Ganoderma Mushrooms
Realize the Benefits of Reishi with Organo
The Earth offers what we need to heal our bodies and minds, whether lowering our blood pressure or quieting our mind. With Organo coffee, you get all of the benefits of Reishi mushrooms with our Organic coffee. This blend takes away the jitters and unpleasant side effects of caffeine, so you will only feel energized and empowered!
Shop our Organo coffees, teas, and nutritional shakes to experience this gentle yet impactful lift yourself. You will be glad that you experienced all of the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms!