Reishi is a mushroom considered a jewel for medicine and therapy , with a bitter taste and large size. Its chemical substances and active molecules are of great benefit, to obtain benefits in the health of consumers.
In the following article we will talk about this fungus, its properties, benefits, how to consume it and what are the contraindications that we must take into account.
What is reishi?
Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus that grows in temperatures in temperate climates, which has been used for medicinal purposes since at least 2,000 years ago. Its cultivation and use worldwide is what has given it the commercial name of reishi.
Note: Reishi is a fungus that grows and feeds on dead wood , appearing at the base of the trunk or in cracks in the bark.
It is reddish in color, woody in texture, bitter in taste and easy to grow, with an impressive use in different cultures where it is even known as ” herb of kings” or magical classification .
reishi properties
The benefits of the reishi mushroom are derived from the properties conferred by its nutritional composition and its biological molecules. These will be mentioned and described below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The main contribution of the reishi mushroom in vitamins is aimed at being a source of group B vitamins , in addition to providing antioxidants and folic acid.
To highlight: In its contribution of minerals, manganese, calcium , zinc, iron, germanium and magnesium can be highlighted. All of them oriented and focused on the development and proper functioning of our body.
2. Other compounds
Reishi mushrooms contain all the essential amino acids, proteins, triterpenes, acids, sterols, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. They provide values of fat, carbohydrates and calorie levels.
You should know: Its recommended consumption is at least 1 gram daily, an amount equivalent to approximately one tablespoon of coffee powder.
What benefits does reishi have?
The reishi mushroom provides different benefits to the body of its consumers, thanks to the nature of its biological molecules and all the medicinal and nutritional properties it contains. They will be mentioned and described below, thus allowing their recognition and use:
1. Boosts the immune system
Reishi is considered a profound tonic for the immune system, since it has the ability to enhance and strengthen it, thus reducing the risk of developing different types of diseases. Its contribution of phytochemicals and antioxidants protect the body and multiply defenses, as well as prevent cell oxidation. (1)
Important: The consumption of reishi mushrooms prevents threats from viruses and bacteria through its immunomodulatory properties.
2. Controls blood glucose levels
Among the properties of the reishi mushroom, one can mention its hypoglycemic capacity , thus reducing insulin resistance in patients with diabetes, as well as benefiting by accelerating metabolism and reducing blood cholesterol levels.
3. Stimulates good blood circulation
This mushroom and its consumption promote blood circulation and take care of blood pressure , controlling its levels and thus preventing heart and cerebrovascular diseases.
You should know: It is important to note that the studies carried out on the use of this mushroom for these purposes have obtained uncertain results, being considered as a treatment for risk factors, always under medical supervision and support. (two)
4. Fight free radicals
The contribution of antioxidants contained in the reishi mushroom prevents the oxidation of cells in the body of its consumers , in addition to reducing the activity of free radicals, promoting cell health and enhancing immunomodulatory responses.
Important: Studies carried out to determine its antioxidant properties, obtained successful results of significant free radical scavenging activity, allowing defense mechanisms against oxidizing substances of even 50%. (3)
5. Relieves allergies and respiratory diseases
The presence of ganoderic acids confer antihistamine properties, which reduce the symptoms of allergies and respiratory diseases, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties.
In this sense, the acids of the reishi mushroom inhibit chemical mediators of inflammation and allergic processes, in addition to influencing the release of histamine , a substance that influences allowing the body to receive it as a natural anti -allergy . (4)
6. Promotes liver function
The reishi mushroom seems to improve the liver function of the organism of its consumers, even reducing the damage, promoting the development and regeneration of liver cells.
To highlight: The Urology Associates program of New York, considers that although results have not been established in significant clinical uses of reishi mushroom, the nature of its components and the importance of its biological molecules allow improvement in patients with liver conditions. (5)
7. Increases memory and concentration
A study carried out in 2008 focused on synaptic degeneration and the activity of the reishi mushroom, evidenced the ability of this food to attenuate and reduce synaptotoxicity or the weakening of neuronal synapses. (6)
In this sense, it is the presence of neurotrophins in the reishi mushroom (a type of protein) that is responsible for the treatment of certain neurodegenerative diseases and the ability to increase the correct functioning of functions such as memory and concentration, even allowing neuronal regeneration. .
8. Improves sleep quality
The presence of triterpenes in the reishi mushroom have shown relaxing effects on the body and its nervous system, which even confers a sedative effect that improves sleep quality and prolongs rest periods.
Note: Capsules with reishi mushroom powder as the main active ingredient have been developed to improve sleep quality, improve total sleep time, prevent nighttime awakenings, and combat insomnia.
9. Reduces fatigue and stress
The presence of components such as those previously mentioned, triterpenes and also polysaccharides, have verified the ability of the reishi mushroom to improve the mood in consumers, even reduce tiredness, fatigue and controlling stress conditions. (7)
10. Prevents cancer
The reishi mushroom has anticancer properties, it has a high content of phytochemicals, antioxidants and triterpenes, which are biological substances that allow the reduction of the multiplication of cancer cells, being also precursors of positive hormones.
You should know: The reishi mushroom is widely used and applied in anticancer treatments in Chinese medicine, even showing promising results in the face of antitumor activity, in addition to benefiting the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, stimulating the immune response and increasing percentages of lymphocytes. (8)
How can you consume reishi?
The consumption of this fungus is not direct, it has to go through certain processes to obtain concentrates of its important biological molecules for the application of its medicinal properties. We mention below the two main ways of consuming reishi mushroom:
1. Powder
Reishi mushroom powder, also known as “ longevity powder” has a bitter taste and consumption of at least 1 gram daily is recommended. It can be ingested as an infusion or smoothie, as well as being added to juices, water, among others.
2. Capsule
The capsules are mainly aimed at treating insomnia, allergies and reducing symptoms or stress conditions. They are presented as tablets and a maximum of two can be taken daily.
What contraindications does reishi have?
Its consumption should be avoided if for any reason you are taking anticoagulants, in addition to being pregnant or lactating, since the interaction of its active components with fetuses or infants is not recommended.
Important: It is also not recommended to consume the reishi mushroom at the same time as hypertension treatments . Although the risk of consuming reishi is minimal, if any adverse effect or bleeding occurs, its consumption should be stopped immediately and seek professional medical assistance.
Key Findings
- Reishi is a mushroom of high use, consumption and collection worldwide. In China it has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 2000 years.
- It contains micronutrients and macronutrients that are responsible for conferring a long list of properties and benefits to its consumers.
- Thanks to its amount of antioxidants, phytochemicals and triterpenes, they reduce the symptoms of allergies, favor liver function and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.
- The reishi mushroom can be consumed processed in the form of powder for infusions or tablets and capsules .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.