Have you ever tried reishi? Also known as Ganoderma lucidum, this medicinal fungus offers amazing health benefits. And while it’s no secret that mushrooms are good for you, the power of reishi is a different story. It might be the secret to keeping cancer and diabetes at bay.
Reishi has been used in China for more than 4,000 years. The Chinese refer to it as “lingzhi,” while the name “reishi” comes from Japan. The fungus also has a place in Indian and ayurvedic medicine.1
As it offers more medicinal value than nutrition, reishi is one of nature’s most powerful drugs. It’s even called the “herb of spiritual potency,” symbolizing concepts like success, well-being, and longevity. And when you learn about the benefits against cancer and diabetes, it’ll be easy to see why.2
Cancer And Reishi Mushroom
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in America. Every year, it kills 171.2 per 100,000 men and women, with the most common types being breast, lung, colon, skin, kidney, and prostate cancer. About 39.6% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Want to avoid joining those numbers? Take advantage of reishi’s cancer-fighting benefits.3 4
1. Lowers Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is like the head honcho of cancer development. This harmful process occurs when free radicals “steal” electrons from healthy cells, creating more free radicals. From there, it induces a snowball effect that damages cells and DNA.5
Antioxidants are needed to slow down the process. Reishi offers just that! The terpenes, proteins, and polysaccharides in this mushroom have powerful antioxidative abilities that can stop oxidative stress in its tracks.6
2. Combats Cancer Cells
This fungus can even fight already formed cancer cells. For example, a 2017 animal study found that reishi blocks signaling pathways between breast cancer cells, helping stop both growth and migration.7
A similar effect was found in a different study. When exposed to lung cancer cells, reishi promoted cell death by decreasing gene expression. Meanwhile, in breast and prostate cancer, it’s been shown to suppress cell adhesion, migration, and growth.8 9
3. Enhances Immune Function
Targeting cancer is only one part of the game. For ultimate protection, boost the immunity with reishi. A 2016 review found that it stimulates the immune system so the body is on guard. White blood cells like natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes increase, making sure the “bad guys” don’t stand a chance.10
Diabetes And Reishi Mushroom
As the seventh leading cause of death, the number of diabetics is on the rise. Over 30.3 million Americans have it, but 7.2% aren’t aware of it. Each year, another 1.5 million people are diagnosed! And as the most common non-infectious illness that can lead to death, reducing the risk is super important.11 12 13
1. Improve Glucose Control
Reishi contains polysaccharides and ganoderans A and B. Animal studies have shown that these compounds have a hypoglycemic effect, even when obesity and diabetes has developed. This improvement in glucose metabolism, coupled with reishi’s anti-inflammatory effects, is great news for diabetes risk.14 15
2. Lowers Postprandial Glucose
Reishi’s anti-diabetic effects work even after a meal. The terpenes inhibit aldose reductase and alpha-glucosidase, two enzymes responsible for postprandial hyperglycemia. In turn, blood glucose is better controlled, increasing the chances for better diabetes management.16
Reishi mushroom is available as a powder, capsule, and tea. You can also find it as a coffee when you need a morning pick-me-up. Before trying reishi, talk to your doctor.
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