Reishi Mushroom

Reishi - The Heavy Hitter That Does It All (or almost)

This species of mushroom looks like a big white and brown flower made of wood. It is loaded with ganoderic acid, which is known to help reduce cholesterol and also lower high blood pressure. Reishi, which is known as “Lingzhi” in Chinese, has been revered in Asian societies for thousands of years and is one of the oldest symbols of well-being and longevity, historically only consumed by royalty.

It has strong immune boosting powers and is revered as an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-cancer fighting fungus. And there’s plenty of research to back up these claims: a 2009 study in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry conducted in Taiwan demonstrated that reishi contained unique polysaccharides that promote longevity by boosting immune system function and preventing abnormal blood vessel formations that could lead to life-threatening cancerous growths.

In 2010, a different study by Pharmacological Reports found that the triterpinoid ganoderic acid found in reishi acted to inhibit the development and metastasis of tumors. A 2011 study expanded on these findings, suggesting that this mushroom could potentially seek out and eradicate existing cancerous cells within the body. More recently, a 2013 study inFood and Chemical Toxicology used the reishi mushroom to reverse chemical-driven liver damage in mice.

Research also suggests that Reishi can help patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimers and Huntington’s. Reishi helps fight cancer by supporting the creation of nerve growth factor, a protein that is fundamental for healthy neurological function.