BENEFITS OF CHAGA

WHAT IS CHAGA?

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal mushroom that primarily grows on birch trees in cold regions like Siberia, Northern Europe, Korea, Canada, and Alaska. It has a distinct appearance, resembling burnt charcoal on the outside with a soft, orange interior. Chaga is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, offering a rich source of antioxidants, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD), and compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids. These bioactive compounds contribute to its potential health benefits, such as immune system support, anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative stress.

Puresia Canadian Wild chaga powder is wild harvested from live birch trees in the pristine Laurentian mountains in Quebec, Canada. It’s picked deep in the forest without damaging the tree. Our Chaga is selectively foraged from live standing birch trees, never cultivated and sustainably harvested allowing more chaga to re-grow. 

Our chaga powder contains large amounts of phytonutrients and immune supporting compounds such as Beta Glucans and Polysaccharides which may support the bodies ability to set up cellular defences. 

Puresia chaga mushrooms is wild harvested in Canada and contain no additives or fillers. 100% pure, organic and sustainable. 

Keep reading to learn the benefits of chaga.

Powerful source of nutrition

Chaga is high in several key nutrients and bioactive compounds, including:

Antioxidants:

  1. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): An enzyme that helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells, preventing damage.
  2. Melanin: Provides antioxidant protection and may support skin health.

Polyphenols: Compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Polysaccharides:

  1. Beta-Glucans, Known for their immune-modulating properties, helping to enhance the body's immune response.

Vitamins:

  1. B-complex Vitamins: Essential for energy production, brain function, and cell metabolism.
  2. Vitamin D: Supports bone health, immune function, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Minerals:

  1. Potassium: Essential for heart function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance.
  2. Rubidium: Trace mineral that might play a role in the bodies use of electrolytes.
  3. Zinc: Crucial for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
  4. Selenium: Important for antioxidant defense and thyroid function.
  5. Iron: Necessary for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Fiber: Chaga also contains dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

With chaga bursting with so many nutrients, there would be no surprise that there is plenty of research on the health benefits of chaga. Read below on the health benefits of chaga!

health benefits of chaga*

Chaga offers a range of potential health benefits, supported by both traditional use and scientific research. Here is some key research that has been undertaken on Chaga consumption:

  1. Immune System Support: Chaga contains polysaccharides and beta-glucans that may enhance the immune system's response to infections and diseases by stimulating the production of immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Compounds found in Chaga, such as triterpenoids and polyphenols, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
  3. Antioxidant Effects: Chaga is rich in antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and melanin, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. This antioxidant activity may contribute to overall health and longevity.
  4. Protection Against DNA Damage: The antioxidants present in Chaga can help protect DNA from damage caused by oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of DNA mutations and the development of chronic diseases.
  5. Gastrointestinal Health: Chaga has traditionally been used to support digestive health and treat gastrointestinal disorders. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help soothe the digestive tract and promote overall gut health.
  6. Stress Reduction and Adaptogenic Properties: Chaga is classified as an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Consuming Chaga tea or extracts may support overall well-being and resilience to stress.
  7. Cardiovascular Health: Studies have shown that chaga may have cardio-protective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  8. Liver Health: Chaga extracts have been studied for their hepatoprotective properties, meaning they may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
  9. Physical Performance and Endurance: Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts use Chaga as a natural supplement to support physical performance and endurance. It may help reduce exercise-induced inflammation, improve recovery time, and enhance overall stamina and energy levels.
  10. Allergy Relief: Chaga's anti-inflammatory properties may provide relief from allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Good of Australia. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

REFERENCES:

Chung, Mi-Ran, et al. "The Effect of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) on Immunity and Inflammation." Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 13, no. 4, 2010, pp. 854-862. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2009.1250. 

Hu, Xiang, et al. "Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) Polysaccharides." Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 105, 2014, pp. 60-65. 

Hwang, Byung W., et al. "Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)." Mycobiology, vol. 41, no. 2, 2013, pp. 77-85. 

Kim, Yong-Ki, et al. "Anti-Allergic Effects of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Extract on Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Reactions." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 144, no. 3, 2012, pp. 484-490.

Khachik, Frederick, et al. "Enhanced Physical Performance with Chaga Mushroom Supplementation: A Pilot Study." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 17, no. 8, 2015, pp. 707-713.

Kuznetsova, T. A., et al. "Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) and its Pharmacological Potential." Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, vol. 37, no. 10, 2003, pp. 515-519. 

Lee, I. K., Yun, B. S. "Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): A Review." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 133, no. 3, 2011, pp. 662-673.

Lee, Ji-Hoon, et al. "Potential of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Extract for Hair Growth Promotion in Vitro and in Vivo." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 136, no. 1, 2011, pp. 79-82.

Ma, Li-jun, et al. "The Hypolipidemic Mechanism of the Ethanol Extract from Inonotus obliquus." Pharmaceutical Biology, vol. 51, no. 5, 2013, pp. 595-601.

Nieminen, Riikka, et al. "The Potential Health Benefits of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom." Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 9, 2014, pp. 400-408. 

Nieminen, Riikka, et al. "Neuroprotective Properties of Chaga Mushroom Extracts." Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 16, 2015, pp. 223-232.

Park, Yoo-Kyung, et al. "Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Inonotus obliquus Extract against Melanoma Cells In Vitro." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 121, no. 2, 2009, pp. 221-228.

Park, Seung-Hee, et al. "Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanol Extract from Inonotus obliquus." Mycobiology, vol. 42, no. 2, 2014, pp. 196-199.

Shashkina, M. Yu., Shashkin, P. N., Sergeev, A. V. "Antioxidant Properties of Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Extract." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 8, no. 2, 2006, pp. 111-122.
Stamets, Paul. "Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Therapeutic Properties and Current Medical Usage with Special Emphasis on Cancer Treatments." 

Sun, Jie, et al. "Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Inonotus obliquus Polysaccharides against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice." International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 72, 2015, pp. 190-194.

Szychowski, Konrad A., et al. "Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) as a Functional Food Ingredient." Nutrients, vol. 13, no. 3, 2021, pp. 1056. 

Zheng, Wei, et al. "Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts from Mycelia of the Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 133, no. 2, 2011, pp. 554-560.