Anita Welch

The appearance of a chaga mushroom is anything but inviting. It looks like an insidious growth that has the power to swallow your soul. Or something Voldemort would use in attempt to murder Harry Potter. All I’m trying to say is that it is rather unappealing.

However, don’t let the daunting appearance repel you. The chaga mushroom has quite a few alleged health benefits, including the potential to treat cancer.

Chaga Mushroom and Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morality and morbidity, therefore effective treatments are constantly in demand. A study conducted by researchers in Japan suggest that the extract of the chaga mushroom demonstrates anti-tumor characteristics. Additionally, it has been used in several countries to treat cancer.

In the study, researchers examined the anti-cancer effects of chaga mushroom extract using mice models. This research demonstrated that daily intake of chaga extract for 3 weeks resulted in extraordinary suppression of cancer development through the maintenance of body temperature.

It was observed that the chaga extract also resulted in anti-inflammatory effects and metabolic regulation, both of which are important aspects of anti-cancer activity.

Further Benefits of Chaga Mushroom

Chaga mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine. They have been used in Northern European countries and Russia to treat ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal cancer.

Additional benefits of chaga mushroom include:

Boosting the Immune System

In animal studies, it has been demonstrated that chaga mushrooms increase the production of immune cells. These cells regulate the immune system and ensure that your body is fighting bacteria and viruses.

Antiviral Properties

A study published in 2015 found that chaga extract exhibited antiviral effects on HIV type 1.

In animal studies, researchers found that chaga extract decreased the infective properties of hepatitis C.

Reducing Inflammation

Animal and test-tube studies exhibit that chaga mushrooms reduce inflammation through increasing white blood cells. White blood cells are the body’s first defense against bacteria and viruses.