Chapters
00:00 - Intro
0:50 - Its The Highest Antioxidant
1:26 - Extraction and Micronutrients
2:04 - Chaga and Immunity
2:48 - Chaga and Cancer
3:48 - Chaga and Inflammation
4:39 - How to Use Chaga?
5:21 - Chaga Safety Tips
6:20 - The Oxalate Concern

What are Chaga Mushrooms?

Chaga mushrooms, otherwise known as inonotus obliquus, are going to be really high in antioxidants. And youll find it grows on birch trees in the northern hemisphere.  And it has been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia as a way to boost immunity.

Antioxidants in Chaga Mushroom. Are Chaga Mushrooms Healthy?

Chaga mushrooms  have one of highest ORAC scores of any food. Thats what makes them so unique. ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbent capacity.” The higher the ORAC value, the better a food’s ability to protect the body from free radical damage. 

Where do Chaga Mushrooms Grow?

Chaga Mushrooms grow on birch trees, but you can also find them on, beech, alder, chestnut, and hornbeam trees. Its interesting because chaga is also referred to as black gold.

How are Chaga Mushrooms Produced? What type of Chaga Mushrooms?

Like other functional mushrooms, chaga requires the introduction of either hot water or alcohol to break down the cell walls to get the benefits out of them. Which actually raises an important question: Which of the micronutrients present in Chaga are able to be extracted through hot water and which need to be extracted with alcohol? 

Well, with hot water youll get the polyphenols, polysaccharides, and beta-glucans out of it. 
With ethanol extraction youll actually get higher levels of triterpenes, sterols, and lignins.

Chaga Mushrooms and Immunity

In some animal studies, Chaga is said to boost the immune system by increasing the production of certain immune cells including interleukin 6 as well as T lymphocytes.

 ►https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

Chaga Mushrooms and Cancer

Now its important to note, that human studies are needed in order to make strong conclusions about chaga’s anticancer potential, currently there are no strong studies done on humans to get to a conclusion. The largest mouse study concluded: 

“ Thus, in tumor-bearing mice, 60% tumor reduction was observed, while in metastatic mice, the number of nodules decreased by 25% compared to the control group."

►https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...

Chaga Mushrooms and Inflammation

Especially the methanol extracted type. , “MEIO: which is the methanol extract of chaga, was found to significantly inhibit the productions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. 

►https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15905...

How to Use Chaga Mushrooms?

Youll find Chaga mushroom as a supplement in the form of a tincture, capsule, tablet or powder. You can also find mushroom coffee or mushroom tea that includes this mushroom alone or in combination with other mushrooms, which has become the most popular way to take it. 

Chaga Mushroom Coffee?

 Mushroom coffee is actually said to be less acidic and has less caffeine compared to regular coffee. 

Is Chaga Mushroom Safe to take? 

1.) If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid these mushrooms because their use has not been studied in pregnant and breastfeeding women. 
2.) If you are currently taking any medicines or being treated for any condition, check with your doctor before you add this mushroom to your diet.
3.) Youll find ranges from 500 to 1,500 mg, which is a big range in my opinion. This is obviously due to the various extraction methods used to produce the extract which we talked about. 
4.) Possible high levels of oxalate which is a compound commonly found in plants.

Oxalate Induced Nephropathy

► https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32419...
► https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23149...

DISCLAIMER: 
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Dr. Arsalan Aspires has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.