The Important Chaga Tea Benefits

By Kathy Kaufman


Chaga tea is made from ground wild mushrooms belonging to the species Inonotus obliquus. It grows naturally as a parasite on birch trees as well as other tree types. Its physical appearance closely resembles burnt charcoal. The most favourable climatic conditions for the growth of the mushroom are found in Russia, Northern Europe, Korea and North America among others. There are many chaga tea benefits that have been identified to date.

The fungus has high levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD). The enzyme plays a very important role in cells that have been damaged by superoxide radicals. The levels are particularly high in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. In these skin layers, it helps in the maturation of cells known as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are very important in skin building.

Betulinic acid is another very useful component. The acid has been found to be a very effective anticancer agent. It works by triggering the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death. Others with similar properties are the beta glycans. Their mechanism of action involves modulation of the immune system so that the recognition and destruction of cancerous cells is easier.

There are also very high levels of thiamine (vitamin B1). This vitamin is required for the conversion of carbohydrates to produce energy. It is useful for treatment of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea and reduced appetite. It is also important in boosting the immune system in patients with HIV/AIDS. Other possible uses include treatment of conditions such as motion sickness, diabetic pain, alcoholism, glaucoma and cataracts.

There are other important vitamins in the mushroom. These include D2, riboflavin and niacin. Riboflavin is effective in increasing the rate of respiration and in metabolizing carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Medical uses use management of conditions such as glaucoma, eye fatigue and cataracts. Niacin is crucial in the synthesis of gonadal hormones, in treatment of schizophrenia and in memory stimulation. Vitamin D2 is useful in formation of cartilage and bone.

There is a myriad of constituents in the tea that have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Most components inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria. The main ones that are useful here include flavonoids, melanin, pantothenic acid, magnesium, copper, saponins, selenium and zinc among others. Saponins and Betulinic acid are particularly effective against malaria and other protozoa.

The mushroom has been found to have very high levels of iron. This element is a vital component of haemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. Deficiency of iron results in decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This is characterised by symptoms such as easy fatigability, breathlessness, dizziness, general body weakness and susceptibility to infections. Vegetarians and athletes are at the highest risk of suffering from anaemia.

While there are many chaga tea benefits identified so far, there are a few side effects that you may need to look out for. For instance, there is an increased tendency to bleed. This is increased when the tea is taken alongside drugs such as warfarin, aspirin and other blood thinners. At the same time, the various components have been found to interfere with sugar metabolism such that one may suffer very low blood sugar levels. It is therefore important to take caution so as to avoid these side effects.




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