The famous chaga mushroom has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine in Asia, Russia, and Northern Europe. Often referred to as the “king of mushrooms,” chaga is packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and mainly boosts immunity and overall health. But, it’s also rich in antioxidants, with many claiming that it holds the secret to slowing the aging process.
Traditionally, chaga was ground down into a fine powder and brewed into an herbal tea. Today, though, chaga mushroom capsules are becoming increasingly popular. Capsules offer an easier, more convenient, and tasteless way to reap the benefits of mushroom extracts. The chaga mushroom capsules VidaCap offering is one of the most highly rated mushroom supplements on the market.
Below, we explore the anti-aging and healing properties of chaga.
What Are Chaga Mushrooms?
Chaga mushroom, scientific name Inonotus obliquus, is a type of fungus that thrives in the cold climates of North America, Northern Europe, and Russia. It’s found on the bark of birch trees and looks more like burnt charcoal than a mushroom. It has a soft orange center and is approximately 10 to 15 inches in size.
Chaga is described as one of the most healthful foods on the planet and has been used by indigenous populations for hundreds of years to support immune health, fight inflammation, promote a balanced stress response, and more.
Recently, chaga mushrooms have made their way into the western world, primarily due to their potential beneficial effects. From chaga powder to chaga tea, coffee, and chaga mushrooms capsules, these superfood mushrooms have taken the health world by storm.
It’s the mushrooms ORAC score that is of particular interest to many. ORAC stands for “oxygen radical absorbance capacity,” and it measures the antioxidant level of foods. Chaga mushroom has one of the highest ORAC scores of any food, containing 31 times more antioxidants than blueberries. This is significant because it means the mushroom could have anti-aging effects.
Anti-Aging Potential of Chaga Mushrooms
In theory, since chaga provides the body with an abundance of antioxidants, it could slow down the aging process. Antioxidants are key in slowing cell damage from free radicals. If free radicals aren’t neutralized, oxidative stress can occur.
Oxidative stress causes physical signs of aging, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and gray hair. Aging is a natural process, but when you add years of stress, exposure to the sun, pollution, and other sources of damage, there is an influx of free radicals. Free radicals are basically “free cells,” which cause damage to other cells in the skin. Overexposure to free radicals could accelerate the aging process.
Coming in contact with free radicals is inevitable due to our exposure to the sun, pollution, and other sources of damage. But there is a theory that providing the body with more antioxidants could slow the aging process and even reverse the visible signs of aging. Since chaga is abundant in antioxidants, it may help to fight free radicals, thereby providing anti-aging properties.
Additionally, chaga is a rich source of betulinic acid. This incredible acid is known to restore and regenerate the skin, in some cases to the extent that it brings back its natural youthfulness. However, results are typically dependent on how damaged the skin is.
Healing Properties of Chaga Mushrooms
As for the healing properties of chaga, the mushroom is rich in beta-glucans – one of the most potent and healing polysaccharides. It’s touted for its role in activating the immune system and reducing the blood sugar of those who experience abnormal peaks.
According to a 2011 study on mice, chaga may help regulate the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that act as chemical messengers in the immune system. They help stimulate white blood cells, which are the immune system’s first line of defense against various illnesses. In this regard, chaga may be more effective to use as a preventative measure rather than a treatment.
However, when it comes to skin issues, chaga mushrooms could fight certain conditions, like acne. This is largely due to its betulinic acid content. Betulinic acid works to regulate sebum secreted from the skin, thereby inhibiting the growth of acne-loving bacteria.
Moreover, betulinic acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient, and acne (along with other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis) is caused by inflammation. It’s yet another reason chaga mushrooms may provide the skin with some much-needed relief.
Final Thoughts on Chaga Mushrooms Anti-Aging and Healing Properties
Research is limited, and more scientific evidence is needed before saying with certainty that chaga has anti-aging and healing effects. However, preliminary studies are promising. Moreover, the fact that chaga is rich in antioxidants supports the idea that it could slow the aging process.
For the best results, we recommend choosing a high-quality product from a reliable and reputable brand. The chaga mushroom capsules from VidaCap are some of the best on the market and provide a convenient and easy way to incorporate chaga into your daily regime.
