Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Some Of The Chaga Tea Benefits

By Kathy Kaufman


Chaga tea is made from the wild mushroom of the species inonotus obliquus. The mushroom is found in large numbers on birch trees as a parasite. It bears very close resemblance to burnt charcoal in physical appearance. This fungus does well in the forests of Northern Europe, North America, Korea and Russia. In this article, we will explore some 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.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is found in the chaga mushroom. This vitamin plays a very central role in the conversion of carbohydrates to produce energy. It is indicated for conditions such as reduced appetite, ulcerative colitis and diarrhoea. The vitamin is frequently administered to patients suffering from HIV/AIDS to help boost their immune system. Other uses include treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, alcoholism, motion sickness and diabetic pain among others.

The other important vitamins that are found in high levels include riboflavin (B12), D2 and niacin. Riboflavin increases the respiratory rate of cells and helps in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids and carbohydrates. Medical uses include treatment of conditions such as eye fatigue, cataracts and glaucoma. Niacin is a vitamin that plays a crucial role in gonadal hormone synthesis, memory stimulation and schizophrenia. Vitamin D2 helps in bone and cartilage formation.

There are numerous other important components that are antimicrobial. These components are effective against numerous organisms that include bacteria, viruses and protozoa. The components that are effective against these bacteria include selenium, zinc, saponins, pantothenic acid, magnesium, melanin and flavonoids. Betulinic acid and saponins are potent antiprotozoal agents.

The other important element is iron. Iron is required for many functions that include, among others, synthesis of red blood cells. The element is incorporated into haemoglobin as the cells are created in the bone marrow. Deficiency of the iron causes a condition known as anaemia. This condition is characterised with decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Associated symptoms include dizziness, body weakness, breathlessness and increased susceptibility to infections.

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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