• Occurrence and properties of Chaga
• Effects and uses of Chaga
• Are there any contraindications to using Chaga extract?
• What benefits can supplementation with Chaga extract bring us?

Chaga , also known as chaga, birch pollen, or birch pollen (Latin: Inonotus obliquus ), is a fungus that has been used in folk medicine for centuries by the inhabitants of Siberia, China, and Japan. An infusion of this strange and rather unappetizing-looking creature is considered a remedy for all sorts of ailments. Admittedly, chaga doesn't look appetizing - it's a black, irregular growth, also called a "birch tumor." It grows wild as a parasite primarily on birch trunks, forming persistent fruiting bodies and drawing nutrients from the inner layers of the trees on which it grows, often leading to the death of the tree or its parts.

Chaga, known in East Asia as the "diamond from the forest," the "king of plants," or the "mushroom of immortality," is used in various forms, primarily to improve immunity and generally strengthen the entire body. Although this tree-growing mushroom is officially considered inedible in Poland, it is available in capsules, ground powder, extract, and even soap. Let's examine the benefits of podcortical lightning and when it's worth using.

Occurrence and properties of Chaga

This mushroom is most commonly found in Siberia and northern China. It is relatively rare in Poland and is therefore partially protected. Although it is considered inedible in Poland, it is used for culinary purposes in other parts of the world. A health-promoting dietary supplement with Chaga extract is made from mushroom fruiting bodies, which contain active ingredients such as polysaccharides and triterpenes, which have antibacterial and liver-protecting effects. They also contain melanin, ergosterol, and, most importantly, the rare enzyme superoxide dismutase, or SOD ( superoxide dismutase ). The fruiting bodies of bark beetles are a source of vitamins, minerals, and valuable nutrients:

• B vitamins:

• Riboflavin (B2),

• Niacin (B3),

• Pantothenic acid (B5),

• Vitamin D,

• Potassium,

• Selenium,

• Iron,

• Zinc,

• Magnesium,

• Calcium,

• Manganese.

Effects and uses of Chaga

Chaga extract is used to strengthen general immunity and improve the condition of the entire body. It is credited with the following actions:

• Antioxidant - Chaga has an exceptional ability to counteract free radicals, which is due to the presence of melanin (black pigment) and the SOD enzyme. This inconspicuous fungus, which is a parasite, ranks high in terms of the amount of antioxidants on the ORAC ( Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity ), which is a measure of the antioxidant activity of foods. Free radicals in our bodies can damage healthy body cells and cause them to age, making us more susceptible to disease. The SOD dismutase contained in Chaga is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage.

• Alkaline - In addition to its antioxidant effect, the Chaga mushroom also has an alkaline effect. The alkaline environment in our body largely prevents the development of various diseases, especially since most of the products we consume, which form the basis of our daily diet, have a strong acidic effect. These include: coffee, eggs, cheese, meat, wheat flour products, sweets, and sweet carbonated drinks. Overacidification of the body leads to weakness and increases the risk of infection.

• Immunostimulating - thanks to the fact that Chaga extract increases the number of IL-6 cells and B-type lymphocytes necessary for our immune system, it creates effective support in fighting and protecting against pathogens and increases the body's overall immunity.

Are there any contraindications to using Chaga extract?

To date, no adverse effects associated with chaga consumption have been documented, and the rich history and centuries-old traditions of its use in natural Chinese and Russian medicine speak to its safety. Chaga can be used as a coffee additive. A contraindication to the use of subcortical thyme is the use of immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine, as it stimulates the immune system and can neutralize their effects.

What benefits can supplementation with Chaga extract bring us?

In summary, regular intake of birch pollen in the form of a dietary supplement according to the manufacturer's recommendations brings benefits to our body, such as:

• strong anti-aging effect,

• Stimulation of the immune system,

• anti-inflammatory, antiviral and general strengthening of immunity,

• positive effect on brain function and improvement of memory,

• positive impact on the sugar industry,

• Increase immunity,

• alkalizing effect, supports liver protection.