Lingzhi mushroom which has another name Reishi mushroom is described as a mushroom that is difficult to cook, has a hard structure, and tastes bitter. However, Lingzhi mushrooms are believed to have many health benefits, ranging from lowering fat levels and blood pressure, strengthening the body's immunity, to having anti-aging effects. Check out the following explanation.
Lingzhi mushrooms are divided into two parts, namely the fruit part which is located above the ground and the mycelium part (the thread-like part of the mushroom that is embedded where they grow). This part of the mycelium is usually used as herbal medicine.
Lingzhi mushroom is a mushroom species that has been used for a long time as traditional medicine in Asian countries, such as in China, Japan, Korea, to India. In fact, Lingzhi mushrooms have been used for health purposes since 2000 years ago. No wonder the Lingzhi mushroom is listed as the oldest herbal mushroom in the world.
Various Benefits Lingzhi Mushroomsfor Health
Through a study, it is known that the Lingzhi mushroom contains carbohydrates, fat, fiber, water, protein, as well as vitamins and minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium and magnesium. Another ingredient which is a bioactive molecule in mushrooms that has a Latin name Ganoderma lucidum these are polysaccharides, peptidoglycans, and triterpenoids.
With the various ingredients above, some of the things below are potential benefits of Lingzhi mushrooms for health, namely:
- Anti cancer
Lingzhi mushrooms are rich in fatty acids, amino acids, alkaloids, steroids, enzymes, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides. Triterpenoids and polysaccharides are compounds that contribute to the anticancer properties of Lingzhi mushrooms.
A number of clinical research trials found that many cancer cells were killed thanks to this fungus. Other studies have shown that Lingzhi mushroom can reduce the number and size of tumors in the colon, as well as prevent colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. According to other studies, bioactive compounds called polyphenols and flavonoids in this mushroom are also believed to help anti-inflammatory therapy against melanoma and breast cancer.
Although it looks promising for the prevention and treatment of many types of cancer and other diseases, the research still needs a lot of further clinical trials to confirm the effectiveness of Lingzhi mushroom as part of cancer treatment therapy.
- Lowers fat and blood sugar levels
Lingzhi mushrooms are rich in triterpenoids which are compounds that trigger the bitter taste of this mushroom. This substance is also predicted to have many health benefits, including lowering fat, triglycerides, and having an antioxidant effect. Triterpenoids have also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor health benefits. The polysaccharides contained in Lingzhi mushrooms have anti-ulcer properties, strengthen the body's immunity, and lower blood sugar levels.
- Helps overcome high blood pressure
Traditionally, Lingzhi mushrooms are commonly consumed as supplements to help treat high blood pressure. For this potential, until now there has been no clinical research to prove it. The thing to note, people who are taking blood pressure stabilizing drugs, anticoagulants or blood thinners, are advised to avoid consuming Lingzhi mushrooms because these mushrooms can cause blood thinning.
- Guard health gastrointestinal tract and liver
Another study on mice also showed that Lingzhi mushroom extract can protect the liver from damage caused by exposure to alcohol and toxic substances.
However, this benefit is still limited to research studies in animals. To confirm its effect on humans, further clinical research is needed.
- AntiagingA study shows, there are a number of components in the Lingzhi mushroom that are known to have antiaging effects. These components are polysaccharides, triterpenes, peptides, and peptide polysaccharides. The antioxidant compounds contained in this mushroom are also able to protect the body's cells from the effects of free radicals.
There is still a lot of research that needs to be done to prove the benefits of Lingzhi mushrooms for health. Because there are still limited data regarding the level of safety and effectiveness of this mushroom, if you want to consume Lingzhi mushrooms in the form of supplements or herbal medicines, you should consult your doctor first.