Not only as a cooking ingredient, ganoderma mushrooms are also known to be good for health. This mushroom has been used for a long time in Asia as a herbal medicine to increase endurance to prevent heart disease.
Ganoderma generally grows on wood and is mostly found in hot and humid areas. This mushroom has a fan-like shape and is purplish-brown in color.
In the Asian region, ganoderma mushrooms are widely used as traditional medicines. Chinese people know this mushroom by the name lingzhi, while the Japanese call it reishi.
Ganoderma mushrooms contain a variety of nutrients, such as water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, as well as several types of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper.
Several types of ganoderma mushrooms also contain a variety of active compounds, such as triterpenoids, lectins, peptidoglycans, and polysaccharides.
Various Benefits of Ganoderma Mushroom
Although it still requires further research, ganoderma mushrooms are believed to provide various health benefits, such as:
1. Increase endurance
One of the main benefits of ganoderma mushrooms is to increase the body's immunity. Laboratory tests show that the ganoderma mushroom can have a good effect on white blood cells which are an important part of the body's immune system to fight infection.
Another study also examined the use of ganoderma in patients who experienced nerve pain after being infected with the virus Varicella zoster. The results of the treatment showed a decrease in pain and an acceleration of the wound healing process without any symptoms of poisoning.
The use of ganoderma with other herbal medicines is also known to speed up the recovery process in patients with genital herpes and herpes labialis. However, the benefits of ganoderma still need to be studied more deeply.
2. Relieve anxiety and depression
In addition to strengthening the body's immunity to fight infection, ganoderma mushrooms are also believed to relieve anxiety disorders and even depression.
However, the side effects and safety of using ganoderma as a treatment for these two conditions are still not supported by strong scientific evidence so that further research is needed.
3. Prevent heart disease
A study also revealed that ganoderma mushrooms can increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and lower triglycerides associated with heart disease.
4. Protects cells from damage
Several chemical compounds in ganoderma mushrooms, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, also act as antioxidants. Antioxidants can protect cells from damage caused by exposure to free radicals.
5. Suppress cancer cells
Ganoderma is one type of plant that is known to have anticancer properties. Ganoderma extract which is rich in antioxidants is thought to prevent the development of cancer cells in the body and suppress the effects of tumor growth.
However, further research is needed in humans to determine its effectiveness and safety.
Beware of the Risks of Consuming Ganoderma Herb
Although it has many benefits, ganoderma herbal medicine should not be consumed carelessly. When consumed in excess, these mushrooms can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, ganoderma mushroom should not be consumed by people with the following conditions:
- Patients with blood clotting disorders, including thrombocytopenia
- People who are taking blood thinners
- Low blood pressure sufferers
- Patients who will undergo surgery
Pregnant and lactating women are also advised to be careful. To be safer, you should avoid consuming ganoderma mushrooms, because the effects on the fetus and baby are not yet known.
The use of ganoderma mushrooms for more than 3 months can cause reactions such as dry mouth, throat, and nose. Other side effects that can also arise from taking ganoderma in the long term are dizziness, headache, itchy rash, stomach pain, and nosebleeds.
Until now, research on the benefits of ganoderma to humans is still very limited, so it is difficult to determine how much consumption of ganoderma is right for the treatment process.
Although ganoderma mushroom is believed to have various benefits, it would be better if you consult a doctor before consuming it. This aims to prevent side effects that can occur.