Mise en bouche
Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or the "mushroom of immortality", is an adaptogenic mushroom that has been gaining in popularity in the Western world in recent years due to its many health benefits.
Revered for thousands of years in Asia for its medicinal properties, its history is as rich and fascinating as its therapeutic virtues. In this article, we explore the origins of Reishi and its plethora of benefits for body and mind. Let's get ready to ruuuuuuuumble!
A long history
The functional mushroom has an illustrious history dating back over 2,700 years in China. In the ancient book of Chinese medicine by the hero Shennong, Reishi is described as the best medicinal plant, giving it a prestigious reputation.
Over the centuries, this immortal mushroom was reserved for the social elite and consumed for its alleged virtues of increasing vitality, restoring health and youthfulness, and boosting energy and memory. Its fame even spread to the Orient, making Reishi one of Asia's most revered herbs.
Its benefits
Reishi is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals. That's something, isn't it?
However, it's the polysaccharides such as β-D-glucan, triterpenes and sterols that give Reishi its main therapeutic effects.
Immune boosting
The immortal mushroom is considered a powerful immunomodulator, capable of stimulating and regulating the immune system. It promotes the production of NK (Natural Killer) cells that fight tumor and infected cells, boosts cellular and humoral immunity, and can reduce inflammatory and allergic reactions.
Soothes inflammation
Related to the above point, Reishi has anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate the immune response by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
This practical attribute can help relieve the symptoms of chronic inflammation!
Cardio-vascular support
Some preliminary studies suggest that Reishi may help maintain a healthy lipid balance, prevent lipid peroxidation and positively influence blood pressure, thus contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Mental well-being
Reishi has beneficial effects on rest, stress management and can act as a natural antidepressant. It promotes better sleep quality, calms anxiety and helps maintain balanced mental health.
No need for sleeping pills or anxiolytics, Ganoderma lucidum will make you lucid without side effects.
Hormonal balance
Studies have shown that Reishi plays a role in regulating hormone levels, leading to positive effects on various aspects of health. It could, for example, help prevent certain hormone-dependent cancers, support the lymphatic and endocrine systems, and help reduce the risk of prostate disease.
Liver protection
Research suggests that Reishi may offer benefits to people suffering from liver damage or hepatitis B. It may also help prevent liver fibrosis and promote a healthy intestinal balance.
Anti-aging and protection against oxidative stress
Ganoderma lucidum is rich in antioxidants that help combat the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and premature aging. By protecting the body against cellular damage, Reishi helps maintain a youthful appearance and overall health.
Fountain of youth? Elixir of life? Anti-aging cream? How about just a little Reishi to go a long way?
Conclusion
Reishi, the fascinating mushroom with a history stretching back thousands of years, continues to amaze both the scientific community and ordinary consumers.
Used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, it is now recognized and appreciated worldwide for its potential to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, promote mental well-being, balance hormones and protect the liver.
So whether you take it as a supplement or use it in culinary preparations, Reishi is a real superfood that must be incorporated into your daily routine to support your health and vitality!
Taste our Reishi-based cocoa now
Source
Chen YS, Chen QZ, Wang ZJ, Hua C. Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Effects of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Kunming Mice. Pharmacology. 2019;103(3-4):143-150. doi: 10.1159/000493896. Epub 2019 Jan 23. PMID: 30673679.
Lv GP, Zhao J, Duan JA, Tang YP, Li SP. Comparison of sterols and fatty acids in two species of Ganoderma. Chem Cent J. 2012;6(1):10. Published 2012 Jan 31. doi:10.1186/1752-153X-6-10
Chen X, Hu ZP, Yang XX, Huang M, Gao Y, Tang W, Chan SY, Dai X, Ye J, Ho PC, Duan W, Yang HY, Zhu YZ, Zhou SF. Monitoring of immune responses to a herbal immuno-modulator in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Int Immunopharmacol. 2006 Mar;6(3):499-508. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2005.08.026. Epub 2005 Sep 15. PMID: 16428086.
Hsu HY, Kuan YC, Lin TY, et al. Reishi Protein LZ-8 Induces FOXP3(+) Treg Expansion via a CD45-Dependent Signaling Pathway and Alleviates Acute Intestinal Inflammation in Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:513542. doi:10.1155/2013/513542
Radwan FF, Perez JM, Haque A. Apoptotic and Immune Restoration Effects of Ganoderic Acids Define a New Prospective for Complementary Treatment of Cancer. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2011;S3:4. doi:10.4172/2155-9899.S3-004
Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Feb 17;2015(2):CD007259. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2. PMID: 25686270; PMCID: PMC6486141.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
https://teelixir.com/blogs/news/mushrooms-for-brain-health
https://www.iuct-oncopole.fr/-/les-lymphocytes-t-cytotoxiques-liberent-des-particules-d-attaque-contre-leurs-cibles
https://mycelab.fr/blogs/mycelab-le-blog/le-reishi-ou-le-champignon-de-limmortalite
https://www.medicinenet.com/precursor/definition.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wi1p80J-cU
https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/accueil/multimedia/video/pr%C3%A9sentation-de-la-fonction-des-lymphocytes-b-et-t
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrC4raytQ_A
https://www.consoglobe.com/ganoderma-reishi-champignon-cg
https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Solutions/PlantesSupplements/Fiche.aspx?doc=reishi_ps
https://www.darwin-nutrition.fr/super-aliments/reishi/#:~:text=Le%20reishi%20contribue%20%C3%A9galement%20au,au%20magn%C3%A9sium%20qu’il%20renferme
https://www.dieti-natura.com/plantes-actifs/reishi.html
http://www.admed.ch/files/flhn/flhn-info/112_2021_06_Cytom%C3%A9trie_en_flux%20Lymphocytes%20TBNK.pdf
https://www.iuct-oncopole.fr/-/les-lymphocytes-t-cytotoxiques-liberent-des-particules-d-attaque-contre-leurs-cibles
https://schlafstudie.bico.ch/fr/
https://www.healthline.com/health/the-endocrine-system#hormones
https://learn.freshcap.com/tips/reishi-guide/