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Are you looking for a natural remedy to boost your defenses? Do you have fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, or diabetes? Are you looking for a supplement to alleviate your allergies? In that case, the Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) may be the ideal addition to your diet. Originating from Japan and China, this fungus has been used for medicinal purposes since time immemorial.
Reishi can be found in the form of powder extract, capsules, and tablets. The Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is known for its immunostimulant, antiviral, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Throughout our guide, you will learn about the benefits, recommendations of use, and consumption modes of Reishi mushrooms.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Our Selection: The Best Reishi Mushroom Products on the Canadian Market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Reishi Mushrooms
- 3.1 What is the Reishi mushroom exactly?
- 3.2 What are the primary active compounds of Reishi mushrooms?
- 3.3 What are the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms?
- 3.4 What types of Reishi supplements are there?
- 3.5 When are Reishi supplements helpful?
- 3.6 Are Reishi mushrooms used to treat cancer?
- 3.7 What can Ganoderma lucidum offer to fight fibromyalgia?
- 3.8 What are the side effects of Reishi?
- 3.9 Do Reishi mushrooms have contraindications?
- 3.10 How can I consume Reishi responsibly?
- 4 Buyer’s Guide
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus from Asia, whose primary active compounds are triterpenoids and polysaccharides.
- It offers numerous pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, immunostimulant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and antihistaminic effects.
- In order to purchase the quality Reishi supplement you deserve, you will have to consider various critical factors. These include the dosage form of the product, as well as the presence of additional ingredients and potential allergens, among others.
Our Selection: The Best Reishi Mushroom Products on the Canadian Market
As we mentioned earlier, Reishi supplements are available in powder, capsule, and tablet form. Contamination with another type of fungus can lead to poisoning, which is why it is fundamental that you purchase a product from a reliable manufacturer. To help you in your search, we have selected the best Reishi supplements currently available on the Canadian market:
- Best Mushroom Blend Supplement
- Best Reishi Drink to Help You Sleep
- Best Reishi Mushroom Powder
- Best Reishi Mushroom Capsules
- Best Reishi Hot Chocolate
Best Mushroom Blend Supplement
This product by The Genius Brand is a best-selling supplement that combines different mushrooms to bring you all their goodness. In addition to Ganoderma lucidum, each capsule contains Cordyceps and lion’s mane to increase your heart function and boost your cognitive capacities. Thousands of people have praised the benefits of this supplement, so what are you waiting for?
Elevate immune support to another level with Reishi mushroom extract. Having been used for centuries, this immune booster is what you need daily to stay healthy and avoid the common cold.
Best Reishi Drink to Help You Sleep
Because of its bitter taste, the Reishi mushroom is often added to drinks. Four Sigmatic Foods has made it easier for you, creating a powerful-yet-tasty blend that will dissolve in hot water in no time. It contains Reishi powder, rose hips, tulsi, and mint to give flavor to the beverage. This is a fantastic drink to naturally support your sleep cycles and help you relax at the end of the day.
Including licorice root, star anise, mint and stevia. If you’re looking to positively impact your mood or reduce stress, pick up Reishi Drink Mix today and see how quick it can be to start feeling better.
Best Reishi Mushroom Powder
This Amazon’s Choice organic Reishi powder by Terrasoul Superfoods is a fantastic option if you’re looking to reap all the benefits of this ancient mushroom. It is certified organic by the USDA, gluten-free, and compatible with vegan diets. To boost your immune system, you are recommended to take one-third of a teaspoon a day. It has an intense bitter taste, so make sure you add it to a drink for easier consumption.
Red Reishi mushroom is known for being a powerful immune system booster and one of natures most healing mushrooms. This brand carefully chooses and lab-tests their mushrooms to ensure they are free of toxins or fillers.
Best Reishi Mushroom Capsules
Made right here in Canada, these Reishi capsules will promote your heart health while contributing to a good balance in your blood pressure. Each bottle comes with 180 veggie caps, with a recommended daily intake of two units for 2,000 mg of Ganoderma lucidum. This gluten-free, non-GMO supplement is produced in an FDA-approved and GMP-compliant facility for the best possible quality.
They also help to increase overall energy and lower stress levels in the body to help balance the impacts of fatigue and debility. A great source of antioxidants for the maintenance of overall good health; less oxidative damage to skin and muscle tissue.
Best Reishi Hot Chocolate
To get rid of the bitter taste, this brand has added Reishi mooshroom extract to this hot chocolate drink. It’s a modern take on a traditional favourite and an easy way to get Reishi mushroom into your day. It is best enjoyed when you need a relaxing way to press pause. Containing 1500 mg of this mushroom per serving. Made also with organic ingredients including cocoa, dates, and vanilla.
This product is made in small batches and free from any fillers and artificial ingredients. It is easy and convenient to make. Just whisk 1.5 teaspoons (7 g) into one cup (250 mL) warm coconut or almond milk, and sip slowly. Best enjoyed with five deep, slow breaths.
Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi is an age-old mushroom used for its therapeutic properties. Responsible consumption is the key to obtaining positive results. What part of the fungus is used to produce the supplements? What are its benefits and contraindications? We have answered the most frequently asked questions regarding Reishi in the following section.
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What is the Reishi mushroom exactly?
Called the fruiting body, the above-ground part of the fungus is the most commonly used to make supplements. However, the mycelium – the part beneath the ground – also has medicinal properties. Reishi supplements are marketed in the form of powdered extract and capsules. In China, this mushroom is known as Ling Zhi (1).
What are the primary active compounds of Reishi mushrooms?
| Properties of triterpenoids | Properties of polysaccharides |
|---|---|
| Antiallergic. Hepatoprotective. Anti-inflammatory. Cholesterol-lowering. Anti-tumor. Antioxidant. Antihypertensive. Antithrombotic. Antiviral. |
Immunostimulant. Anti-inflammatory. Anti-tumor. Prebiotic. Antioxidant. Glucose-lowering. |
What are the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms?
- They strengthen your immunity (immunostimulant): Reishi polysaccharides promote the proliferation of macrophages, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes, among other immune cells. This helps your body defend itself against various pathogens (1, 4).
- They inhibit tumor development (anti-tumor): Both triterpenoids and polysaccharides contribute to preventing tumor development by inducing apoptosis (death) of mutated cells and by preventing the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors (1, 3, 5).
- They can be used to complement cancer treatment: In addition to boosting immunity, Reishi supplements may prevent the migration of cancer cells and angiogenesis (new blood vessels that allow a tumor to grow). As a result, the growth and invasiveness of a tumor could be reduced (6).
- They are rich in antioxidants: Polysaccharides and triterpenoids exhibit antioxidant activity and help block free radicals, oxidant molecules that cause diseases (cardiac, metabolic, neurodegenerative, cancer) and aging (1, 7, 8).
- They have anti-inflammatory properties: Decreasing inflammation is beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), gout, and arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to preventing other pathologies, such as type II diabetes and atherosclerosis (9, 10).
- They mitigate allergy symptoms (antihistamine): Reishi triterpenoids help relieve histamine-mediated allergic reactions. You can also use these supplements to combat allergic asthma (11, 12).
- They act as hepatoprotectors: Ganoderma lucidum extract protects the liver from toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and ethanol (alcohol). In traditional Oriental medicine, Reishi is used to treat hepatitis and cirrhosis (1, 13).
- They are natural prebiotics: Reishi’s beta-glucans are prebiotics that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Thanks to these prebiotic properties, Ganoderma lucidum helps regulate intestinal function and improves immunity (14).
- They help limit viral activity: Reishi is a natural supplement that can inhibit the replication of certain viruses – including the herpes simplex virus (1 and 2), hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Triterpenoids are responsible for the antiviral properties of this fungus (1, 15).
- Reishi mushrooms reduce blood cholesterol (hypocholesterolemic): The Ganoderma lucidum extract decreases total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood (14, 16).
- They contribute to maintaining blood pressure within the standard range (antihypertensive): Reishi mushrooms can lower blood pressure thanks to the triterpenoids and peptides they contain (17).
- They prevent the formation of blood clots (antithrombotic): A blood clot can lead to a heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, or stroke. Reishi prevents platelets from clumping together and forming these thrombi (18).
- They decrease blood glucose levels (hypoglycemic): The polysaccharides in the Reishi fruiting body reduce blood glucose and may benefit individuals with diabetes (1).
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What types of Reishi supplements are there?
- Powder: Triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptides of the fungus are concentrated to obtain a powdered extract. Sometimes, the Reishi mushroom is dried and ground to a very fine powder. It has a bitter taste and must be mixed with a liquid before consumption.
- Capsules: Made of animal gelatin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (plant cellulose), they contain powdered Reishi extract. Each capsule can provide between 300 and 500 milligrams of Ganoderma lucidum. Their taste is neutral.
| Reishi powder | Reishi capsules | |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption form | You can mix it with a cold or hot beverage (water, juice, coffee, soup). | You should swallow them with water. |
| Taste | Bitter, intense | Neutral |
| Recommended length of use | 1 month | 3 months |
| Recommended daily dosage | 1 to 5 grams | 1 to 3 units |
| Price per serving | Between 0.30 and 0.70 CDN$ | Between 0.25 and 0.65 CDN$ |
When are Reishi supplements helpful?
- Weakened immune system as a result of prolonged severe stress or illness;
- Allergies;
- Allergic asthma;
- Metabolic syndrome – the co-occurrence of type II diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and dyslipidemias (high cholesterol, high triglycerides);
- Herpes simplex virus, type 1 and 2;
- Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis);
- Inflammatory diseases: ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout;
- Chronic hepatitis caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Are Reishi mushrooms used to treat cancer?
What can Ganoderma lucidum offer to fight fibromyalgia?
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What are the side effects of Reishi?
Do Reishi mushrooms have contraindications?
- Consumption of immunosuppressant drugs. Reishi compounds may decrease the effectiveness of these treatments.
- Intake of blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin. Ganoderma lucidum could increase the risk of bleeding.
- Individuals who are about to undergo surgery, as Reishi can increase bleeding.
- Consumption of antihypertensive drugs. The combination of Ganoderma lucidum with antihypertensive drugs could lower blood pressure below normal values.
- Diabetic individuals who take oral glucose-lowering medication or insulin. The effect of the drug added to the hypoglycemic activity of Reishi mushrooms could lead to hypoglycemia (blood glucose levels below normal).
How can I consume Reishi responsibly?
Ground Reishi and the powdered extract should not be taken for more than one month consecutively, while the capsules can be taken for up to three months. Reishi mushrooms are a short-term supplement used to improve a specific aspect of health or to help treat a condition.
Buyer’s Guide
You now have all the information you need to consume Ganoderma lucidum supplements responsibly. In the final section of our article, we want to delve deeper into the key shopping criteria to take into account when you’re looking for the right Reishi product. They are your best tools to make a successful purchase.
Form of Presentation
Most people should opt for Reishi capsules rather than powder supplements for three main reasons. First of all, the capsules are generally safer for your health; in addition, their taste is almost neutral, and they are easy to ingest. The mushroom powder has a peculiar and bitter taste, is associated with more side effects, and must be mixed with a liquid before being consumed.
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Added Ingredients
You may have noticed that many Reishi supplements are enriched with vitamin C and zinc, both of which are vital micronutrients for immune function. You can also find products with Ganoderma lucidum and acerola, the latter being an excellent natural source of vitamin C. In addition, Reishi mushrooms are often combined with shiitake and maitake mushrooms, creating a powerful prebiotic blend.
Allergens
While Reishi is recommended for treating allergies, this doesn’t mean that its supplements are always allergen-free. Any allergy-prone individual should make sure that the product is suitable for them by reading the ingredient list. Although Ganoderma lucidum is gluten-free, celiac individuals should look for the seal of approval that guarantees that the supplement doesn’t contain this allergen.
Organic Origin
It is essential that you purchase organic Reishi mushrooms to avoid jeopardizing your health. Ganoderma lucidum must be grown under strict conditions that guarantee that it is free of agrochemicals and, most importantly, that it isn’t contaminated with other fungi that can grow on its surface and be harmful to human health.
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Suitability for Vegan Diets
Vegan individuals can consume Reishi powder without any problem. However, the capsules are sometimes made from animal gelatin, in which case they are not suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (plant cellulose) is the material used to produce capsules suitable for vegans. Make sure the packaging clearly states that the product is vegan-friendly.
Summary
Reishi, or Ling Zhi, is a fungus that has been used for millennia in traditional Oriental medicine. Its taste is bitter and intense, which is why it is rarely used as a food. However, you can still take advantage of its medicinal properties thanks to the Reishi supplements available on the Canadian market.
The most important active elements of Reishi – triterpenoids and polysaccharides – are mostly found in the fruiting body (mushroom) of the fungus. Ganoderma lucidum helps to boost immunity, prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, mitigate allergic symptoms, lower blood pressure, and attenuate certain viral infections.
We hope that you found our shopping guide on Reishi mushrooms helpful and informative. We’d love to hear about the supplements you have chosen, so feel free to leave us a comment in the section below. You can also share this article with your friends and family on your social media!
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