What is Chaga – and Do I Need It?
What is Chaga?
In today’s world, stress and pollution impacts our health and body on a daily basis. We try to do our best to eat well or get enough exercise, sometimes it’s still not enough to counteract everything that comes our way.
Personally, I have always been a fan of finding natural ways to stay healthy. In fact, I prefer holistic options before I try anything else.
In Eastern culture and medicine, a number of ingredients and nutrients have long been used to improve health and lifestyle. These ingredients help to prevent things like disease or protect the body from inflammation or free radicals. Both which potentially cause illness and even cancer. Chaga is one such nutrient that, though has been around for hundreds of years in the East and Asia, is now becoming much more popular in Western culture.
But what is Chaga?
It might look rather peculiar to the average eye but, it’s actually quite a beneficial ingredient. It has been known to improve a range of physiological functions and processes – such as cholesterol and glucose levels. From the outside, Chaga looks like an unknown dark mass, similar in appearance to that of charcoal. It is a type of non-toxic fungus growing on birch trees throughout the colder regions of Siberia and other northerly destinations. Think of it like a mushroom. A growth that packs a powerful punch in terms of nutrients and antioxidants!
Inside the hardened mass exterior is a spongy, reddish brown substance, which is where all of the health benefits of Chaga are concentrated. This interior is then ground up very finely into a powder, which can be added to beverages, soups, smoothies or just enjoyed like a tea. The benefits of Chaga are plentiful – studies have shown that it has a positive impact on blood glucose levels and offering additional support to those who manage diabetes.
Chaga also helps:
- Boost the immune system
- Protect the body against cancer-causing cells
- Improve gastrointestinal health through balancing bacteria in the gut and reducing harmful bacteria. Ulcers and gastritis are also helped through the consumption of Chaga
- Break down LDL cholesterol and helps balance out blood pressure levels
It’s important to remember that not all Chaga is considered equal. The cold regions of the Siberian Forest create a thriving environment for this superfood and Siberian Empire uses only premium Chaga from remote areas of the forest, untouched by environmental pollution. Sustainable practices are used to harvest Chaga. This allows Siberian Empire to provide not only an exceptional product, but also to provide superior quality for consumers.
Have you ever tried chaga?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
