The Reishi Mushroom

The Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma Lucidum

What the heck is a Reishi Mushroom? You've probably heard of other types of mushrooms such as shitake, oyster, and portobello but not the Reishi Mushroom. Mushrooms have long been used for culinary purposes but did you know that there is a type of fungus known for its healing properties? Yup - it's true and it's called Reishi. And what makes Reishi worth talking about?

The Reishi is a small, shelf-like fungus found in decayed tree stumps and logs. It's corky and flat with a red or black shiny cap. Sound or look appetizing? Not really, huh? Thankfully, you don't have to go searching for it. Thanks to advances in American biotechnology, it is now possible to laboratory-grow Reishi keeping it 100% Certified Organic and free from pesticides, herbicides, or any other contaminants. Best of all, there are no known side effects.

Ganoderma Lucidum (an herb), also called Reishi or Lingzhi (Chinese name meaning spiritual potency) is the oldest mushroom known to have been used medicinally. It has been cultivated on plantations and grown wild in Asia for over 4,000 years. Ganoderma Lucidum contains more than 200 active elements and is regarded as the "Miracle King of Herbs", the "Elixir of Life" and the "Mushroom of Immortality" because it is packed with powerful antioxidants and offers multiple health benefits. It is even considered superior to Ginseng. Ganoderma Lucidum rids the body of toxins which increase the body's ability to ward off any sickness or infection.

So, what's in this Ganoderma Lucidum stuff that makes it healthy and something we should include in our daily supplement intake? Ganoderma Lucidum is primarily composed of five elements:

Polysaccharides - They are the complex carbohydrates (poly=many saccharide=sugar)

Adenosine - Major molecular component of Adenosine Triphosphate – the universal energy currency of metabolism

Triterpenes - Phyto-nutrient – plant substance, a super oxidizer)

Organic Germanium - Found in plant based foods

Ganoderans Essence  - A group of triterpenes (Phyto-nutrients) w/skin healing properties

This is powerful group of elements has a wide variety of curative and restorative powers.  Here’s a list of some of the health benefits of  Ganoderma Lucidum …trust us, there’s lots more!

        1)       Strengthens immune system  (Polysaccharides)

        2)       Balances blood sugar level; improves pancreatic functions (Polysaccharides)

        3)       Reduces cholesterol and body fat; balances metabolic rate (Adenosine)

        4)       Helps to unclog arteries plugged with fatty deposits (Adenosine)

        5)       Improves digestive system; Improves liver functions (Triterpenes)

        6)       Inhibits allergies, relieves sinus congestion and helps with respiratory problems (Triterpenes)

        7)       Improves sleep (Triterpenes)

        8)       Reduces fatigue and increases vitality (Organic Germanium)

        9)       Anti-cancer agent (Organic Germanium)

       10)     Contains antioxidants that control or inhibit damaging free radicals (Organic Germanium)

       11)     Boosts all the body’s functions (Ganoderans Essence)

       12)     Beautifies skin and supports youthfulness (Ganoderans Essence)

One final interesting and very important effect the herb has is balancing the pH level in the body. The pH (potential of hydrogen) level in the body is measured by the ratio of acidic-alkaline on a scale of 0 to 14 (O being most acidic and 14 being alkaline or base). Ideally, the body should be in a neutral state, but leaning toward an alkaline state, a little above a value of 7. Too much acid in our system causes the body to become chemically unbalanced which has negatives effects on our health. Ganoderma is highly alkaline and helps the body maintain or improve its overall general well being.

Isn't it time you included this "super herb" in your daily supplement intake? We think so! 4x Nutrition has made it available for you in a capsule form (ask for Jarrow Mushroom Optimizer) or you can enjoy it in a non-acidic cup of Organo Gold coffee that has only 9mg of caffeine. Either one of these will give you the daily recommended amounts of Ganoderma Lucidum (about 400-600mg a day) so that you can enjoy all its healthy benefits. If you toss and turn every night, if you want to improve your skin’s appearance, if you want to boost energy and just plain feel good again then Ganoderma Lucidum is for you.

As always, consult your physician before adding any new supplement to your daily nutrition plan. We're here to help. If you have any further questions about Ganoderma Lucidum, please don't hesitate to ask your Certified Sports Nutritionist at 4x Nutrition Center.

Yours in health,

Missy Taylor, Certified Sports Nutritionist (Ganoderma Lucidum enthusiast – I love what’s it done for me!)