You may have heard of this new fad with Chaga tea. The truth is, it is not just a fad, and it is worth your time. By adding some Chaga tea into your daily routine, the benefits will truly surprise you. If you are not convinced yet, this article is the perfect place to discover all the reasons why you should start drinking this amazing tea!
What is Chaga Mushroom?
Chaga mushroom is known to be a functional mushroom, which means it has medicinal properties. That is why this mushroom is used every day, and has so for centuries in certain communities that practice herbalism.
You will find Chaga mushrooms mainly on birch trees that grow in cold climates. Once you see it, Chaga may not seem very appealing, as it looks a bit like burnt charcoal. You will likely find Chaga in North America, but you can also find it in Russia, China, and Northern Europe.
Here are the 7 reasons for drinking Chaga tea
Reason #1: It can boost your immunity
For many years, Chaga has been used to boost immunity. This mushroom works by promoting the formation of certain proteins that help stimulate white blood cells. These cells are the ones in charge of fighting pathogens, like viruses or bacteria.
Because Chaga mushrooms also contain nutrients like zinc, selenium, and copper, they can help make your immune system stronger. Since it is now known that vitamin D plays a vital role in immunity, Chaga mushroom tea can be a safe and healthy way to obtain this nutrient.
Reason #2: It is very nutritious
Though not calorically significant, Chaga mushroom tea does contain a high amount of nutrients. Some of the vitamins and minerals you will obtain from this tea include vitamin D, B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, selenium, and copper.
To top things off, Chaga mushrooms contain complex fibers, which are also very healthy for your body.
Reason #3: It can make you feel more energized
If you have to drink multiple cups of coffee a day just to feel awake, then it may be time you tried Chaga tea. This mushroom is great at giving you an energy boost, thanks to its ability to increase the production of a molecule called AMPK. This molecule is essential for many metabolic pathways in your body, so you are essentially making your body work more efficiently when you drink Chaga tea.
Reason #4: It can reduce cholesterol levels
Drinking Chaga tea can aid in reducing cholesterol levels since it contains beta-glucan, a complex polysaccharide that helps lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. By consuming this tea, you are giving your body more fiber, which is always a healthy way of improving your body’s ability to get rid of cholesterol from the blood.
Overall, you can use Chaga mushrooms and tea as a means to protect your heart, which results in a lower risk of heart disease.
Reason #5: It can lower blood sugar levels
Mushrooms can aid in managing blood sugar levels by helping the absorption of simple carbohydrates slow down. When you drink Chaga tea, you essentially prevent your body from absorbing sugar too quickly. However, this benefit has to be accompanied by good lifestyle habits and a wholesome diet.
Reason #6: It can reduce inflammation
Since mushrooms are great antioxidants, drinking Chaga tea prevents oxidative damage, and in turn, may lower inflammation too. This goes in hand with the beta-glucan content, as well as the increased white blood cell production, all of which are essential in allowing your body to do better when it comes to disease.
By drinking Chaga tea, you give your body a way to stop all the inflammatory processes that could lead to chronic illness and even tumor growth.
Reason #7: It can help you lose weight
No one is saying that Chaga tea is magical and will make you lose pounds instantly, but it can be a good way to keep you full and promote digestion. By giving you more fiber, you will be less likely to eat more, and your body will move things along quicker.
Time to make some Chaga tea!
To make the best Chaga tea, follow the steps below:
Gather your dried Chaga chunks and four cups of water, and some honey for sweetness.
- Grab a pot and set it on the stove. Place four or five pieces of Chaga tea in the pot.
- Bring the water to a simmer, and simmer the tea for around 15-20 minutes. If you want to brew a large batch, you may want to do this for two hours.
- Strain the tea chunks out of the tea, and serve your tea hot.
- Sweeten with a bit of honey if needed.
- Save your remaining tea by refrigerating for seven days at most.
If this seems like a lot of work, buy premade Chaga tea, such as this 100% wild Siberian Chaga mushroom tea, or this Maine organic Chaga mushroom extract.
