The functional mushroom Chaga, whose scientific name is Inonotus obliquus, is frequently used as a supplement to help people live healthier.
But first, here’s a look at some of our favorite brands that you may be interested in (We expand on each below):
| Real Mushrooms Chaga Mushroom Capsules | FreshCap Chaga Mushroom Capsules |
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| 120 capsules 2 per serving (1,000mg) 60 servings | 120 capsules 2 per serving (1,000mg) 60 servings |
| Organic | Organic |
| Beta Glucan levels >8% | Beta Glucan levels 15% |
| 10% discount with code: HealthbyMushrooms | 10% discount with code "HEALTH10" |
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If you’re interested, there are a few things you should Consider. When it comes to the standards that influence their quality, not all chaga products are created equal. If you’re looking for the highest-quality chaga mushroom supplements, keep in mind how they’re produced, obtained, processed, and certified to ensure that the product you choose contains the bioactive components you want without contaminants. The benefits of chaga mushrooms are widely known. Here’s what you need to know about chaga and how to pick the finest quality mushroom supplements.
Chaga Mushroom Supplement Benefits
The biological active chemicals in the conk, a hardened black mass of fungal mycelium that develops on birch and beech trees in the colder parts of the northern hemisphere when growing in the wild, are responsible for many of chaga’s health advantages. It’s been consumed in the past as a tea made by boiling hard conks in water heated to between 150°F and 180°F. In this manner, the water-soluble polysaccharides and antioxidants such as ergothioneine are most readily available. These substances aid:
- Anti-aging benefits: The polysaccharides of chaga have antioxidant and inflammatory healing effects that have been observed in in vitro (tissue culture) studies. Many people take chaga to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, which may lead to accelerated aging by harming body tissues, cells, and DNA.
- Protect against fatigue: One of the chaga mushroom benefits is that it has a mild stimulant effect. It was used as a coffee substitute in some European countries during World War II, when coffee and sugar were restricted, because of its sweet vanilla taste. Chaga’s hot water extract has been shown to help mice recover from muscular and mental tiredness.
- Immune system and gut health: Chaga’s polysaccharides, including alpha- and beta-glucans, boost the immune system while the prebiotic fiber maintains a healthy gut flora.
- Adaptogenic balance: Chaga is a adaptogen that helps the body maintain homeostatic equilibrium under stress. A chaga mushroom supplement aids the body’s ability to adapt and heal from stress.
With so many advantages, it’s no surprise that chaga has been used for centuries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia to promote health and wellness. However, getting the most out of your chaga mushroom supplement necessitates using a high-quality product. Here’s more details on some of the products that we mentioned before.
Real Mushrooms Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Capsules
If you’re in the market for a top-quality mushroom supplement, look no further than Real Mushrooms’ Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Capsules. These capsules are made from 100% organic chaga mushrooms, and they provide a wealth of health benefits.
Pros:
- Hot water extraction process
- Organic
- >8% beta glucan
- no additives
Cons:
- may not include mycelial compounds
Ingredients
- 1,000mg organic chaga extract (2 capsule servings at 60 servings per bottle)
- 120 x 500mg capsules
FreshCap Chaga Capsules
If you’re looking for a high-quality mushroom supplement, look no further than FreshCap Chaga Capsules. Made from 100% organic chaga mushrooms, these capsules are a great way to boost your immune system and improve your overall health.
Pros:
- Organic
- Immune support
- antioxidant
- contains fruiting body
- 15% beta-glucans and 1% triterpene
Cons:
- No mycelial content
Ingredients
- 1,000mg organic chaga extract (2 capsule servings with 60 per bottle)
- 120 x 500mg capsules
Quality Considerations
Despite the fact that chaga has been utilized in traditional medicinal practices for hundreds of years across the northern hemisphere, it is relatively recent in terms of health and wellness. With so many options, it’s critical to research the quality and safety of each one. Here are some of the most important questions to ask:
Where is the product sourced?
Over-collection has caused a shortage in wildcrafted chaga conks, which is damaging the supply of chaga mushroom supplements. The demand for this slow-growing fungus will not only increase the cost of chaga, but it will also deplete the supply of wild-harvested chaga over time, according to mycologists and ecologists.
Another major worry is the contamination of wild-grown chaga with hazardous metals and nuclear isotopes. Mushrooms are bio-accumulators, which means they take up both nutrients and pollutants from their surroundings. Chaga grown in the wild, like that found in Russia, is tainted with heavy metals and radioactive chemicals, as well as pesticides and other pollutants.
Look for supplement companies that use cutting-edge technology to cultivate chaga safely and sustainably in accordance with the Food and Drug Administration’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) criteria at our indoor farm in Carlsbad, California. Chaga mushroom supplements should be grown and processed under the supervision of experienced mycologists to ensure the purity of species and safety from contaminants.
What is the Growth Method Used?
Companies should assist the growth of chaga mycelium on grains under sanitary, hygienic circumstances. The risk of contamination is reduced by beginning with an autoclaved, organic oat growth medium and filtered air and water. This allows us to provide a constant and reliable supply of high-quality mushroom supplements.
Chaga does not contain betulinic acid or have as much melanin as that sourced from birch trees because it is cultivated without a birch tree base. Fortunately, the water-soluble polysaccharides and antioxidants required for their therapeutic effects have been shown to be present and bioavailable in cultivated chaga.
What Type of Processing Does it Go Through?
Check out the manufacturing facility used by any company, if possible, some have the prestigious AA rating BRC Global Standard for worldwide food safety, where all the details from start to finish are managed. Chaga mushroom supplements should be grown, processed, manufactured, and distributed in accordance with the highest standards to deliver organic whole food nutritional mushroom supplements with life-altering effects.
Additional Resources:
Updated 1/8/2023
