Shedding some light on this natural ingredient
By Lisa Cantkier, Nutritionist
If you’re searching for ways to support your immune system naturally, then “Chaga” might be for you, once the science becomes clearer.
Chaga grows on birch trees (aged 40 years or more) in northern parts of Asia, Canada, Norway, Europe and the United Sates. Harvested from the wild and available in health stores across North America in various forms (you’ll find teas, dried whole Chaga, supplements, among others), Chaga is a potent immune enhancing “fungus” that has been popular in Russia and several parts of Europe. There is a fair amount of science that supports Chaga’s numerous health benefits.
Apparently, the name “Chaga” comes from Russia’s Kama River Basin, where it has been part of traditional medicine since the 16th century (that’s where we have verifiable mentions of it). In its natural state, Chaga is actually dark (blackish in colour) and hard and resembles decaying wood or even charcoal, so it looks very little like mushrooms we are used to seeing and consuming.
What are the health benefits?
Researchers at New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center keep a database of the most current studies of Chaga and they say the research certainly holds promise. Often referred to as an “anit-cancer agent,” Chaga is rich in anti-inflammatory phenols and natural antioxidants. It contains the compounds betulin and betulinic acid, both shown to demonstrate anti-tumor effects. Compounds found in Chaga called lanostanoids also appear to play significant anti-cancer roles.
Beyond cancer, some studies have shown that betulin can help stimulate the immune system, lower blood sugar and control metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome and obesity. Chaga is also believed to contain the mineral selenium, which can help prevent cancer. Scientists from the Vector Research Institute in southwestern Siberia have also been studying strains that could prove effective in fighting HIV and other diseases.
Of course, there’s usually some yin (dark) that goes along with the yang (sunny). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states, “clinical trials are needed to confirm Chaga’s safety and effectiveness for these uses.” They also warn, “Chaga is high in oxalates, which can reduce nutrient absorption, contribute to kidney stones and be harmful in high doses, and it may interfere with blood thinners and diabetic medications.”
So, what’s the verdict?
A Google search on Chaga yields over 28 million searches. The problem is a lot of what you’ll find on the topic is hype and commercialism. Similar to many foods found in nature, you’ll find some promising as well as concerning research. Of course, it can’t be said without a doubt that Chaga is good for everyone and a cure for certain diseases. However, it certainly has an interesting history and recent research has offered many fascinating findings. I’m not saying spill out your cuppa Chaga tea, however, scientific research on Chaga still needs several years to develop before it can truly become useful from a therapeutic perspective.