Benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum

ADAPTOGEN
An adaptogen is basically a non-toxic herb used as a supplement to increase the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Red Reishi is categorized as one of the top adaptogens found in nature with no side effects.
Caffeine taken in small amounts has some health benefits including alertness, anti-inflammatory, minimizing or eliminating headaches and gallstones to name a few. However taken frequently in high doses (anywhere from 150 – 200 milligrams per kg of body mass) can cause the very same effects that moderate amounts prevents.
Due to its adaptogenic nature, Ling Zhi can reduce the amount of caffeine found in a regular 7 oz. cup of coffee from 80 – 135 mg to an amazing 9 mg. That amount is surprisingly lower than 1 Excedrin tablet at 65mg or an equivalent cup of de-caffeinated coffee at 15mg.

CANCER
The polysaccharides in Ganoderma Lucidum stimulate the production of interferon and interleukins I and II, which are powerful anti-cancer substances produced in the body. Red Reishi can also be used as a supplement during chemotherapy / radiotherapy to reduce side effects such as:

• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• pain

The triterpenes in Ling Zhi are known to possess potent anti-tumour properties. The polysaccharides can also activate microphages, essential immune cells in the body that deals with microbial elements such as bacteria, yeast and other diseases.

HEART HEALTH
Cardiovascular benefits have been demonstrated from frequent consumption of Ling Zhi which includes:

• Lowering of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (another type of blood fat)
• Improving blood circulation by reducing the coagulation of blood. This is achieved by;
• Reducing platelet aggregation
• Increase the malleability (elasticity / rubber properties) of red blood cells, increasing its ease to travel through the blood vessels.

However since Ganoderma Lucidum aids in the ease of blood flow, it can also cause bleeding problems if taken with any form of blood thinning medication (e.g. aspirin). People on these types of medication or women who are pregnant should consult their physician before taking Red Reishi. 

DIABETES
This is a group of metabolic diseases in which the human body has high blood sugar which is either caused by the body not producing enough insulin or cells in the body not responding to the insulin produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger).
There are several different types of diabetes, however the two most chronic types are:

• Type 1
• Type 2

Type 1 diabetes mostly deals with the loss of insulin production in the pancreas while Type 2 results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. Serious long term complications include:

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Blindness (Progressive Retinal Failure)
• Ulcers
• Impotence in men
• Chronic renal (kidney) failure

 Unlike traditional Chinese medicine that looks at the holistic prevention approach, western medicine practices normally try to handle the symptoms. Medication designed by western medicine practitioners alleviate diabetes by:

• Over working the already weaken pancreas to produce insulin
• Allow the suppression of sugar absorption in the intestines to help maintain safe blood sugar levels

Over time the actions from these medications can cause obesity, stroke and heart disease.
The polysaccharides found in Red Reishi act as a hypoglycaemic substance once glucose levels in the blood are high. This will cause the body to lower its blood sugar level, therefore acting as a natural replacement for insulin. Recent studies have also shown that the compound Ling Zhi 8, an immunomodulating protein found in Ganoderma Lucidum appears to protect the body against insulitis, which is an inflammation of the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.
Therefore from on-going research it can be shown with a healthy lifestyle (i.e. exercise, good nutrition, meditation and rest), not only does Ganoderma Lucidum act as a natural replacement for insulin, it also can aid in the protection and possible healing of the pancreas.

Other benefits of Ganoderma Lucidum are:

• Liver Disorders
• Kidney and Prostate Disorders
• Anti-Stress properties (also improves sleep patterns without the sedation commonly seen with medication)
• Prevention of most allergies
• Lung ailments and diseases
• Digestive Disorders
• Obesity
• Improved skin conditions (Acne and sun damaged skin to name a few)

Due to polysaccharides being a complex sugar, products containing red reishi should either be taken with hot water (hot beverages) or taken in combination with vitamin C like substances, like orange juice, grape fruit juice, etc.