Chaga is a fungus that grows on birch trees in the northern hemisphere, and it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its exceptional health benefits. Although the ORAC scores were withdrawn in 2012, a 2005 study showed that Chaga is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the body's natural antioxidants, such as SOD. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) constitute an essential antioxidant defence against oxidative stress in the body. In this blog post, we will discuss the exceptional antioxidant properties of Chaga and its potential benefits for human health.
Chaga's Antioxidant Properties
Chaga contains a high concentration of antioxidants such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and melanin. These compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. While ORAC scores are no longer used to describe the antioxidant capacity of food and supplements, several scientific studies have proven Chaga's exceptional antioxidant properties.
What was ORAC, and why is it no longer used?
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scores were widely used to measure the antioxidant capacity of food and supplements. However, ORAC scores were withdrawn as a reliable measure of antioxidant power in 2012 because they did not accurately reflect the actual antioxidant activity in the human body. ORAC scores were based on the ability of a food or supplement to protect against free radicals in a lab setting, which is different from the complex biological processes that occur in the human body.
Therefore, relying on ORAC scores to describe the health benefits of food and supplements was deemed inaccurate and potentially misleading. As a result, new methods and technologies have been developed to measure antioxidant activity. It is now recommended to rely on scientific studies and evidence-based information to evaluate the potential health benefits of natural remedies.
Chaga and Immunity
Chaga's ability to stimulate the body's natural antioxidants makes it an excellent immune booster. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Chaga extracts increased the production of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system's defence against viruses and cancer cells. Another study conducted in 2017 showed that Chaga extracts improved the immune response in patients with colorectal cancer.
Other Potential Health Benefits of Chaga
Chaga has also been shown to have potential benefits for other health conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that Chaga extracts reduced inflammation in mice with colitis. Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that Chaga extracts improved glucose metabolism in rats with diabetes. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that Chaga extracts reduced LDL cholesterol levels in mice.
Chaga is a powerful superfood with exceptional antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals. While ORAC scores are no longer used to describe the antioxidant capacity of food and supplements, the scientific evidence shows that Chaga is a potent antioxidant that can stimulate the body's natural antioxidants, such as SOD. Moreover, Chaga has potential benefits for immunity, inflammation, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. Therefore, if you are looking for a natural way to boost your immunity and protect your health, consider adding Chaga to your diet.
If you're looking for a high-quality Chaga extract, Forage Hyperfoods Chaga extract is an excellent choice. This extract is made from sustainably wild-harvested Canadian Chaga. It contains all the natural compounds found in Chaga, including potent antioxidants with potential health benefits. Additionally, Forage Hyperfoods Chaga mushrooms are ultrasonically extracted, which ensures that all the beneficial compounds are extracted without damaging them. Ultrasonic extraction is an intense but efficient process that uses high-frequency sound waves to break down the mushroom’s cell walls and release active compounds. This results in a pure and potent extract that retains all the natural goodness of Chaga. By choosing Forage Hyperfoods Chaga tinctures, you can be confident that you're getting a high-quality product that is both sustainable and effective.
