Ganoderma, also known as Reishi or Lingzhi, is an age-old superfood and medicinal mushroom known for promoting longevity and wellness. Referred to as the “mushroom of immortality”, Ganoderma has long been utilized in ancient Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medical practices; today however it’s becoming more mainstream across western society with more people looking for natural supplements and products to add wellness into their lifestyles.

Reishi has long been linked with healthy immune functioning and is widely known as an adaptogen, helping the body respond more easily to stressful stimuli and restore balance in its system. Reishi can therefore help those looking to either reduce their risk of diabetes or manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Reishi contains bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids and glucosinolates which have anti-diabetic effects by helping pancreatic B-cells produce insulin (Reference Hikino, Konno and Mirin9). Studies demonstrate these components as having effective anti-diabetic properties that can lower blood sugar levels in diabetic mice by increasing calcium inflow into pancreatic B-cells to produce it (Reference Hikino, Konno and Mirin9).

Reishi mushrooms have long been recognized for their calming effects, helping reduce anxiety and stress by strengthening and supporting the nervous system. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated their neuroprotective benefits – protecting nerves from chemotherapy treatments as well as radiation therapies.

Reishi can also help relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Reishi stimulates activity within the central nervous system to increase energy and decrease feelings of exhaustion, potentially helping reishi users feel rejuvenated after each meditation practice.

Reishi has also been found to have antioxidant properties, providing protection from free radical damage and slowing the aging process. Furthermore, reishi’s renal protective effects include decreasing oxidative stress that accumulates in kidneys as well as protecting against cisplatin-induced renal injury and adriamycin-induced nephropathy (Reference Zhang and Lin10).

Though reishi has many health advantages, it is crucial that before adding it into your diet it be discussed with a healthcare provider in order to ensure it’s appropriate and doesn’t interact negatively with any medications or treatments you are currently receiving. Furthermore, they will help determine the appropriate dosage.