6 Best Chaga Mushroom Powders (2022) Reviewed and Compared
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Posted by
Kelly McGeehan
Chaga is a type of medicinal mushroom believed to enhance the immune system and provide an array of other anti-aging health benefits. However, the research to back these claims is limited. Today, we’ll cover whether a Chaga mushroom powder supplement is worth the try and the best options on the market.
What is Chaga Mushroom Powder?
Chaga mushrooms are a type of fungus that grow on the bark of birch trees. Since birch trees grow in cold climates, you’ll likely find chaga mushrooms in northern corners of the world such as Russia, Korea, Canada, Alaska, and Northern Europe. They have a charcoal-like exterior with a soft, orange fruiting body.
Believed to contribute to good health and immunity, chaga mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries across Northern Europe and Russia. Today, many people believe that chaga mushrooms’ high antioxidant levels can lower blood sugar, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even prevent cancer. Many of the claims about chaga mushroom’s benefits, however, have been anecdotal and not based on scientific research.
Traditionally, chaga mushrooms were ground into a powder and used in teas. While it is still used as a tea today, you’re more likely to find chaga in a capsule or powder-based supplement. Some supplements only contain chaga, while others offer a mushroom blend with chaga as one of the ingredients. Chaga is versatile and releases its beneficial properties when prepared hot or cold.
Why Should You Use A Chaga Mushroom Supplement?
Chaga mushrooms might provide ample health benefits. For instance, they might enhance immune function and reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to any encounter with a potentially harmful substance, like bacteria. However, long-term inflammation can wreak havoc on the body, leading to issues like arthritis and heart disease.
Animal research suggests that chaga mushrooms might stop the production of cytokines, harmful proteins that can cause inflammation, in the body. By preventing cytokine production, chaga mushrooms can prevent inflammation and its associated conditions from developing. However, more human-based research is needed to draw any further conclusions.
In addition, chaga mushrooms might lower blood sugar levels.
A few animal studies found an association between chaga mushroom consumption and lower blood sugar levels. In fact, one study showed that consuming a chaga mushroom supplement decreased blood sugar levels by 31 percent in just three weeks.
Since high blood sugar increases the risk of developing diabetes, studies suggest that chaga mushroom supplements can serve as a preventative for diabetes. However, more conclusive research is needed.
Lastly, chaga mushrooms might lower cholesterol levels, which can lower your risk of developing heart disease.
One study showed that chaga mushroom consumption simultaneously increased antioxidant levels while lowering bad cholesterol levels in rats. Other studies produced similar conclusions, finding that chaga mushrooms can lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol.
While these results are promising, more research is needed to further understand the effects of chaga mushrooms on humans.
The Best 6 Chaga Mushroom Supplements
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1) RealMushrooms Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Powder
Price: From $29.95
RealMushrooms Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Powder has everything you could want in a chaga supplement. It contains chaga mushroom extract that is certified organic, rich in beta-glucans, and free of gluten and mycelium. You can add this powder to any coffee, tea, smoothie, or recipe for its benefits. Each package contains 60 1000 mg servings.
2) Realmushrooms Organic Siberian Chaga Extract Capsules
Price: From $29.95
RealMushrooms offers an equally beneficial capsule-based chaga supplement. It contains certified organic chaga mushroom extract in a vegan-friendly capsule. You can also break open the capsules and pour the contents into any beverage or recipe, making it a versatile product. It’s also gluten-free with no additives or preservatives. Each bottle contains 60 1000 mg servings.
3) Om Mushrooms Certified Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder
From $19.47
Om Mushrooms offers a great powder-based supplement that is certified organic, made in the USA, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly. You can add one teaspoon of this powder to your morning smoothie, coffee, or matcha for an extra health boost. Each package contains 50 2000 mg servings.
4) Microingredients Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder
Price: From $28.74
Microingredients Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder contains 2000 mg of wild-harvested chaga in every scoop. It’s certified organic and vegan-friendly with no additives, fillers, gluten, or soy. You can add it to any beverage or drink it straight for quick absorption. Each package contains 85 servings.
5) Om Mushrooms Chaga Mushroom Capsules
Price: From $21.70
Om Mushrooms also offers its Chaga Mushroom supplement in capsule form. These Chaga Mushroom Capsules are gluten-free, vegan, and keto and paleo-friendly, making it a suitable supplement for any diet. Despite its benefits, Om’s capsules might not be the most cost-effective option. Each bottle contains only 30 2000 mg servings.
6) California Gold Nutrition Fungiology MushRex Plus
Price: From $20.00
Last on our list is California Gold Nutrition Fungiology MushRex Plus, which is a blend of various medicinal mushrooms. It contains Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Reishi, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail fruiting bodies. Combined, these ingredients can provide serious anti-inflammatory benefits.
Now, one major downside of proprietary blends like MushRex is that it’s impossible to know the breakdown of each ingredient per serving. But if you’re looking to combine chaga with other superfoods, California Gold’s blend is a great option. Each bottle contains 120 450 mg servings.
How We Ranked
Although we ranked these supplements, we want you to decide on the best product for you. Here’s what we took into consideration when ranking these chaga mushroom powders.
Strict Testing Standards
The supplement industry isn’t FDA-regulated, which can make finding a reputable supplement challenging.
That’s why we only select companies that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations and have their products third-party tested.
Ingredients
Because chaga is one of many medicinal mushrooms, we looked for products that offered chaga alone and in combination with other beneficial ingredients.
We also made sure the products we selected were free of any junk you don’t need, like additives and preservatives.
Value
You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to live a healthy life. That’s why we selected high-quality products that won’t hurt your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Side Effects of Chaga Mushroom Powder?
Chaga mushroom powder supplements are generally safe. However, chaga can interact with certain medications. People who are on blood thinners should not take chaga supplements as they contain ingredients that might interfere with blood clotting.
Because chaga can stimulate activity in the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders should consult with a health professional before trying any chaga mushroom supplements.
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and provide an array of potential health benefits. If you’re looking to improve your heart or immune health, a chaga mushroom supplement is worth the try.
More on Mushrooms
Chaga is not the only, or most popular mushroom supplement. For more, you can check out our guides on Lion’s Mane supplements, Cordyceps, and Reishi mushrooms.