6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage) – Healthline

In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health.

One 12-week study of 26 people showed that reishi mushroom may increase good HDL cholesterol and decrease triglycerides (26).

However, other research in healthy adults showed no improvement in these heart disease risk factors (10).

Moreover, a large analysis demonstrated no beneficial effects for heart health after examining five different studies containing around 400 people. The researchers found that consuming reishi mushroom for up to 16 weeks did not improve cholesterol (27).

Overall, more research is needed in regard to reishi mushrooms and heart health.

Several studies have indicated that molecules found in the reishi mushroom can decrease blood sugar in animals (28, 29).

Some preliminary research in humans reported similar findings (30).

However, the majority of research has not supported this benefit. After evaluating hundreds of participants, researchers found no benefits for fasting blood sugar (27).

Mixed results were seen for blood sugar after meals. In some cases, reishi mushroom lowered blood sugar, but in other cases, it was worse than a placebo.

Again, more research is needed here as well.

Antioxidants are molecules that can help prevent damage to your cells (31).

Because of this important function, there is substantial interest in foods and supplements that can enhance antioxidant status in the body.

Many claim that reishi mushroom is effective for this purpose.

However, several studies have found no change in the levels of two important antioxidant enzymes in the blood after consuming the fungus for 4 to 12 weeks (10, 26).

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6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage) - Healthline