Many think of high cholesterol as being caused by eating too much saturated fat, but it may also occur because of consuming too much sugar. In addition, high cholesterol and high blood sugars often occur together. Diabetes is a condition associated with poorly managed blood sugars. For reasons not yet fully understood, diabetes often results in lowering high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the “good” cholesterol, while raising low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. While we don’t exactly know how blood sugar and cholesterol levels affect each other, we do know that insulin, blood sugar, and cholesterol interact with each other.
Why does this matter? Because both increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. And because, in addition to making healthy lifestyle choices like eating healthy foods and doing regular exercise, one powerful mushroom can help with both.
For centuries, reishi mushrooms have been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their remarkable therapeutic properties. In this blog, we will delve into the benefits of taking reishi mushrooms to lower bad cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar levels.
The Impact of Reishi Mushrooms on Cholesterol Levels
One of the things your physician is likely to check into is your cholesterol levels. This is because high cholesterol isn’t something you can feel, but more than 25% of Canadians aged 20 to 39 and almost 50% aged 40 to 59 have high cholesterol.
The good news is that there are things you can do to change your cholesterol levels, including limiting your sugar intake, consuming plenty of fibre, making sure to get enough omega-3 fatty acids, exercising to raise your HDL levels, and not smoking. But lifestyle changes aren’t always enough.
Thankfully, research has shown that reishi mushrooms possess incredible cholesterol-lowering properties. Hot water extracts of reishi mushrooms lowered levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while also increasing HDL.
Moreover, reishi mushrooms have antioxidant properties, which can prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to adhere to arterial walls and form plaques, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. By reducing the oxidation of LDL, reishi mushrooms play a pivotal role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Regulating Blood Sugar Levels with Reishi Mushrooms
In addition to their cholesterol-lowering benefits, reishi mushrooms have also shown promise in regulating blood sugar levels, making them an invaluable asset in managing diabetes and preventing the onset of related complications.
Research suggests that certain compounds in reishi mushrooms can enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism. Insulin resistance, a characteristic feature of type 2 diabetes, occurs when cells fail to respond adequately to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. By enhancing insulin sensitivity, reishi mushrooms help the body more effectively utilize insulin and regulate blood glucose levels.
Furthermore, reishi mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate the production of insulin. This promotes healthy glucose regulation and can prove useful in preventing blood sugar spikes after meals.
Other Health Benefits
The benefits of reishi mushrooms extend beyond their impact on cholesterol and blood sugar levels. These incredible fungi have a wide range of health-promoting properties that contribute to overall wellbeing.
Reishi mushrooms possess powerful anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammation. Inflammation is known to contribute to the development of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues and diabetes. By reducing inflammation, reishi mushrooms have the potential to mitigate the risk of these conditions.
Additionally, reishi mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body and prevent cellular damage. Their immune-boosting properties can enhance the body’s defense mechanisms, promoting overall health and reducing the risk of various infections and illnesses.
Incorporating Reishi Mushrooms into Your Routine
The growing popularity of reishi mushrooms is justified by their remarkable potential in reducing bad cholesterol and blood sugars. By incorporating reishi mushrooms into your daily routine, you can not only take proactive steps to improve cardiovascular health and manage blood sugar levels but also reap the numerous additional benefits they offer. Embrace the power of reishi mushrooms and embark on a journey towards holistic wellbeing.
