Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom more commonly known as the lingzhi in China and reishi in Japan. It has been a staple in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
As written in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects:
Linghzi mushrooms contain complex sugars called beta-glucans, which research has shown may stop the growth and spreading of cancer cells. They may aid in immune health, and have shown potential blood pressure and anti-allergy benefits as well.
New research shows that this ancient Chinese mushroom can help you lose weight, and may be a potential treatment for obesity in the future.
In the study, mice that were fed an unhealthy diet reached 42 grams in weight after 2 months. However, the mice that were also fed a lingzhi mushroom extract only weighed 35 grams. The linghzi group also experienced lower inflammation and insulin resistance.
The researchers believe that the mushroom extract reduced obesity levels by altering gut microorganisms. The extract acted as a prebiotic, by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
“Another reason mushrooms may be beneficial for weight loss is because they are naturally rich in umami flavor,” says Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading health expert and physician. “The flavors come from glutamic acid, which, in your body is often found as glutamate.” In other words, mushrooms help increase a feeling of satiety.
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Ganoderma Lucidum Reduces Obesity in Mice by Modulating the Composition of the Gut Microbiota.” Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 23 June 2015. Web. 06 July 2015.
2. “Medicinal Mushrooms Used in Chinese Medicine Can Slow Weight Gain.” Mercola.com. Mercola.com, 6 July 2015. Web. 06 July 2015.
3. “Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi).” Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 06 July 2015.
4. “Reishi Mushroom.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, n.d. Web. 06 July 2015.
