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Monday 11 December 2017

The Top 5 Chamomile Supplements of 2017

Chamomile tea is a popular beverage that is used by many for its soothing and calming effects. Chamomile supplements take it to a new level. 

People have enjoyed the benefits of chamomile for more than 2,000 years.

The herb has been used for both medical and cosmetic reasons – Germans used chamomile to relieve stomach issues since the first century and Egyptian nobility were known to crush the flowers and apply them to their skin to slow the early signs of aging.

While many people may be aware of these helpful benefits to this common tea, there are also many other advantages to this flowering herb that you may not be aware of, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.

What makes chamomile so special?

We’ll cover all the benefits along with the side effects and recommended dosage instructions. But first, we’ve ranked the top 5 chamomile teas on the market according to price, product quality and reviews.

So what’s the best chamomile supplement on the market?

1- Nature’s Way Chamomile

Lowest price on Amazon

Sourcing premium chamomile grown in the hills of Germany, Nature’s Way offers the best all-around chamomile supplement on the market.

With 350 mg of chamomile flower per capsule, it’s one of the most potent chamomile products in capsule form, and it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s also a best-seller on Amazon.

What’s so special about German chamomile? Here’s what the manufacturer has to say:

“Nature’s Way uses German Chamomile since it contains the highest amount of active components.”

People like taking this supplement for relaxation, improved sleep, and even to combat hay fever and pollen allergies.

Serving size: 2 capsules – 50 servings in the container.

Buy Nature’s Way Chamomile on Amazon

2- Solaray Chamomile

Lowest price on Amazon

One of the cheapest chamomile supplements on the market, you can’t beat the price for 350 mg of chamomile flower per capsule.

This product helps to maintain digestive health, calm breathing issues, and promote relaxation and rest.

The manufacturer sands 100% behind their product. In fact, they guarantee that no ingredients, other than the ones they list, have been added to the product.

Serving size: 1 capsule – 100 servings total in the container.

Buy Solaray Chamomile on Amazon

3- Aviano Botanicals Chamomile

Lowest price on Amazon

Essential oil enthusiasts – this is the product for you.

100% pure undiluted Roman chamomile oil.

The manufacturer uses a unique steam extraction process to harvest the oil. Here’s how they explain it:

“Avíanō Botanicals chamomile oil is an extract of the leaves and flowers of the Chamaemelum nobile by steam distillation. By using Roman chamomile and careful methods, we can create oil that delivers superior therapeutic benefits.”

The convenience of the essential oil means you can use chamomile for face, hair, and skin appearance, for aromatherapy, as a massage oil,  as a body moisturizer, or to scent and sooth your baby’s bath.

Also, be sure to check out the top rated essential oil diffusers for all your aromatherapeutic needs.

Buy Aviano Botanicals Chamomile on Amazon

4- U.S. Wellness Naturals Chamomile

Lowest price on Amazon

This chamomile product is a pure 100% certified organic tea made with flowers sourced from Egyptian Al-Fayyam planes which are known to be rich in essential oils.

Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about what separates their product from their competition:

“We have had out own representative to travel to Egypt and personally meet the farmers, processors and exporters. The goal is REPRODUCIBLE QUALITY.

We ensured that all NOP certificates are up to date and we visited the fields where the crops have been growing. Not many companies in USA have the same level of commitment or the results. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Free of pesticides and herbicides and this product is packaged in the USA.

Comes in a large 1 lb bag so you have enough flowers to make tea, extract, or essential oils with it.

Buy U.S. Wellness Naturals Chamomile on Amazon

5- Vitacost Chamomile

Lowest price on Amazon

This product is 100% free from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, soy, gluten, and titanium dioxide.

Made with flowering tops of the German kind of chamomile, this is one of the most potent chamomile supplements on the market at 900 mg per serving.

This supplement can be taken to improve skin, digestive health, or sleep.

  900 mg of chamomile per 2 capsule serving – 60 servings in the bottle.

Buy Vitacost Chamomile on Amazon

What is chamomile?

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for hundreds of years. In the US, it is most commonly used as a tea to treat upset stomach or help with sleep issues.

But in other parts of the world, chamomile is used for many reasons. There are two types of the herb which are used for medicinal purposes. They are German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile.

German Chamomile is commercially used most often. A German government organization recently approved the use of this form of chamomile to use topically on the skin to fight off bacteria and reduce swelling. It is also used as a tea or dietary supplement for treatment of stomach cramps.

Chamomile can be purchased as dried flower heads, as infusion or tea, in a liquid extract form, tinctures, and in creams or medicated ointments.

How do chamomile supplements work?

Chamomile contains vital antioxidants that are found inside the plant’s potent oils. These are the primary factors in the natural healing properties of the herb.

Chamomile plants are part of the Asteraceae/Compositae family which include both German and Roman chamomile. Tea and extracts from the herb are sold all throughout the world prepared from dried flowers of the Matricaria species.

What are the benefits of chamomile?

Chamomile tea may be widely known for eliminating sleep problems and calming the stomach, but there are many other advantages to adding this herb to your daily supplements.

  • A Powerful Source of Antioxidants

The antioxidants found in chamomile are from the terpenoid group of antioxidants. These help to improve the function of the immune system, lower the effects of mood disorders, reduce pain, eliminate swelling, and improve the overall health of the user’s hair, skin, and teeth. These antioxidants can also help to decrease inflammation as well as prevent cell mutation.

  • Treats Anxiety and Depression

Chamomile, regardless of its form, is one of the best herbs available to treat stress and promote relaxation. This information is based on results from recent studies [1]. Chamomile vapors can also be inhaled using essential oils.

This is often recommended as a remedy for anxiety that is a natural alternative to prescription drugs. Therefore, we find chamomile in so many aromatherapy products and bath treatments.

When in extract form, chamomile is used often as a mile sedative to calm the nerves and eliminate feelings of anxiety. That’s because the vapors travel directly to the brain. They help to turn off tension and reduce the body’s stress response.

There are several practitioners who use chamomile as an effective treatment to relieve the symptoms of chronic anxiety, hysteria, nightmares, and insomnia [2].

  • Promotes Digestive Health

Chamomile can be used to improve gastrointestinal health. It can relax the digestive system and relieve crams, indigestion, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. The extract has been used for many years to treat symptoms of diarrhea and colic in children. It contains anodyne compounds that are anti-spasmodic which help to reduce constipation and stomach pains.

Many of the benefits that we receive from taking chamomile come from the natural relaxing effects of the herb. Since our brain and gut communicate with one another using the vagus nerve, when the mind is relaxed it can also help to calm the gut. This means that chamomile can help with issues such as leaky gut or IBS.

  • Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief Abilities

Chamomile is referred to as the herbal aspirin because it has been used as a home remedy for pain relief for hundreds of years. The flowers are used in combination with anti-inflammatory foods to help eliminate pain, swelling, congestion, and redness.

The herb is effective at reducing skin irritation, facial swelling, toothaches, infection pain and other issues caused by inflammation. Therefore, we find chamomile in so many health and beauty products such as lotions, toothpaste and bath soap [3].

Chamomile can also be helpful in alleviating pain associated with arthritis, backpain, injuries, and fever. Experts believe that it is safe to use during pregnancy, and can help with the aches and pains experienced before and after childbirth. Chamomile tea is often given to women after labor to help them rest and relax their abdominal muscles.

  • Could Help Fight Cancer

Several studies have considered the anti-cancer effects of chamomile. Evidence shows positive effects of chamomile preventing cancerous cells from forming. It also acts as a natural cancer treatment. The antioxidants present in chamomile are believed to be responsible for the prevention of cancerous cell growth. The antioxidant known as apigenin features bioactive constituents that help fight prostate, skin, breast, and ovarian cancer [4].

  • Relieves Congestion

Chamomile is effective in fighting infections and can also be useful in reducing congestion. It is added to several types of nasal sprays today for that reason. The tea is also a great remedy when you want to beat the symptoms of the common cold or a sinus infection.

Studies show that inhaling steam from chamomile extract can also be useful. Some users will also gargle chamomile tea or extract to fight inflammation in the mucous membranes while they have a cold.

  • Improves Skin Health

Chamomile oil mixed with lotion as a base can help those dealing with breakouts, dry, or irritated skin. The herb can promote smooth, healthy, and younger looking skin as it also relieves painful irritation and redness. That is because of the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial factors in the herb.

The flavonoids and essential oils in chamomile go below the surface of the skin to help preserve a youthful glow and provide immune defense. Chamomile has been used in traditional medicine to treat all types of skin conditions such as eczema, gout, bruises, burns and canker sores [5].

What are the side effects of chamomile?

Chamomile is safe to use, however the pollen found in it could cause allergic reactions for some users. Anyone who is allergic to ragweed pollen may not be able to use chamomile. The herb is also known to interfere with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

Since chamomile is a dietary supplement, it isn’t regulated by the FDA in the same way that medication is. Therefore, a dietary supplement can be sold with limited or no research on its effectiveness. Keep this in mind when taking chamomile or any other dietary supplements.

How do you take chamomile supplements?

Chamomile is available to use in various forms. It is most commonly used as a tea, but it can also be purchased as an essential oil, dry powder, or tincture. The type of that you buy depends on how you intend to use it.

Dry powder and extract from chamomile flowers are often recommended because they are the most potent forms of the herb. If you purchase chamomile powder, be sure to look for the kind made from pure chamomile flower leaves as this is where the oils are held.

Chamomile tea is the most popular way to get the most out of the herb’s calming effects. It can be purchased at grocery stores and pharmacies anywhere. Be sure to look for organic pure tea leaves to get the best benefit.

Since chamomile oils aren’t water soluble, the tea won’t have the strong effect that chamomile essential oils, powders, or tinctures will. However, the tea can still help you relax and soothe your stomach.

Recap

Chamomile is available in many forms, although most people are familiar with the herbal tea. This flowering herb can be used to soothe the stomach, reduce pain and inflammation, and treat anxiety. The herb may be used as a tea, tincture, essential oil, or powder. When purchasing a chamomile product, it is best to look for those that contain organic flower leaves for best results.

Chamomile is safe to use and is even recommended for use by pregnant women before and after childbirth. One of the few precautions states that those who have severe allergic reactions to ragweed pollen shouldn’t use the herb.

Otherwise, it is safe for most individuals to use as needed. Recent studies have shown that Chamomile is effective in relieving various types of illnesses and may even help to treat diseases such as prostate or breast cancer.


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Best Camu Camu Powder

The post The Top 5 Chamomile Supplements of 2017 appeared first on HealthRanks.org.



This article first appeared on Health Ranks - https://healthranks.org/chamomile/

Wednesday 6 December 2017

The Top 5 Camu Camu Powders of 2017

Camu camu is a small fruit grown in the rainforests of Peru and Brazil that resembles a cherry and is light orange in color. It’s packed with vitamin C and is a powerful antioxidant. 

Health experts say that this superfruit can help with viral issues such as cold sores, shingles, herpes simplex 1, and even the common cold. It is also commonly used as a natural energy booster.

What is so special about this trendy superfruit? We’ll cover this, along with the benefits, side effects, and recommended dosage instructions. But first, we’ve ranked the top camu camu powders according to price, product quality, and customer reviews.

So what’s the best camu camu powder on the market?

1- Feel Good Organics Camu Camu Powder

Lowest price on Amazon

Straight out of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. That’s where Feel Good Organics harvests their camu camu berries for this authentic, premium organic powder.

They take pride in their non-GMO, gluten-free, 100% raw organic powder imported from Brazil with no additives – something you don’t see too often in the powdered supplement industry.

The Feel Good Organics company stands behind their product. That’s why they offer a “love it or your money back” policy. Here’s what the company has to say about it:

“If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase of our Camu Camu for any reason, just email us and we’ll refund your order in full, no questions asked!”

 Comes in a premium quality storage bag with a resealable zipper, 5-layer structure with foil lining, rounded corners, and a tear notch for easy opening.

Serving size: 1 tsp – about 39 servings in the bag.

Buy Feel Good Organics Camu on Amazon

2- Madre Nature Organic Camu Camu

Lowest price on Amazon

Premium organic camu camu powder, this time from the rainforests of Peru.

Madre Nature is all about natural concentrated vitamin C – here’s what the manufacturer has to say about it:

“The Camu Camu berry is the most potent known source of vitamin C in the world. 1 teaspoon of Camu Camu powder contains 10 times more vitamin C than an orange.”

The camu camu they use is harvested, processed, and packaged in Peru to support the growers and local economy where camu camu originates. The company also donates $2 per bag to local charity efforts in Peru, specifically targeting programs that address child poverty, hunger, and homelessness.

This particular camu camu powder isn’t freeze dried, but rather the berries are dried at a lower temperature not exceeding 110F.

This product is 100% certified organic, non-GMO, raw, gluten-free, and vegan.

Serving size: 1 tsp – about 45 servings in the bag altogether.

Buy Madre Nature Camu on Amazon

3- Maju Superfoods Camu Camu Powder

Lowest price on Amazon

The nutrients in the camu camu powder is carefully protected and preserved with a temperature-controlled vacuum seal.

Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about their product that separates it from their competition:

Get your daily dose of vitamin C from one serving for an energy boost. Try adding some to your morning and see if you notice the difference. Easily scoop it and great for cooking – baked treats such as bread or cookies, or mix it in to your breakfast smoothie for a vitamin C boost.”

Serving size: 1 tsp – about 39 total servings in the tub.

Buy Maju Superfoods Camu on Amazon

4- Sunfood Raw Camu Camu Powder

Lowest price on Amazon

One of the most expensive camu camu powders sold on Amazon, the Sunfood company is all about premium quality.

Their mission statement says “At Sunfood we are on a quest to help you discover the healing, energy and longevity power within you.  We do this through education and the most nutrient dense superfoods on the planet.”

Their certified organic raw camu camu powder is no exception.

Caution / Allergen Statement: Packaged in a gluten-free facility. May contain traces of tree nuts and peanuts.

Serving size: 1 tsp – about 33 servings total in the bag.

Buy Sunfood Raw Camu on Amazon

5- Peruvian Naturals Camu Camu

Lowest price on Amazon

Are you the type that would rather just take a capsule instead of dealing with scooping powder? This might be the camu camu supplement for you.

Peruvian Naturals offers capsules packed with 500 mg of USDA certified organic camu camu berry – no artificial colors, flavors, or anything else added.

Not the cheapest camu camu product on the market, but you pay for the convenience and portability of capsules.

Suggested use: 1-3 capsules daily. Do not exceed 5 capsules in a day. 90 total in the bottle.

Buy Peruvian Naturals Camu on Amazon

What is camu camu?

The camu camu berry grows in flooded areas in the Amazon rainforest in the countries of Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela.

The large berries grown on a shrub and resemble cherries. It is one of the most abundant sources of Vitamin C we have access to. One serving of camu camu berry contains 60 times more Vitamin C than an orange.

The berry is rich in antioxidants, and it is also a great source of calcium, protein, potassium, amino acids, beta carotene, and several phytochemicals. Many consider it to be more nutritious than the current superfruit in the US, the Acai Berry.

Native Amazonian Indians used Camu Camu Berries for hundreds of years. It was not used as a food source due to its sour taste. Instead, the berries were used for their medicinal purposes. They would often mix the berries with milk and sugar so that they could be used in jams and jellies.

Traditionally, camu camu berries were harvested directly on the river, where locals would pull them from the shrubs while inside their canoes. Due to the rise in popularity of the superfruit in recent years, over-harvesting has become an issue.

Before it entered the global market, camu camu was used by locals in the Amazon rainforest as fish bait. Today, efforts are ongoing to farm the trees in areas such as Brazil and Peru so that camu camu is more sustainable.

How does camu camu powder work?

The camu camu berry is a powerful dietary supplement because of the many vitamins and nutrients it contains.

Here are some of the ingredients found in this superfruit and why they are so important:

  • Vitamin C

The Camu Camu Berry outranks the long-time Vitamin C leader, the orange, when it comes to the amount of this powerful antioxidant it contains. Just a teaspoon of camu camu powder has 1180% of your recommended daily amount of Vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for our immune system and can also help improve gum health.

  • Potassium

One of the best ways to get the potassium you need each day to take a camu camu supplement. We require potassium for the healthy function of our heart and kidneys. It is also useful with treating restlessness and a lack of energy. There are 71.1mg of potassium found in every 100g of camu camu powder.

  • Valine

Valine is an essential amino acid, which means that our bodies do not produce it. Therefore, we must get valine from the foods that we eat. If you don’t get enough of this amino acid in your everyday diet, taking camu camu can help.

Valine is known to promote a strong nervous system and to help with cognitive function. It can also be useful for those who are strength training as it helps prevent muscle breakdown.

  • Flavonoids

Flavonoids are compounds found in various plants. Along with helping give fruits and vegetables their signature colors, flavonoids also work in the body as antioxidants while neutralizing free radicals. Camu camu berries contain several different flavonoids.

  • Leucine

Leucine is another essential amino acid found in camu camu berries that our body requires to stay healthy. It helps to improve the growth of muscle and bone tissue. Leucine also helps with production and recovery of growth hormones.

  • Serine

Camu Camu berries contain even more essential amino acids such as Serine. This ingredient is essential for healthy digestion because it helps to break down the bonds in protein and polypeptides so that our bodies may use them,

  • Ellagic Acid

This acid with antioxidant properties has anti-cancer effects, however little research has been conducted so far. Additional studies on ellagic acid show that it can also has anti-diabetes effects as well.

  • Gallic Acid

This acid found in camu camu berries has shown to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It is also a useful antioxidant.

What are the benefits of camu camu?

With so many powerful ingredients, its easy to see why Camu Camu is gaining so much attention among health experts. Here are a few of the benefits we’ve learned about so far that you can receive by adding camu camu berry to your diet:

  • Improves Focus and Memory

While the antioxidants in this fruit may help give your immune system a much-needed boost, studies have shown that camu camu can also help us to focus, concentrate on our tasks, and think clearly. The large amount of Vitamin C can actually help to clear out plaque build-up in the cognitive pathways.

This build-up is often caused by stress and free radicals, and can leave us feeling foggy throughout the day. This discovery has also led to us finding out that the berry could be responsible for preventing cognitive disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. By taking a camu camu supplement, you can help to give your brain a boost so that you can focus on your daily work tasks.

  • It Could Help Prevent Certain Types of Cancer

It seems that with every new superfood discovery, experts try to find a way for it to help rid the world of cancer. Sometimes we get lucky and find an herb or extract that shows promise, like the camu camu berry.

The antioxidant compounds that are inside this fruit are considered a possible natural remedy for certain types of cancer [1]. More research needs to be performed, however it could mean great news for cancer patients in the future.

  • Improves Mood

Camu Camu berries can have a soothing effect on the body and work almost like a sedative when taken. This can help you to balance out mood swings or deal with issues such as anxiety or depression in a natural way.

While we aren’t exactly sure how the berry helps to improve our mood, it could be due to the high levels of vitamins and magnesium it contains. These ingredients can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and calm down our overall system [2].

  • Improves Cardiovascular and Dental Health

The antioxidants and antiviral functions of camu camu can help promote healthy gums and fight against gingivitis. Research has shown that supplements that are high in antioxidants like camu camu can help block free radicals which can cause inflammatory issues and other periodontal health problems.

Also, having healthy gums is important since dental care can be directly linked to cardiovascular health [3].

  • Helps to Tone Muscles

The blend of vitamins and nutrients in camu camu along with organic compounds and amino acids make it an excellent health food that assists with the growth of healthy muscles.

If you are interested in giving your metabolism a boost and improve your muscle tone at the same time, adding this supplement to your daily regimen could do the trick [4].

Slows the Aging Process

There are several studies that show how well camu camu berries are in terms of eliminating the early signs of aging. With the large amount of antioxidants the berries contain, a single serving can help to lower the amount of oxidative stress your body is exposed to [5].

And this can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles or crow’s feet while it also gives you younger looking, glowing skin.

What are the side effects of camu camu?

While there have not been many studies conducted on the fruit, there are not any known side effects associated with it. The berry contains a high amount of Vitamin C, and when taken in copious amounts, this vitamin can cause gastrointestinal issues.

This can include upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting. It is also possible for individuals who take too much Vitamin C to experience kidney damage. Anyone who has a history of stomach ulcers or kidney issues should use caution when taking a supplement that is high in Vitamin C.

Research has shown that camu camu could interfere with some chemotherapy treatments. Always consult with your physician before you take this or any other supplement when receiving chemo, or if you have any other serious health condition.

How do you take camu camu powder?

Because of its strong, sour taste, camu camu supplements are typically taken in powder form or capsule.

The powder can be sprinkled on various foods or added to shakes and smoothies. You can usually find the powder or capsule supplement at health food stores or pharmacies. Because of its anti-aging effects, camu camu berry has also been used in beauty products such as facial masks.

Recap

Camu Camu Berry is a small, tart fruit found in the Amazon rainforests. It is considered a superfruit since it contains such as high amount of Vitamin C, as well as various essential amino acids.

Along with Vitamin C, camu camu berries also contain Potassium, Leucine, and useful Flavonoids. The antioxidants found in camu camu can help with reliving stress, heart health, oral health, and reduce the early signs of aging. Because of its strong tart taste, camu camu supplements are available in powder form or capsules.

There are no known side effects to taking camu camu, however because of its high Vitamin C content, those who are prone to ulcers or digestive issues should use caution when taking the supplement.


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The post The Top 5 Camu Camu Powders of 2017 appeared first on HealthRanks.org.



This article first appeared on Health Ranks - https://healthranks.org/camu-camu-powder/

Wednesday 29 November 2017

The Top 5 Chaga Mushroom Supplements of 2017

Known as the “best of the best” when it comes to medicinal mushrooms, chaga is quickly gaining popularity on the internet for its multiple health benefits.

While we are just now learning about the miraculous uses for chaga, the fungus has long been used for hundreds of years in countries such as Russia, Siberia, and parts of Asia.

What makes the chaga mushroom so special and does it have any side effects? We’ll cover all of this later in the article when we break down how it works, the benefits and side effects, and how to take chaga mushroom supplements.

But before we get there, we’ve ranked the top 5 chaga mushroom supplements on the market according to price, quality, and customer reviews.

So what’s the best chaga mushroom supplement on the market?

1- Primal Herb Chaga Mushroom

Lowest price on Amazon

Primal Herb offers one of the purest and authentic chaga mushroom supplements the market has ever seen.

Their wild harvested chaga mushroom extract powder contains 40% polysaccarides and is extracted at a 30:1 ratio, making it one of the most potent chaga mushroom supplements on Amazon.

According to Primal Herb, they harvest their wild, fully matured chaga mushrooms straight from the birch trees of Siberia. They also use a unique, two-step extraction process. Here’s what they have to say about it:

We use a Dual Extraction Process: both water and alcohol extraction. This process allows for the extraction of some of the most active and bioavailable compounds. In the extraction process, we use purified water and Non-GMO ethanol.”

Absolutely no fillers, no binders, and no artificial ingredients.

Serving size: 1/2 teaspoon – 120 servings total in the bag.

Buy Primal Herb Chaga on Amazon

2- Activa Naturals Chaga

Lowest price on Amazon

Each capsule contains 500 mg of chaga mycelium but you take two capsules for a whopping 1 gram serving of chaga extract. One of the strongest dosage of chaga compared to other leading chaga products.

According to the manufacturer:

“Chaga Mushroom may support the immune system with its unique ingredients such as polysaccharides, Beta-D-Glucans, phytosterols, Betulin and betulinic.”

This product is manufactured in the USA and contains absolutely no fillers, no chemicals, no additives, and no artificial colors.

Take 2 capsules per serving – 60 servings total in the bottle.

Buy Activa Naturals Chaga on Amazon

3- Sayan Health Chaga Extract

Lowest price on Amazon

Sayan Health offers a premium Siberian chaga mushroom water extract produced by using a freeze drying process to ensure the product is optimized with the most essential nutrients.

Here’s what the Sayan company has to say about what separates their chaga supplement from their competition:

“Sayan offers Chaga extract produced by a low-temperature water extraction with freeze dry process to ensure maximum potency. Other manufacturers use an infrared drying process that can scorch the herb and destroy its precious nutrients.

In order to get just 1 pound of Chaga extract powder, we process 6.25 pounds of raw Chaga. Our nutritional supplement is 100% pure and unadulterated. We never mix in other herbs to cut corners and always keep our prices competitive for our customers.”

Serving size: 1/2 tsp. – about 56 servings total in the bag.

Buy Sayan Health Chaga on Amazon

4- Host Defense Chaga

Lowest price on Amazon

With one of the best selling mycelium-sourced chaga supplements on Amazon, it’s hard to go wrong with Host Defense.

They use a chaga mushroom mycelium grown on brown rice, which is kind of like the mushroom’s root system. It is important to note that this product is from cultivated chaga mushrooms grown on the manufacturer’s own farm, not the wild ones found in Siberia.

According to the manufacturer:

“Host Defense® Chaga uses activated, freeze-dried, Certified Organic mycelium, with a full spectrum of constituents: polysaccharides (beta glucans, arabinoxylane, glucose, xylose, galactose and mannose), glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenoids, mycoflavonoids, and other myco-nutrients, which are essential for supporting natural immunity.”

Recommended dosage instructions: Take 2 capsules once per day, with or without food.

Serving size: 2 capsules – 30 servings total in the container.

Buy Host Defense Chaga on Amazon

5- My Berry Organics Maine Chaga

Lowest price on Amazon

Just plain chaga roots, slow dried and ready to be made into tea. That’s exactly what you get with My Berry Organics Maine Chaga Tea Chunks.

These chaga mushrooms are harvested in the wild birch forests of Maine and have been conveniently sawed and hammered into small chunks ideal for making chaga tea. No strainers or tea bags needed.

Here’s what My Berry Organics says about how to prepare their chaga tea chunks for consumption:

“Directions: Bring water to a simmer, remove from heat, drop in one chunk and steep up to 15 min. Water must be quite hot to infuse. Water color will range from very light to dark depending upon which chunk is used. Both colors offer all the nutritional benefits of chaga.”

About 17-20 chunks in the bag – makes about 35-50 servings (depending on how you re-use chaga chunks).

Buy MBO Maine Chaga on Amazon

What are chaga mushrooms?

Chaga mushrooms are part of the hymenochaetaceae family. This fungus grows on various trees, and is most often found on the birch species.

It features an irregular form that resembles the look of burnt charcoal. The black appearance is due to the large amount of melanin found inside.

Widely found in birch forests, chaga is native to Russia, Japan, Eastern and Northern Europe and Canada. In the United States, it can be found in Alaska, parts of the northernmost states, and in the North Carolina mountains.

Chaga has been used in folk medicine in various North European countries for generations. Today’s medical research on the fungus has centered around its traditional medical use as a form a cancer treating therapy [1].

A study using extracts from chaga on immunosuppressed mice found that it increased IL-6 levels, which could make it useful as an immune system enhancer while a cancer patient undergoes chemotherapy.

The study also showed that the fungus could suppress the growth of TNF-a, a cell that signals protein involved in inflammation.

How Chaga Mushrooms Have Changed Cancer Treatment Research

This could be helpful for individuals who live with autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis.

Recent studies have shown that chaga can activate the immune cells that are responsible for fighting off cancer growth. While these studies are still ongoing, the powerful fungus has shown to be effective in supporting various cancer treatment approaches such as chemotherapy.

It works by combating the negative side effects of the treatment. While it may not be the key to ending cancer overall, the current evidence we have now shows that there could be significant compounds inside the mushroom that make further investigation potentially beneficial [2]

When experts want to prove that an herb, fungus, or other natural ingredient can help fight cancer, there are several events that must take place. First, the researchers must show that the extract can successfully reduce cancer cells by performing a cell culture experiment.

If the experiment has positive results, they will then perform tests to see if the extract can reduce the size of a cancerous tumor. If that proves to be effective, and it is non-toxic to the test subject, the test can then be performed on humans in clinical studies.

At this time, there have not been any clinical experiments performed using chaga extract. However, there are numerous published reports that show chagas’s effect during cell culture experiments. Two groups have performed studies on chaga extract.

One showed that the Neurogliocytoma cells in the experiment were inhibited when treated with chaga extract. These cells are neurons or brain cells that have become cancerous.

The other group performed tests that showed related results using human colon cancer cells It found that Chaga water extract could limit the growth of these cells by as much as 56% [3].

How do chaga mushrooms work?

There are six key ingredients that give chaga mushrooms their incredible medical benefits. They are Polysaccharides, Beta-D-Glucans, Phytosterols, Betulin and Betulinic Acid, Antioxidants, and SODs.

  • Polysaccharides

This ingredient provides users with a powerful boost of energy, promotes heart health, improve liver health and intestinal function, and can also improve blood sugar levels. Polysaccharides are also believed to be excellent mood enhancers. This ingredient is found inside of the chitin walls of chaga.

  • Beta-D-Glucans

This essential ingredient is known for helping improve the immune system. Beta-D-Glucans can help with balancing cholesterol levels and keeping your blood sugar in check.

  • Phytosterols

There are several types of phytosterols present in chaga such as Lanosterol, Inotodiols, Ergosterol, and Fecosterol. Various testing has shown that lanosterol and Inotodiols have a direct effect on cancer cells.

  • Betulin and Betulinic Acid

Betulin and Betulinic acid are highly powerful therapeutic agents currently being studied for their positive effects on cholesterol levels. Along with helping to diminish bad cholesterol, these agents are also being researched on their effect against viruses and cancers.

  • Antioxidants

Chaga contains prominent levels of natural melanin which is known for its antioxidant content. Chaga mushrooms actually have the highest ORAC score for antioxidant potency of any other superfood out there.

  • SODs

This is another important antioxidant that can be found inside chaga. SOD is a group of enzymes known as Super Oxide Dismutase. They help protect our bodies from the harmful effects of uncontrolled oxidation as well as free radicals.

What are the benefits of chaga mushrooms?

There are several great health benefits to taking chaga mushrooms. They contain ingredients that can help boost the immune system and powerful antioxidants for overall well-being.

Here are a few of the key benefits that you can receive by taking a chaga supplement:

  • A Healthy Immune System

Chaga can help to give our immune systems a boost, only as needed. Because of the mushroom’s high Beta-D-Glucan content, it can help to balance the body’s response to the immune system. That means it can slow down the activity of our immune system if it becomes overactive.

This makes chaga an excellent Biological Response Modifier.

  • Soothing Pain Relief

Chaga can provide pain relief and soothing properties in times of irritation. It supports the function of our blood vessels which can be useful for those suffering from pain or neuropathy.

  • Healthy Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels

Recent studies have shown that the amount of betulnic acid found in chaga mushrooms can help to regulate cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood pressure levels [4].

  • Promotes Antimicrobial Activities

The chemical makeup and the biological activity of chaga mushroom extracts were examined in a study and showed that the cells have a high antioxidant and antimicrobial content.

  • Prevents Damage to DNA

Additional studies have shown that cells pretreated with chaga extract and then later treated with H202 to promote oxidative stress had less damage than those that didn’t receive the chaga extract.

  • Advanced Antiviral Properties

In limited studies, chaga mushrooms showed to provide benefits and protection to irritated skin and prevent blemishes.

  • Helps with Ulcers and Gastritis

Because it can give our immune system a boost, chaga has been used over the years to promote good gastrointestinal health.

Ulcers are usually caused by bacteria such as Hellcobacter pylori. Having a healthy immune system can help fight off this and other harmful pathogens. Current ulcers can also be soothed by taking chaga.

What are the side effects of chaga mushrooms?

Chaga is a natural medicine that can safely be taken every day in reasonable amounts. Taking too much chaga at once can cause potential side effects.

The fungus is a natural blood thinner, therefore taking excessive amounts along with prescription blood thinners such as Plavix, or over the counter medications like Aspirin can have an adverse effect.

Chaga is also high in magnesium and potassium. While that is good news for those who need more of these nutrients in their diet, overconsumption of chaga could put a burden on your kidneys and lead to kidney damage.

Do not take additional magnesium or potassium supplements while you are taking chaga [5].

Diabetics should limit their chaga intake to maintain healthy blood sugars since the fungus is known to lower blood glucose levels. If you are already taking medication for diabetes, taking chaga could lead to hypoglycemia.

How do you take chaga mushrooms?

Chaga is a tonic and should be taken daily for best results. It is recommended that users consume one to two cups of chaga tea their overall health and well-being.

To help speed up healing or assist with other serious health conditions, it is recommended to take three to five cups of chaga tea for the initial dosage.

Make sure to pay close attention to the label on your chaga supplement and follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Recap

While there are still multiple studies being performed on the effectiveness of chaga mushrooms when it comes to cancer treatment, so far, the outcome looks very good.

Even though we are still unsure if the mushroom itself can halt the disease, we do know that it can help to ease the pain and discomfort associated with chemotherapy, and that could be a huge relief for cancer patients receiving the treatment.

Along with that potential benefit, chaga can also help with various other health issues such as high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, pain management and diabetes.

Be sure to take chaga as directed since an overdose could lead to serious health issues. Chaga can be consumed as a tea and safely taken daily.


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Monday 27 November 2017

The Top 5 Shiitake Mushroom Supplements of 2017

It’s one of the most powerful superfoods known to mankind and it can be enjoyed in a number of ways with different recipes for meals, nutritional shakes, and even your morning coffee. 

Say what?

Introducing the shiitake (“she-TOCK-ee”) mushroom.

Loaded with positive health benefits, these tasty little mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular, especially for the AHCC and cancer fighting properties of the fungus [1].

What makes the shiitake mushroom so special? We’ll explain this and cover all the side effects and benefits later in the article. First, we’ve ranked the top 5 best shiitake mushroom supplements on the market according to price, product quality, and customer reviews.

So what’s the best shiitake mushroom supplement on the market?

1- Supreme Potential Shiitake Mushroom

Lowest price on Amazon

Supreme Potential offers an excellent, 900 mg capsule of shiitake mushroom extract sourced from the above ground fruiting body, unlike most shiitake supplements which use a mixture of mycelium with brown rice.

The whole body benefits include improved cardiovascular and immune system health, anti-aging and antioxidant properties, and lowering cholesterol levels.

Here’s what the manufacturer has to say about their company:

“Supreme Potential is a high quality brand of nutritional supplements formulated for a variety of purposes that lead to our customers’ overall wellbeing. We have a passion for promoting wellness and positivity through optimal health, and we empower people to reach their full potential.

We are proud to offer products that promise effectiveness and positive results. We understand the market has become flooded with harmful supplements that are unreliable and unsafe to consume, but we look to provide safe and reliable products that are purposeful without being harmful.”

Also according to the manufacturer, the product contains 750 mg of AHCC which is naturally found in shiitake mushrooms.

Recommended dosage instructions: “For adults, take two (2) capsules one to two times daily, preferably with a meal.”

No artificial ingredients, fillers, binders, or GMOs contained in the supplement. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA approved GMP certified facility.

Each capsules contains 900 mg of shiitake mushroom extract – 100 capsules total in the bottle.

Buy Supreme Potential Shiitake on Amazon

2- Mushroom House Dried Premium Shiitake

Lowest price on Amazon

If you’re looking for pure, high quality shiitake mushrooms either to harness the nutritional value or just to use for cooking, you can’t go wrong with Mushroom House.

Sold by a remote family business in Thailand, Mushroom House takes it to the next level with the quality of their mushrooms. Customer reviews indicate that these mushrooms are generally larger and have less damage after shipping than their competitors.

Are whole shiitake mushrooms more nutritious than shiitake mycelium brown rice capsules?

Turns out, to obtain a more concentrated form of the glyconutrients and healthy components contained in the shiitake mushroom, the best method is a hot water extraction process sourced with whole fruiting bodies [2], just like the ones Mushroom House offers.

Comes in a 1 lb. bag of 4-6 cm hand-picked mushrooms.

Buy Mushroom House Shiitake on Amazon

3- Solaray Shiitake Mushroom

Lowest price on Amazon

Solaray Shiitake Mushroom is one of the most popular shiitake mushroom supplements sold on Amazon.

Each capsule contains 600 mg of shiitake mycelium mixed with a brown rice biomass. The brown rice acts as the host plant for the mycelium, which is basically the root system part of the mushroom.

The shiitake mushroom mycelium powder is contained in a gelatin easy to swallow capsule for a quick and easy solution to taking the supplement.

Recommended dosage instructions: “Take up to three capsules two times daily with a meal or glass of water.”

100 capsules in the bottle.

Buy Solaray Shiitake Mushroom on Amazon

4- Host Defense Shiitake Extract

Lowest price on Amazon

All of the great immune boosting qualities of the shiitake mushroom in a convenient, easy to take liquid supplement. That’s what Host Defense is all about with this product.

According to the manufacturer, this shiitake extract is “made with US grown, triple extracted organic mushrooms.”

Here are the official ingredients in this supplement:

  • Fresh Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycelium extract
  • Dried Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) fruitbody extract
  • water
  • alcohol (alcohol content 30-40%)
  • myceliated brown rice

Recommended dosage instructions: “As a dietary supplement, take 1 mL twice per day. Can be taken with food or without, on an empty stomach or as recommended by your healthcare advisor.”

Take 1 mL per serving – 60 mL total in the bottle.

Buy Host Defense Shiitake on Amazon

5- Mushroom Science Shiitake

Lowest price on Amazon

Mushroom Science offers a pretty unique shiitake mushroom product.

Each capsule contains 300 mg of shiitake mushroom extract using the hot water extraction process for shiitake mushrooms grown on wood.

The hot water extraction process is said to contain 50-80x more beta glucan than mycelium grown on rice or liquid alcohol shiitake supplements. One of the few shiitake supplements on the market that use the hot water extraction process instead of brown rice mycelium.

Recommended dosage instructions: “Adults take 1-3 capsules twice daily, AM or PM on an empty stomach.”

Serving size: 1 capsule – 90 capsules per bottle.

Buy Mushroom Science Shiitake on Amazon

What are shiitake mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms are fungus that have a smoky flavor and a rich texture.

They are one of the most commonly consumed mushrooms and are probably available in your local vegetable markets and in the produce section of your grocery store. Like the white button mushrooms, shiitakes have an abundance of flavor that intensifies when they are dried.

The Shiitake mushroom is native to East Asia; however, they are widely grown in other parts of the world including Japan, Singapore, China, Canada, and the United States.

While we may consider them a vegetable, shiitakes are a fungus. They are often found growing in the wild on dead or decaying hardwood trees.

How do shiitake mushrooms work?

Shiitake mushrooms are beneficial to our health because they contain a large number of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that promote good health.

They also contain some of the same amino acids as meat, which makes them an excellent protein alternative for vegetarians and vegans.

Shiitakes are a low-calorie, high-fiber superfood that contain high amounts of B-vitamins and essential minerals. These mushrooms also contain immune-boosting ingredients such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols and lipids.

These are all essential to lowering bad cholesterol levels [3] and can even help prevent certain types of cancer.

Here are some of the nutrients that you can get from eating a serving of shiitakes.

  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Folate
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin B6
  • Fiber
  • Protein
  • Niacin
  • Riboflavin
  • Selenium
  • Copper
  • Vitamin B5

The amount of these vitamins and nutrients found in shiitake mushrooms can vary depending on where the fungus is grown.

There are two primary uses for shiitake mushrooms, they are used as food and as a supplement. While it is most common for people to consume dried shiitake mushrooms, you can also cook them fresh as well.

When you add shiitake mushrooms to stir fry, soups, and stews, it brings out a unique flavor described as “umami”. The word means savory and delicious, and it is used to describe the fifth taste after sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

Shiitake mushrooms have been used as supplements in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to improve health and longevity and boost circulation.

Medical experts today have found that the bioactive compounds inside these mushrooms can provide us with even more health benefits, such as protecting us against inflammation and certain forms of cancer.

What are the benefits of shiitake mushrooms?

There are several health benefits associated with these mushrooms because they are loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.

They also contain strong natural compounds that can help fight off inflammation and bad bacteria. Here are a few of the many benefits of shiitake mushrooms:

  • Improve Heart Health

Studies performed on shiitake mushrooms have shown that they could be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease, or those who may be at risk. The mushrooms contain three compounds that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. These compounds are Sterols, Beta-glucans, and Eritadenines.

Eritadenines are compounds that merge with the enzymes which produce cholesterol. Sterols are molecules that can help prevent cholesterol absorption in the gut, and Beta-glucans are a form of fiber that can help improve cholesterol levels.

A study recently performed on lab rats who had genetically high blood pressure showed that administering shiitakes in powder form helped prevent a rise in blood pressure levels. Experts also feel that shiitake mushrooms are ideal for heart health when eaten as a whole food.

In another study where rats were fed a high-fat diet and then given shiitakes to eat showed that the rats later had less fat in their livers, and less plaque buildup on their artery walls. They also had lower cholesterol levels overall [4]

  • Boost Your Immune System

Based on the results of a study performed in 2015, shiitakes could help to strengthen your immune system. They study had individuals eat dried shiitakes daily for a month.

As a result, they had less inflammation and their immune levels were on the rise. This could be due to the compound polysaccharides which are in the mushrooms [5].

  • Fight Obesity

There are some components in shiitake mushrooms that have fat-reducing properties. Eritadenines and B-Glucan are effective in helping with weight loss. Recent studies have shown that B-Glucan, which is a soluble dietary fiber, can increase satiety, delay nutrition absorption, and reduce the buildup of fat.

  • Cancer-Fighting Capabilities

The polysaccharides in shiitakes are also responsible for the mushroom’s cancer-fighting abilities. Lentinan is a polysaccharide that can fight tumors by promoting immune system health. It has also been shown to prevent the growth of leukemia cells.

In countries such as Japan and China, lentinan is currently being used with chemotherapy to improve the immune function of patients with gastric cancer, and enhance their overall quality of life [6].

  • Antibacterial & Antiviral Effects

Shiitake mushrooms include various compounds that have antibacterial and antiviral effects. They include Oxalic acid, Lentinan, Centinamycins A & B, and Eritadenine.

  • Improve Energy & Brain Function

Shiitake mushrooms contain a high amount of B-Vitamins. They can help support adrenal function which can be useful with improving energy levels. They can also help balance hormones and eliminate brain fog to help you maintain focus. It has also been known to help improve cognitive function, which could be useful with memory loss.

Many people are deficient in B-Vitamins and that can cause a decrease in energy, unhealthy blood cells and poor focus. Adding more shiitakes to your everyday diet can help to provide you with the energy boost that you need to remain alert and stay focused on your daily tasks.

  • Strengthen Bones

Mushrooms contain Vitamin D and they are the only natural plant source that does so. Vitamin D can help build strong bones and improve our overall calcium levels.

  • Amino Acid Support

Shiitakes are a unique plant because they contain all the eight essential amino acids. They also contain an essential fatty acid known as linoleic acid. This fatty acid aids in weight loss and can help build strong muscles.

Linoleic acid may also improve digestive function, reduce food allergies and sensitivities, and it has bone-building benefits.

What are the side effects of shiitake mushrooms?

Most people can consume shiitake mushrooms without any issues. However, there are some potential side effects that may occur.

There have been some rare cases where individuals developed a skin rash after eating or touching raw shiitakes. This is a condition known as shiitake dermatitis. It is believed to be caused by the lentinan content in the mushrooms.

Using powdered mushroom extract as a supplement over an extended period of time may cause some side effects such as upset stomach, sensitivity to sunlight and skin irritation.

There have been some claims that eating mushrooms can cause gout-like symptoms. This is believed to be caused by the high purine content. Yet at the same time, some studies have shown that eating shiitakes and other types of mushrooms can actually lower the risk of gout [7].

How do you take shiitake mushrooms?

The great advantage to taking shiitake mushrooms is that unlike many other dietary supplements, these mushrooms can be added to a variety of recipes and they have a very pleasant taste.

You can cut off the bottom half of the stem, or remove it completely to make the mushroom easier to eat since the stems can be harder. Slice the mushroom into thin strips and scatter on a salad. Or cook in a mixture garlic and butter to serve along with pasta. Shiitakes can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried.

If you choose to take the supplement form of shiitakes, there are powder and capsule varieties available.

However, you should be careful and only take the recommended dosage. It can be much easier to take a higher amount of shiitakes in capsule form. And that could lead to developing harmful side effects.

Recap

Shiitake mushrooms are a superfood that contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which can improve your immune system and prevent harmful diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

While studies based on the effectiveness of shiitakes and eliminating cancer are still ongoing, the results of numerous tests have been very positive. Shiitakes have been used in China for several years in combination with chemotherapy to treat gastric cancer. And the fungus has been used for centuries as a remedy for several types of illnesses.

Shiitakes are safe to eat in reasonable amounts and make a powerful addition to soups and stews.


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The post The Top 5 Shiitake Mushroom Supplements of 2017 appeared first on HealthRanks.org.



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