Agaricus Blazei, the Healing Mushroom of the Gods
Indigenous cultures have, for millennia, included fungi in their diets and medicinal foods. Modern science is just beginning to catch up to their powerful potential. Like other potent plant healers, mushrooms are multidimensional and complex sources of nutrients that work holistically, rather than pharmacologically. Alternative medicine has experienced so much success in its employ of mushrooms to cope with an array of ailments that, at long last, modern medicine has taken notice and has funded a series of promising studies.
Now traditional oncologists and alternative practitioners alike have found success with mushrooms in patients battling cancer. Of the myriad mushroom species commonly used in traditional medicine, the Agaricus blazei has recently been the subject of numerous trials.
It is known in Brazil as “Cogumelo de Deus,” or “Mushroom of God,” because of its reputation for bestowing health and longevity on those who consume it. Although modern researchers maintain that more studies are warranted before Agaricus blazei’s medicinal value is confirmed as a curative, growing evidence, along with traditional usage, shows that a great part of its potential lies in such arenas as cancer treatment and immune system function for both humans and animals.
Agaricus Blazei Found to Have Anti-Tumor Properties
Perhaps the most exciting discovery for those suffering from cancer is that a natural substance with few, if any, side effects has the potential to fight and/or prevent disease. Because the genesis and progression of cancer is associated with a weakened immune system, it is natural to look to a powerful immune enhancer to ward off and/or kill abnormal cell growth.
Native to the Brazilian rainforest, the Agaricus blazei Murill has been used by traditional healers against cancer, infections, allergies, and a host of other maladies. When researchers began investigating this unique species, they found the mushroom to be high in immunomodulating substances that not only served to strengthen the immune system, but also induced apoptosis (cell suicide) in cancerous cells. Apoptosis is the lynchpin in cancer research, because without cell death, cancer cells continue to replicate out of control. When the effects of Agaricus blazei were studied in mouse subjects, it was found that the mushroom successfully targeted fibrosarcoma, myeloma, ovarian, lung, and prostate cancer. In human subjects, it was also found to be effective against gynecological cancer and leukemia.
In the mid-1960s, Agaricus blazei spores were taken to Japan and researched for their medicinal properties — namely their ability to fight cancer and infection. Studies on guinea pigs resulted in promising anti-tumor properties, to the extent that the Japanese began farming the mushroom and selling it on the international market. In subsequent studies, researchers successfully isolated various extracts of the mushroom, leading them to identify its polysaccharide content as the main tumor-fighting component.
While plenty of plants boast high levels of polysaccharides, Japanese studies show that the Agaricus blazei has a stronger antitumor activity than other medicinal mushrooms lauded for their cancer-fighting characteristics. One study demonstrated that a low-molecular weight polysaccharide found in Agaricus blazei was able to significantly slow, and even decrease, the spread of metastatic cells in models. Â
When used as an aid to patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy cancer treatments, Agaricus blazei has been found to be a powerful adjunctive therapy for reducing side effects. Along with numerous accounts of anecdotal evidence given by oncologists, veterinarians, and patients, a clinical report from South Korea confirmed that the mushroom dispels, or at least dramatically reduces, the side effects of chemotherapy. Agaricus blazei has also been found to offer significant support to radiation treatment, which work by indiscriminately destroying both good and rogue body cells in the cancerous region. Due to its immune-boosting function, the mushroom works to produce the natural killer cells (NK) that chemotherapy and radiation commonly destroy.
Agaricus blazei Supplementation
The native peoples of Brazil have been consuming Agaricus blazei as a dietary staple for thousands of years, but those who don’t have easy access to it are wont to purchase the mushroom in supplement, tincture, or powder form.
Although Agaricus blazei and other potent healing mushrooms have been deemed important food treatments in the fight against cancer and other diseases, users should keep at least one common-sense warning in mind: When consuming this or any food or supplement — especially for a desired effect upon a serious physical ailment — the wisest course is to first consult with a physician versed in the use of medicinal mushrooms.
Agaricus blazei Murill is one of a growing number of ancient plants that hold the key to addressing many of our most common maladies. It has come out of the indigenous healer’s medicine chest and into the modern research laboratory to at long last reveal its healing secrets.
Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
10 Ways to Improve Brain Health and Function
The human body is a fascinating machine – with its efficiency surpassed only by its complexity. However, the most incredible piece of equipment is the part that rules it all – the human brain. With over 100 billion neurons that connect and join together to create over 1,000 trillion synapses, the human brain contains more neural connections than there are stars in the galaxy.
Unfortunately, your brain doesn’t come with an owner’s manual. While everyone is different, scientists estimate that most people are only using about 10 percent of their brain’s total capacity. With such a powerful tool constantly at our disposal – it’s easy to forget just how delicate our brains can be.
So let’s look at some ways that you can take care of your brain and get the most out of this elite piece of machinery.
TOP FOODS FOR BOOSTING BRAIN HEALTH
While the health concerns of a poor diet are far ranging – multiple studies have found that poor nutritional habits lead to a decline in cognitive behavior and an increased risk for dementia.
By working the following foods into your diet, you’ll increase your chances of maintaining healthy brain function well into old age.
Turmeric
In India, where turmeric is a frequent ingredient, population studies have revealed a lower proclivity to Alzheimer’s. While turmeric probably isn’t the only reason, it has been shown to activate genes that help to reduce inflammation that weakens and destroys brain cells. Try adding a teaspoon daily.
Coffee
More than just a morning survival necessity, coffee can improve your brain’s ability to learn by nearly 10 percent and can even relieve headaches and migraines by constricting blood vessels in the brain that are opening too wide. On top of this, caffeine suppresses a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which influences attention, alertness, and sleep. By blocking adenosine, other brain chemicals like glutamate and dopamine are stimulated and flow more freely – giving you a surge of energy, improved mental performance and overall slowing the effects of aging on your brain.
Wild Salmon
Your brain is 60 percent fat – most of which is the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Eating wild salmon, also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been proven to boost learning capabilities and academic performance in children as well as ward of depression and hostility in young adults and cognitive dementia in the elderly.
Nuts
Not all nuts are created equally – but most are pretty darn amazing for your brain. Walnuts are rated the top for your brain health as they have a significantly high concentration of DHA. Almonds and hazelnuts are also a great source for Vitamin E, which has been linked to less age-related cognitive decline. While fewer studies have been done surrounding peanuts, they are extremely high in niacin – which multiple reports have linked deficiencies with a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
