What is сhaga?
You may have heard about сhaga mushroom. This fungus mainly grows on the birch bark and is well known for its medicinal properties. It is mainly found in Canada, the USA, and Russia where it has been a big part of folk medicine for centuries (1).
Just like any other natural remedy, chaga is not a silver bullet, but there are studies showing its efficacy in gastritis, developing ulcers, and persistent heartburn.
Some doctors also see its effects on patients’ energy and immune levels leading to faster disease and surgery recoveries.
Overall, chaga is mostly known because of its antioxidant effects and potential in regulating immunity and digestion. Chaga properties are coming from a number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it is composed of. Some people believe terpenoids, specifically betulinic acid and betulin, are linked to chagas' most powerful health benefits (2).
Chaga comes in different forms such as powders, chunks, teas, and chaga extracts. Its preparations are time consuming and can be inconvenient. It may not be well tolerated depending on personal taste and smell preferences.
Keep in mind that when you are making tea out of the chunks or regular powder, you will only be able to digest the water-soluble components of chaga such as antioxidants and beta-glucan.
To experience beneficial effects of betulin and betulinic acid, you will need to get a hold of dual extracted powder or capsules.
What is betulin?
Betulin is a naturally occurring terpenoid mostly found in the bark of birch trees. It has a broad range of health benefits and is extensively researched for its liver-protective, metabolic, and antiviral properties. Current data supports betulin’s potential supporting role in treatment and prevention of many health conditions such as atherosclerotic plaques, cirrhosis, liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis, and other (3-13).
It is also suggested to be beneficial for those who follow a keto diet.
While chaga does contain some betulin, its concentration is usually low. So if you’re looking for any liver, metabolic or antiviral-related benefits, a birch bark extract rich in betulin could be a better fit.
BETULEX™ is a nutraceutical containing 95% betulin. It does not have any taste or smell and conveniently comes in the form of capsules. One bottle provides a 2-month supply.
Active ingredient in this product, betulin, could help with elevated “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels, reducing the risk of development of liver conditions and plaque buildup in arteries. BETULEX™ could also be beneficial for those who are overweight and are in a risk group for diabetes and heart diseases.
Betulin extract has been featured in scientific studies demonstrating its great antiviral potential. Find out betulin’s effects on hepatitis.
Take a look at the other articles in the blog to find out more about BETULEX™ benefits.
Summary
Betulin and chaga are somewhat similar coming from and/or around the birch tree and sharing a common ingredient - betulin. But chaga has low concentrations of it and works primarily through its other active ingredients. That is why they have different activities and properties.
Chaga is usually suggested for those who are seeking a general digestive and anti-inflammatory aid while BETULEX™ will be better suited for people who are looking for natural anti-viral protection or have metabolic concerns.
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