If you are at the bar, half asleep, and the eye falls on a sign with the words "try the coffee of well-being, based on Ganoderma Lucidum ", you are not going crazy or you have not read wrong.
It is one of the last proposals, actually already known in the East for millennia under the name of " reishi " for its beneficial properties, alternative to the classic cup of morning coffee.
But what is it? What does this preparation reserve for us and why would it do well? What are the criticisms? Below we will briefly explain his story.
Ganoderma lucidum, the solitary mushroom
The reishi, as it is known in Japan, or Ling-Zhi, as the Chinese call it - Ganoderma Lucidum is the scientific name -, is a rare mushroom with a reddish color that grows solitary under oak and chestnut trees, known in the East for its special properties and consumed for over 4000 years.
Approved in Italy also by the Ministry of Health as a food supplement, ganoderma or reishi is offered together with coffee blends and can be consumed either at home, dissolved in boiling water, or at the bar, served in a cup.
What is also known as "Grass of spiritual power", would be able to act as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, antioxidant, antidepressant, tonic and invigorating ; regulator of pressure and cholesterol, it would also be an excellent expectorant and anti-cough, flu, painkiller.
Not only: the benefits of ganoderma would also be found for gastritis, ulcers, migraines, arthritic pains and related to the menstrual cycle ; Finally, the intestine would also benefit. In short, it would be a miraculous global regulator of the organism.
Criticism of Ganoderma, a not so miraculous mushroom
But beware: beyond the praised properties, Altroconsumo warns and speaks of a miracle-not-miracle; according to Efsa (the European food safety agency), the publicity that has been made of it is too general and not specific.
Therefore "it has suspended the evaluation of advertising claims related to effects on the circulatory system, on the immune system and maintenance of cholesterol levels in the blood " - as Altroconsumo explains -, while the Ministry of Health " foresees for this fungus the possibility of using the 'indication of a positive effect on the body's natural defenses " .
Well or not, it is clear that, in the face of uncertainties, perhaps it is better to base the regulation and well-being of the organism above all on a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Knowing the reishi : this mushroom is widely spoken in the text of Frank-Daniel Schulten entitled "Reishi" (Ed. The Meeting Point).
100 grams of product cost around 13 euros. For the most curious, the taste remains that of coffee, defined by those who have drunk it even more full-bodied and soft.
