Incorporating superfoods into a well-balanced diet helps promote mind and body health. When it comes to natural alternatives, the king of mushrooms, i.e. Chaga, has definitely earned its place to help you live a longer and healthier life. But, before you dive into where to buy Chaga from, there are a few things you probably should know.
What is Chaga?
Chaga is essentially a fungus which produces a wood-like growth known as the conk. It primarily grows on birch trees has a lifespan of 25 years. A relic of eastern medicine, the mushroom has over 250 Phyto-nutrients which work to protect your body and provide nourishment. These include:
- Antioxidants –From reducing inflammation to promoting the longevity of your cells, the antioxidants in Chaga beat out any other natural superfood.
- Beta-D-Glucans– Boosts immune system while normalizing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Polysaccharides– Provides energy for heart, liver and intestinal health.
- Phytosterols and Triterpenes– Essential for hormone regulation while providing anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-aging properties.
- Minerals– Contains minerals such as Potassium, Zinc, Magnesium, Rubidium and Manganese which are essential nutrients for our body’s daily functioning.
That said, not every Chaga product available on the market is the same. To get the most out of your superfood, the question of where to buy Chagais a rather important one. It determines the quality, and therefore, the nutrients you’re receiving.
4 Things to Factor When Buying Chaga
When it comes to your buying process, the initial search will help you save time and find the best choice for yourself. There are four key factors you need to keep in mind:
Pureness
Given the particularities in which Chaga grows, its pureness should be a concern for buyers. Being a mushroom, the Chaga can intake toxic compounds from its air and soil which hurts its purity and ability to provide you with the nutrition you’re after. In some cases, the mushroom may be processed which would renders it ineffective as a superfood completely.
Environment plays a major role in its potency. Warmer climates strip it bare, while colder environments will provide you the kick you need. Likewise, growers may be using chemicals in order to treat the mushroom. Chemical will take away from its properties and so, purity plays a large role. Due to this, your personal vigilance will come in handy. Ask the seller about its growth and harvesting process in order to verify you’re getting quality product.
Price
The price of your product should be considered, but ultimately, be of a lesser concern. There should be a focus on quality as the price will justify itself. That said, Chaga is definitely nearly not as expensive as some other superfoods and can be purchased in different forms, including powder, chunks, or even coffee.
Additionally, you won’t be purchasing Chaga on the regular due to its nature and intake recommendations. Splurging a bit to buying a quality product will pay you back in folds in terms of your health and general fitness.
Reputation
Chaga can be sourced from businesses or individual pickers; however, you may have to deal with the seller only. It is important to look at the source and reputation of the company you’re buying from in order to make the right decisions.
Some sources may provide less potent products or use chemical treatments which inadvertently lead to the same. Quality sellers will often label their products to let you know just how potent the Chaga in their products are. In order to confirm their growing/harvesting practices, you’ll need to dive into the company a bit more.
Therefore, pay attention to your company and the information they are providing regarding their set-up. They should be able to answer any of your queries and help you avoid buying low-quality Chaga products.
Where Should I Buy Chaga?
In order to buy the best form of Chaga available to you, you’re going to have to do a bit of research. Identifying the form you want your Chaga is should be your first step. Here are some of your options:
- Raw Chaga(in chunks) – Can be steeped in water to make a powerful Chaga tea concentrate.
- Powder– For those who prefer the tea form, but don’t want the bitter taste or wish to add in additional products.
- Tablet– Some companies offer pure ground Chaga tablet for easy of intake.
- Tea & Coffee – Often mixed with other products to provide you additional benefits.
- Oil and other skincare products– There are some topical Chaga products which target your skincare needs.
Once you’ve selected the type of product you want, you should start looking into sellers. Instead of going for the easiest to find, take a moment to list out your options. This initial exploration will help you get the best quality product. As mentioned, you should look at their growing, harvesting and selling practices, as well as the reputation of the company itself.
You can find Chaga in various outlet or online stores which provide different forms with variations in potency. Some sellers will list Chaga in their ingredients but if there is no label present, it might be difficult to know its purity level. In such a case, you can reach out to the seller or simply skip on them. Chaga will only be effective for you if you have a quality product with its efficacy intact. Most companies will have labels to inform you of its pureness.
Keep narrowing your options down till you have the seller which best caters to you and is able to provide high quality Chaga as per your requirements.
Conclusion
Chaga has been long used as a natural stimulant to keep our bodies thriving and healthy. It is packed with nutrients which need particular environments in order to grow into the superfood we know. Purity of the product should be at the forefront of your purchasing decision and it is important to conduct your research before making the final decision. Take some time to research what kind of Chaga form you need to incorporate this nutrient-dense mushroom into your life, and it will pay off over time with improvements in your mind and body.
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