The Miraculous Snow Fungus: A Natural Solution for Brain, Heart, and Skin Health
What is it actually?
White fungus is an edible mushroom from the Tremellaceae family. People also call it snow fungus, silver ear, snow ear white wood ear, and white jelly mushroom. These names come from its unique features and the fact that it grows on fallen branches of broad-leaved trees. This fungus has a white to pale yellow color and a soft-like texture that looks almost see-through. Its shape looks like coral you'd find underwater. White fungus grows in Asia, but you can also find it in warm climates around the world. These include South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. For years Chinese medicine has used white fungus as a herb to boost health and help people live longer.
(Source: Google Images)
Potential benefits ~
People value white fungus for its many health perks, which come from its carb chains called polysaccharides.
Anti-inflammatory ~
Your body reacts to injury through inflammation, which helps the healing process. This stops when a wound heals. But if your body stays inflamed all the time, we call it chronic inflammation. This has a link to a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. Chronic inflammation also has ties to higher levels of markers that promote inflammation such as nitric oxide, interleukin-1 beta interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Studies hint that white fungus extract might influence lowering these markers that promote inflammation.
Antioxidant ~
When your body faces too many free radicals, it can result in oxidative stress, which can have a negative impact on your health by damaging cells and tissues. Molecules called antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals protecting your body from oxidative stress. Studies show that polysaccharides from white fungus might decrease oxidative stress by combating free radicals. This could help to protect you from certain long-term health problems.
Brain health ~
(Source: Google Images)
White fungus polysaccharides may protect brain cells against nerve cell damage and degenerative diseases. One study found that white fungus extract may reduce brain toxicity caused by beta-amyloid — a protein that in high amounts has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Research also suggests that the extract may improve memory. One 8-week study in 75 people found that consuming either 600 mg or 1,200 mg of a white fungus supplement per day improved memory questionnaire scores — especially in short-term memory parameters — compared with a control group. Similarly, one 14-day study in rats showed that a daily oral treatment with white fungus extracts significantly reversed drug-induced memory loss.
Immunity ~
(Source: Google Images)
Certain immune system defense cells may be stimulated by the bioactive chemicals found in white fungus. According to one study, a protein present in white fungus may promote the activity of macrophages, a subset of white blood cells that eradicates damaged tissue and kills bacteria. Another study revealed that in a laboratory-induced infection in mice, its polysaccharides might help control the immune response and lower infection-related mortality. To learn more about the implications of this for human health, more studies on humans are necessary.
May improve skin complexion ~
(Source: Google Images)
White mushroom have gained popularity in the beauty world because they help fight aging and keep skin moist. Its polysaccharides might boost skin hydration by cutting down on water and collagen loss in the skin after sun or UV exposure. Also, white fungus polysaccharides create a clear film that helps the skin hold onto water when applied. This means they can work as natural skin moisturizers and help reduce wrinkles.
Blood sugar ~
White fungus polysaccharides might help reduce blood sugar levels by working on several antidiabetic pathways. An animal study found that these polysaccharides can lower blood sugar levels and boost insulin sensitivity, which affects how your cells react to insulin. Lab studies also showed that white fungus extract can have a positive effect on enzymes and hormones linked to diabetes. Research hints that white fungus could slow down aldose reductase activity. High levels of this enzyme can harm the eyes and nerves of people with diabetes. Other studies point out that white fungus polysaccharides might balance resistin and adiponectin levels - two hormones that can cause insulin resistance when they're out of whack.
Heart disease ~
Compounds in white fungus could help protect your heart. A lab study revealed that this mushroom's antioxidants might stop LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing. Research shows that when LDL oxidizes, it kicks off and speeds up atherosclerosis – plaque buildup in your arteries. Doctors see this plaque buildup as a red flag for high blood pressure and stroke.
How to cook white fungus:
(Source: Google Images)
Although you may find fresh white fungus online or at your local specialty store, it’s mostly sold in dried form. Dried white fungus should be prepped before cooking by following these simple steps:
Soaking. Cover the dried mushroom with water, and let it sit for 1 to 3 hours or until all of it becomes gelatinously soft.
Trimming. Trim off the bottom part, as it remains hard after soaking.
Washing. Tear the fungus into small, petal-like pieces. Wash thoroughly and drain or pat dry.
White fungus has a sweet taste and bland texture and is traditionally cooked in soups, both sweet and savory. Still, you may enjoy it as an ingredient in other everyday dishes.
Here’s an easy way you could make white fungus porridge:
Prep your white fungus by soaking, trimming, and washing it. Then chop it into smaller pieces.
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of oats and the chopped fungus, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
You may enjoy this porridge with fruits or nuts as part of a balanced breakfast or snack.
The bottom line ~
For millennia, traditional Chinese medicine has utilized white fungus, a wild medicinal mushroom. Its high fiber content and polysaccharide chains, which boost immunity, in the heart, brain, and skin, are among its many health advantages.White fungus is simple to include in your diet and has no known negative effects.
.jpg)
