Chaga, also called "Siberian gold" or "black gold", is a parasitic birch fungus that grows in environments with very low temperatures, even at -20 and -30 degrees, especially in the northern areas. Chaga is formed as a result of infection of the tree with the parasitic fungus Inonotus obliquus, whose spores germinate only if they remain on the parts of the bark damaged. The fungus has an irregular shape, with a diameter between 5 and 40 centimeters and the appearance of burnt charcoal, its predominantly black color due to the presence of large amounts of melanin. It is mentioned in the Russian folk pharmacy, since the 16th century, as a treatment against gastritis and ulcers but also malignant tumors, without side effects. People in Siberia consume chaga tea instead of black tea or coffee, and it has been observed over time that the cancer rate in this area is lower than in neighboring regions. It has a bitter smell and taste and can be harvested in any month of the year, but it is better to harvest it in late autumn or winter because it can be found more easily, the trees being leafless.
CONTENT :

• vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), D, K; calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, nickel; rare alkaline minerals (antimony, germanium, selenium, rubidium)
• antioxidants - the highest ORAC score (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of all superfoods, namely a value 146700, compared to 4669 presented by blueberries
• polysaccharides (70% of which 25% beta-glucans)
• betulinic acid
• amino acids (19 of the 20 basic)

EFFECTS :

• functions as an anticancer agent, through the content of betulin, a precursor of betulinic acid, which inhibits the action of the enzyme topoisomerase, which participates in the installation and development of cancer cells
• has proven antitumor effects in skin cancer, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, uterine cancer, lung cancer and gastric cancer
• combats the development of metastases
• has immunomodulatory properties, ie stimulates a weakened immune system and calms a hyperactive immune system
• is adaptogenic - strengthens resistance to stress, increases longevity, removes fatigue and facilitates recovery after exercise or illness
• has antiviral properties against strains of influenza, herpes simplex and HIV
• helps the formation of good cytokines (a type of protein) with antibacterial and antifungal role and prevents the formation of bad, inflammatory cytokines
• normalizes high blood pressure
• lowers blood sugar and may be beneficial for diabetics
• lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL)
• helps in treating skin edema but also those that affect the internal organs
• has antiaging properties