The lingzhi coffee is a drink prepared from the infusion of roasted coffee beans with dried and powdered lingzhi mushroom extract. The lingzhi is a group of several species of fungi of the genus Ganoderma; the most commons are Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma tsugae, and Ganoderma lingzhi.
In Japan they are known as reishi. In China, both Ganoderma lucidum (red lingzhi) like Sinensis (purple lingzhi) are recognized as lingzhi. These species differ in some of their properties; the Ganoderma lucidum It is considered the most medicinal ling zhi, and is the strain used in Korean and Japanese medicine.
The drink that is prepared with this variety is dark and bitter. It is considered an adaptogen because it helps the body adapt to both physical and mental stress.
They contain beta-glucans, which strengthen the immune system, contribute to the regulation of blood pressure and can delay the onset of tumor growth.
Among its chemical components, the triterpenoids stand out; They carry out activities in the biological field that make them components that could be very useful in the treatment and prevention of various diseases..
In general, fresh mushrooms are about 90% water and 10% dry matter. In dry matter are proteins with a moderate to high content, a high fiber content, low carbohydrates and ash.
Two main components are present in lingzhi: polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Polysaccharide compounds (carbohydrates and fiber) are soluble in water.
In relation to triterpenoids, they have been identified in the genus Ganoderma more than 130 that, due to its fat-soluble character, are found in the ethanolic extract.
In the two main strains (lingzhi red and purple) the levels of the bioactive ergosterol differ, as well as those of the triterpenoids. In contrast, the polysaccharide content does not differ significantly.
The triterpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum They are called ganoderic acids and have a molecular structure similar to steroid hormones.
Other compounds present are beta-glucans (polysaccharide), coumarin, mannitol, and alkaloids. Sterols isolated from the fungus include ganoderol, ganoderenic acid, ganoderiol, ganodermanontriol, luciiol, and ganodermadiol..
Fungal immunomodulatory proteins are bioactive ingredients within the genus Ganoderma that stimulate the different cells that allow the immune response. These include T and B lymphocytes.
Lingzhi coffee contains just 9 mg of caffeine per cup, unlike traditional coffee that contains 150-200 mg in a similarly sized serving. Black tea contains 50 mg and green tea 30 to 50 mg.
The pH of most coffees is 5.5, while lingzhi coffee has a pH between 7.3 and 7.5.
So far no scientific evidence of the health benefits of lingzhi coffee has been found. However, there are reviews about the healthy effects of gender Ganoderma, especially from attempts to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lingzhi in promoting healthy aging.
The beneficial effects of taking Ganoderma lucidum they are attributed to two of the main components already mentioned: on the one hand, polysaccharides (carbohydrates and fibers) and peptidoglycans (carbohydrates with amino acids that branch from them); and on the other, triterpenoids (fat-soluble molecules with a structure similar to cholesterol).
Today, lingzhi comes from artificial cultivation on suitable substrates, such as sawdust, grains and wood logs..
After forming, the lingzhi is harvested, dried, ground, and processed into tablets or capsules to be ingested directly or made into tea or soup. Other lingzhi products include processed mushroom mycelia or spores.
If it is made with the commercial mixture with solubilized coffee powder, ready to prepare, it is recommended not to drink more than one or two small cups a day, such as those of espresso coffee..
Now, if the commercial preparation is not available, the lingzhi infusion can be made and mixed with coffee. For this it is necessary to attenuate the bitter taste of lingzhi.
It is traditionally prepared by adding it, fresh or dried, thinly sliced or pulverized to a pot of simmering water. The water gradually reduces and in the covered pot it cooks little by little for two hours.
The resulting liquid is quite bitter in taste and dark. Red lingzhi is more bitter than black. The process is sometimes repeated for additional concentration; this decoction can be mixed with coffee.
There are not many studies on the safety of lingzhi coffee. It can cause a number of side effects, including nausea, dry throat and nose, and a rash or itching..
It is important to consult your doctor before ingesting the drink if you are taking medications for blood pressure, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, antiplatelet drugs or chemotherapy.
Lingzhi contains adenosine, a compound that can inhibit platelet aggregation. This can lead to unusual or excessive bleeding due to its blood-thinning properties..
As it is associated with coffee, it is necessary to consider the effects of ingesting high doses of caffeine, such as the acceleration of the heart rate, difficulty in falling asleep, some stomach upsets and increased anxiety states..
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