Q: Recently Mikei Red Reishi has been heavily advertised for promoting energy and immunity. Is this the best Reishi mushroom on the market?
Dr. Henry Cheng: Mikei Red Reishi is cultivated and encapsulated in Japan by Nikkei, the pioneer in mushroom technology. It is 100% cultivated on wood logs immersed in nutrient rich soil under uncontaminated environment. The capsule contains the water extract concentrate instead of the pulverized powder so absorption is guaranteed. They also use Red Reishi and not Black Reishi or other types that contain far less polysaccharides and beta-glucans. The HK Consumer Council published a study on 32 Reishi products and determined that the Japan made Mikei Red Reishi is number one in polysaccharide content (29.7% compared to others that had as little as 0.06%). The publication also mentioned that taking the extract is more cost-efficient than making a tea or soup. It is a very effective adaptogen. Through modulating immunity, it helps many chronic conditions including stress, fatigue, hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, allergies, liver diseases, and even cancer. It is also effective in boostering energy.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now Natural Products Consultant at Pharmasave Health Centre Downtown Cloverdale.
