In the process of utilizing oxygen to create energy, our cells also create a by-product called free radicals. Free radicals are charged oxygen molecules that are missing one electron and needs to snatch another electron to "balance up". If it is not neutralized by an antioxidant, which has the ability to give this free radical the electron it desires, it can go on to create more volatile free radicals, damage the cell wall, vessel wall and even the DNA nucleus of the cell.
Because of our stressful lifestyles, polluted environment, and over-medicated society, our generation deals with more free radicals than any previous generation. Once the quantity of free radicals surpasses the limit of our body's natural defense, oxidative stress results, causing us to age and fall sick.
How do we prevent oxidative stress and delay aging?
By increasing our body's level of antioxidants, and enhancing our anti-oxidation capability. Our blood already contains some anti-oxidative chemical substances, which are these enzymes:
- Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH Px)
- Glutathione Reductase (GSH Rd)
- Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
- Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD)
- Catalase
What if our body's natural antioxidants are not enough or cannot cope?
We seek external help. I recommend Ganoderma (Lingzhi) as the solution.
Is there any evidence to prove ganoderma/lingzhi can do the job to delay aging and prolong life?
In the book, Ganoderma The Ultimate Herbal Medicine, Chapter 6, Dr. Deng-Hai Chen summarizes the findings of various researches:
Animal Tests
- The Senescence Accelerated Mice (SAMP8) lived one-fifth longer after being fed with ganoderma throughout their lifes.
- Both the Oxidation Index and Biochemical Index showed that the anti-oxidation capability of the SAMP8 mice from the ganoderma group was raised.
- Mice fed with ganoderma had liver cells with better anti-oxidation capacity and a higher cell survival rate. They exhibited better learning and memory capabilities due to milder damage to the hippocampus (brain nerve cells).
- In a double-blinded cross-over trial for Human Clinical Trial, the volunteers took 12 capsules (2.7g) of ganoderma per day for 3-6 months. It was found that ganoderma strengthens the overall anti-oxidation capability of both their plasma and red blood cells, and reduces the oxidation condition. There is significant increase in the activity of the enzymes SOD, G6PD, Catalase, GSH Px and GSH Rd. The red blood cells could live longer, work better as oxygen-carriers and possess a better ability to remove carbon dioxide.
- Further human clinical trials indicated that the ganoderma group felt more energetic and their mental condition improved. Volunteers with fatty livers experienced improvement after 6 months of taking ganoderma.
In a nutshell, a simple and convenient solution to delay aging is to take lingzhi regularly. For more info or if you want to purchase lingzhi, please email me at askfuiping@gmail.com.
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