Proponents of traditional medicine often claim that these methods are better at treating chronic conditions than Western medicine. On the other hand, traditional herbal treatments aren't subject to the same rigorous proof standards as scientifically upheld Western treatments. The relationship between black fungus and cholesterol is an example of this dichotomy.
About Black Fungus
Also called cloud ear, mouse ear, tree ear and wood fungus, black fungus is a mushroom that grows naturally in China and southeast Asia. It has been used for millennia for its reported ability to improve blood circulation. You can take dried powder of the mushroom as a dietary supplement, or simply add the whole mushrooms to your diet in stir fries and salads.
Fat Content
LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate nutrition information gives details on the nutrition content of black fungus. A serving of black fungus contains no fat. Since your body produces cholesterol in response to fat in your diet, black fungus won't increase your cholesterol level unless cooked in or with fatty foods.
Lowering Cholesterol
Proponents of black fungus claim that compounds in the mushroom will help reduce your blood cholesterol levels. However, none of these claims have been backed up by clinical trials. According to a "Superfoods Rx" author Dr. Stephen Pratt, the cholesterol-reducing ingredient most commonly found in fruits and fungi are catechins -- micronutrients that temporarily block your body's ability to absorb fat. Research regarding the black fungus content of catechins, however, is as incomplete as research into its affects of blood cholesterol.
Reducing Symptoms
According to traditional healing website, The Conscious Life, black fungus has some anti-coagulant properties that will reduce the frequency of clumping cholesterol in your bloodstream. Although this won't lower your actual cholesterol levels, it may mitigate the risk of circulatory problems associated with high cholesterol. As with the cholesterol-lowering properties of the mushroom, these claims have not been demonstrated in independent research.
Bottom Line
Dietary supplements and herbal remedies are not required to prove the claims made by their producers and distributors. This means that clinical evidence as to their effectiveness is often few and far between. Black fungus is unlikely to raise your cholesterol levels since it contains no fat. Other benefits have yet to be proven, but may actually help you control your cholesterol count and the associated risks.
References
- CDC: Cholesterol Basics
- LIVESTRONG.COM's MyPlate: Black Fungus
- The Conscious Life: How I Lower Cholesterol Without Prescription Drugs
- Global Gourmet: Black Fungus
- "Superfoods Rx"; Dr. Stephen Pratt; 2006
