One ingredient promises to provide you with a stronger immune system, greater energy, better endurance, and more stamina. The cordyceps mushroom is marketed as a one-stop shop to treat all of your ailments, whether it is taken as an extract, a pill, or powder in your coffee. Cordyceps, also known as Himalayan Gold because it is frequently grown on the Himalayan plateaus, has a long history of usage in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including rheumatism, liver illness, kidney disease, cough, diarrhea, and headaches. But is it really that good?
WHAT IS CORDYCEPS?
The cordyceps fungus grows like a parasite out of the brains of insects and spiders, as we explored in a previous episode. When the fungus takes over the victims’ bodies and brains, their zombified bodies are forced to permanently relocate to the trees and low-lying jungle plants where the fungus may flourish.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom
Here are some unparalleled benefits of cordyceps mushroom supplements in your daily diet:
1. Improves Immune System Function
Consuming cordyceps may enhance immunological function as well as the health of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, according to certain research. This is due to the anti-inflammatory substances they contain, including cyclosporine, modified nucleosides, and polysaccharides.
Asthma, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, leaky gut, and other inflammatory diseases may all respond favourably to cordyceps therapy. In fact, a study done on animals by the Chung Shan Medical University Hospital revealed that they were successful in lowering inflammation in mice’s airways, suggesting that they may be useful in the treatment of asthma.
2. Retains mental sharpness and slows aging
Antioxidants found in abundance in cordyceps can fight free radical damage, avoid oxidative stress, and assist slow the effects of ageing in order to improve your health. Although the majority of the studies on the anti-aging properties of this medicinal fungus have been conducted on animals, evidence suggests that it can increase brain function, improve memory, and even lengthen longevity.
According to one animal study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, consuming cordyceps extract boosted the activity of blood antioxidants such glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase.
3. Supports the response of your body to sporadic stress
Like other useful mushrooms, cordyceps is categorised as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of herbs and fungi that help your body’s adrenal glands and natural defenses against stress. Although the term “adaptogen” is only a few decades old, the plants that make up this class have been used for ages in cultures all over the world.
4. Support athletic performance
“The Olympic mushroom” is one of Cordyceps’ unofficial nicknames. This is due to the fact that several Chinese sportsmen have credited Cordyceps with contributing to their success. (Of course, they put in a lot of effort and years of training to get that far.)
Dosage and Preparation
Typically, cordyceps in Australia are offered in powder, pill, or capsule form. While powdered cordyceps can be brewed into tea or added to smoothies and protein shakes, dried whole cordyceps are frequently used to create tinctures and extracts.
The proper usage of cordyceps or cordyceps supplements does not have any established rules. Always utilize the suggested dosage listed on the product label as a general rule. After taking cordyceps, cease immediately and inform your doctor if you experience any strange symptoms. Keep the product packaging so you can show the healthcare professional.
