Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus. It attacks insects’ larvae and grows outside the body of its hosts. Cordyceps mushrooms and/ or supplements made from them have been used as medicines and treatments for various diseases and health conditions.
They have also been linked with multiple health benefits for years and they are becoming even more popular in the recent world for their medicinal benefits. They are packed with properties whose benefits are abundant. Here is a blog on how your body can benefit from cordyceps mushrooms;
1. Boost Energy and Daily Performance
Research shows that cordyceps increase the production of adenosine triphosphate, (ATP), a molecule essential for providing energy to the muscle. This improves how the body uses oxygen through its daily activities. It most especially impacts your exercise performance.
It increases VO2 max (a measurement that determines your fitness level) especially if you are looking to start training. For those who are already trained, it may not have a drastic impact as it does on those who are not yet.
2. Anti-Aging Properties
Cordyceps have antioxidants and properties believed to boost strength in older people, reduce fatigue, improve memory, and boost sex drive. They also have molecules that are essential in neutralizing free radicals and fighting cell damage which reduces the risk of some diseases as well as aging.
3. Anti-Tumor and Cancer Properties
Research also shows that cordyceps have the potential to slow down the growth of tumors and some cancer. It is said to exert anti-tumor effects in multiple ways. This includes inhibiting the growth of some cancer cells including skin, liver, lung, and colon cancers.
They have also been shown to reverse and prevent some side effects from different types of cancer therapy such as leucopenia (a condition where white blood cells decrease) which lowers the body’ defence power and increases the risk of diseases and health hazards.
4. Helps Manage Diabetes
Cordyceps contain a specialized sugar that may help reduce the risk of/ treat type two diabetes, a condition caused by the body not responding or producing insulin (a hormone that transports sugar to your cells for proper functioning). Consuming cordyceps helps decrease his blood sugar levels.
5. Multiple Heart Health Benefits
The benefits of fungi on heart health have become more recognized and popular. In China, cordyceps is an approved treatment for arrhythmia (a condition where heart beat is slower than normal, too fast, or irregular). Study shows that consumption of cordyceps helps improve heart health, reducing the risk of heart failure and other chronic complications.
The effects of cholesterol levels by cordyceps are also another indirect benefit to the heart. Research shows that it has the ability to reduce bad cholesterol, which is also a notorious contributing factor to heart diseases. It also decreases triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, which in high levels are linked to heart problems.
The list goes on and on, which can only emphasize the importance of cordyceps consumption. It is equally effective in whatever form; as protein powder, tablets, capsules, etc. always make sure to follow instructions as directed for consumption.
