Cordyceps: The Ancient Fungus with Modern Health Benefits

For all the looking for extra energy, Cordyceps is for you. Are you tired of relying on synthetic supplements to support your health? Maybe it's time to try something more natural, like functional mushrooms! Among the many types of functional mushrooms, Cordyceps stands out for its unique health benefits. In recent years, this fungus has gained popularity worldwide for its health benefits, especially for athletes and those looking to improve their physical performance.

Known as nature’s performance enhancer, this mushroom will become your best buddy supporting energy production. 

What is Cordyceps?

So, what exactly are Cordyceps? Simply put, they're a type of fungus that grows on caterpillars in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that contains around 400 species. It is a parasitic fungus that feeds on the insect larvae and eventually replaces it, forming a fruiting body that can be harvested for its medicinal properties.But before you start to wrinkle your nose at the thought of consuming something grown on a caterpillar, let us assure you that modern cultivation techniques have made it possible to grow Cordyceps in controlled environments. So you can now enjoy its health benefits without any reservations!

A little bit of history:

For centuries, mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties, and among them, Cordyceps is one of the most sought-after fungi. The history of Cordyceps is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used for over 2000 years as a natural remedy for various health conditions. The first recorded use of Cordyceps dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), where it was used to treat fatigue, respiratory issues, and kidney problems.The fungus, which grows on the larvae of insects in the high-altitude regions of China, Tibet, and Nepal, has been a part of the Chinese imperial family's diet for years. In recent years, this fungus has gained popularity worldwide for its health benefits, especially for athletes and those looking to improve their physical performance.

Cordyceps was initially discovered by Tibetan herders who noticed that their yaks became more energetic after grazing on grass infected with the fungus. They later realized that the fungus was the cause of the yaks' newfound energy and began using it as a natural remedy.

It wasn't until the 20th century that scientists began to study Cordyceps in more detail. They discovered that it contained a range of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, cordycepin, and adenosine, which may be responsible for its many health benefits.

Where does our energy come from? 

Our energy comes from a variety of sources, both internal and external. The most obvious source of energy is the food we eat. These nutrients are broken down into glucose, which is used as fuel by our cells to produce energy in the form of ATP[2[(adenosine triphosphate).

Our bodies also produce energy through a process called cellular respiration, which occurs in the mitochondria of our cells. During cellular respiration, glucose is converted into ATP through a series of chemical reactions. This process requires oxygen, which is why we need to breathe to produce energy.

What are the benefits of adding Cordyceps? 

Cordyceps has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of health issues, including fatigue, kidney disease, and respiratory infections. In recent years, research has shown that Cordyceps has many health benefits, including:

• Cordyceps for Performance

Cordyceps has been shown to improve oxygen uptake and enhance aerobic capacity, making it a popular supplement among athletes. Studies have found that Cordyceps supplementation can improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue in athletes.

• Cordyceps for  Immune Function

Cordyceps has been found to support the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and enhancing the production of cytokines. Studies have also found that Cordyceps can help reduce inflammation, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

• Cordyceps for Respiratory Health

Cordyceps has been used in TCM to treat respiratory infections for centuries. Studies have found that Cordyceps can improve lung function and reduce symptoms in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Cordyceps for Endurance

How to Take Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. The most common form is Cordyceps extract, and added to gummies like our Functional Mushroom Gummies. It is essential to choose a high-quality supplement to ensure that you are getting the full health benefits of Cordyceps.

Conclusion

Cordyceps is an ancient fungus with modern health benefits. It has been traditionally used in TCM for over 2000 years and has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits, including boosting athletic performance, supporting immune function, improving respiratory health, and stimulating endurance. Cordyceps is available in various forms, and it is essential to choose a high-quality supplement to ensure that you are getting the full health benefits of Cordyceps. You can find cordyceps on our “Functional Mushroom Gummies”

References:

[1] Dai G, Bao T, Xu C, et al. Cordyceps sinensis promotes exercise endurance