Cordyceps are a type of medicinal mushroom that contains immense health benefits. They are used extensively in Asia, and specifically in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. These nutraceutical products grow naturally in Sikkim, an Indian state bordering Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.
Cordyceps are cultivated at high altitudes above 4,500 metres and are a combination of fungus and caterpillar. The medicinal mushroom supplement is well documented in Chinese medical books and is also used by traditional healers across the Indian subcontinent.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps
Cordyceps To Treat Physical Fatigue
In a study conducted on mice, it was found that cordyceps affected fatigue. The study examined the effects of medicinal mushrooms on physical fatigue in animals and rodents. Through a forced swimming test, the cordyceps mushroom was shown to increase swimming time in mice. Moreover, the study also revealed decreased lactic acid concentrations, urea nitrogen and other compounds. Therefore, the research found that administering cordyceps could improve oxygen uptake and resistance to fatigue.
Cordyceps To Improve Physical Performance
Studies have found that cordyceps may help with performance and tolerance to high-intensity exercise. On the other hand, more recent research on medicinal mushrooms revealed no improvement in physical durability in male cyclists.
Cordyceps May Have Anti-Ageing Effect
Mice that received the nutraceutical product lived several months longer than mice who received the placebo, according to research. A second study revealed that cordyceps might improve brain function and sexual function in rodents. While these studies point at cordyceps having anti-ageing properties, more research needs to be carried out to ascertain its effects on humans.
Antioxidant And Immune-Boosting Properties
Cordyceps is shown to have a positive influence on antioxidants. These molecules help protect cells from the negative effects of diseases. Moreover, cordyceps mushrooms are also shown to protect cells from free radicals that speed up the ageing process. While initial research may indicate that polysaccharides from the cordyceps may be a source of antioxidants and antiageing compounds, additional research needs to be carried out to determine its effect on humans.
Cordyceps May Improve Brain Function
Cordyceps are used by the elderly to help improve learning, memory, lower fatigue and boost sex drive. However, no concrete evidence exists that proves that the medicinal mushroom can help in all these above-mentioned cases.
Cordyceps May Help Against Excessive Inflammation
Excessive inflammation is shown to cause heart diseases and cancer. Cordyceps possess anti-inflammatory properties and are shown to suppress the production of compounds that promote inflammation.
Cordyceps are shown to have several health benefits and are considered an alternative treatment to modern-day health issues. If you are looking to try cordyceps mushroom powder, consult with professional health experts.