Benefits Of Cordyceps: What Are The Health Benefits?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

Yet another wonder of traditional Chinese medicine is in great demand during these pandemic times. Even though the foods for boosting the immune system are endless and the list of powdered green superfoods for boosting immunity is long, the impact of medicinal mushrooms on health is enormous. Our article will focus on the benefits of cordyceps, its power on the body, areas of influence and ways of taking.

Benefits of cordyceps: general overview of medicinal mushrooms

Although fruits and vegetables are the greatest suppliers of vitamins, fibers and minerals, there is still a large group of elements: neither animals nor plants that have a beneficial impact on the human organism. As part of the saprophytes, fungi are a source of favorable nutrients and powers that revitalize the body. Even though the cells of fungi resemble those of plants, fungi do not have a chloroplast. At the same time, they are heterotrophic, which means that they feed on organic constituents like animals. Assuming that they are present at every table, it is necessary to know how to know an edible mushroom.

Treated with parasites, their properties to fight several diseases including cancer make them very popular in the West while in the East, medicinal mushrooms have been known for centuries. The health benefits of Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga, Agaricus Blazei, Hericium Erinaceus and many more are gaining popularity and gaining popularity as dietary supplements.

To recommend: cordyceps

Very popular among the most popular is cordyceps which grows on insect larvae and creates a rare combination of moth and fungus. When the latter attacks its host, it replaces its tissues and forms a long, thin rod outside the body of the vessel. The remains of the insect and mushroom have been collected by hand, dried and used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, illness, kidney ailments, and low libido. Cordyceps extract supplements and products have become increasingly popular due to their many health benefits. Of the more than 400 Cordyceps species discovered, two have become the center of health research: Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. However,much of this research is limited to animal or laboratory studies, so health experts currently cannot draw conclusions about their effects in humans. Despite some doubts, the benefits of cordyceps and its potential health benefits are promising.

What impact on the organization?

Through some studies, we learn that different strains of cordyceps or certain components inside this fungus can have different beneficial effects on the human body, including immune, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial., hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-aging, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects. However, more studies need to be done in humans, so don't start self-medicating until you fully know the various benefits of cordyceps and consult your doctor.

Cordyceps can improve physical performance

According to a recent study, supplementation with a blend of Cordyceps militaris mushrooms can improve physical condition and resistance to high-intensity exercise, while greater benefits can be obtained with constant supplementation.

Cordyceps is believed to increase the body's production of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule which is essential for providing energy to muscles. It can improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise.

After testing the effect of cordyceps on exercise capacity in 30 healthy elderly people using a stationary bike, VO2 max (a measure used to determine fitness level) was found to increase by 7%. Participants were given either 3 grams per day of a synthetic strain of Cordyceps called CS-4 or a placebo pill for six weeks. Of course, those who received the placebo pill showed no change.

Meanwhile, in a similar study, 20 healthy older adults were given 1 gram of CS-4 or a placebo pill for 12 weeks.

In young adults, VO2 max increased by 11%, but in trained athletes, physical performance did not change.

Therefore, the effect of cordyceps is optional and especially on young people and adults who need to boost their energy. In this sense, a moderate intake could fight against morning fatigue.

Anti-aging properties of cordyceps

Fatigue, low libido, cell damage, these are a minimal part of the problems of aging. To spare them, we resort to cordyceps and … report: fatigue is reduced, strength and libido are stimulated. According to the researchers' explanations, the anti-aging potential of the fungus is due to the content of antioxidants. These are molecules that fight cell damage by neutralizing free radicals contributing to disease and aging.

Interestingly, from a study on the life of fruit flies shows that these insects have an extended existence thanks to cordyceps. Can we hope then that these anti aging benefits will relate to humans?

By the way, learn how to keep fruit flies away from your plate because you do not need them, moreover, for longevity.

Potential anti-tumor effects

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the potential of cordyceps to slow tumor growth. Researchers share the opinion that fungi can exert anti-tumor effects in several ways. In test-tube studies, cordyceps has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including cancers of the lung, colon, skin, and liver. Looking at the impact on the mouse, the anti-tumor effects affected lymphoma, melanoma, and lung cancer. Cordyceps can also reverse side effects associated with many forms of cancer treatment such as leukopenia, for example. Not to be confused with cancerous leukemia, leukopenia is a condition in which the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) decreases,by lowering the body's defenses and increasing the risk of infection.

Too bad, the hopeful results still relate to mice in the lab who developed leukopenia after radiation therapy and treatments with Taxol, a common chemotherapy drug. While waiting for sure proof, consume dried goji berries regularly.

Can type 2 diabetes be treated with cordyceps?

Containing a special type of sugar that can help treat diabetes, cordyceps is successful in maintaining blood sugar levels by mimicking the action of insulin. Plus, since kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes, it can be reduced with the help of cordyceps and kidney function improved, so far in the lab.

Possible benefits for heart health

As research emerges on the effects of cordyceps on heart health, the benefits of fungi are becoming more evident.

In fact, cordyceps are approved in China for the treatment of arrhythmia: the heartbeat is too slow, too fast, or irregular. The researchers attributed these results to the content of adenosine which is a natural compound with protective effects for the heart. Combined with a 3-day cardiac diet or a Mediterranean diet, one could provide "comfort" to the heart.

What are the benefits of cordyceps for cholesterol?

If cordyceps is beneficial to the heart, positive results on cholesterol levels can be expected. Decreases in "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels are seen in animal tests. Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the fungus is beneficial for heart health in humans and one is in the dark.

As we mentioned above, in China, people dare to prevent arrhythmias by lowering the levels of triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Fight inflammation

While some inflammation is helpful, if it is too much, it can lead to heart disease and cancer.

Research has shown that when human cells are exposed to the influence of cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body are suppressed. Thanks to these potential effects, researchers believe that cordyceps may serve as a useful supplement or anti-inflammatory drug.

In fact, the fungus has been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways in mice, making it a potential therapy for asthma. However, mushrooms appear to be less effective than commonly prescribed medications used to relieve inflamed areas of the body.

Cordyceps can also have topical uses. One study found that it reduced skin inflammation when applied topically in mice, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory properties. Although research suggests that cordyceps decreases inflammatory markers in animals, more testing is needed to prove a positive impact in humans.

What are the possible side effects ?

Cordyceps is considered safe for short term use. Some users may experience mild side effects, including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or dry mouth. Fortunately, the symptoms usually go away once treatment is stopped. Others report a lingering metallic taste after using a cordyceps product which may take longer to wear off. Despite its relative safety, the action of the herbal medicine is poorly accepted and may cause problems for some users. If you are allergic to mold or yeast, you will likely be allergic to cordyceps and should stay away from it.

As for people who are taking medicines for diabetes, they should avoid cordyceps as the combined use can lead to an extreme drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

People with bleeding disorders who take anticoagulants should not combine them with cordyceps as this may increase the risk of bleeding or easy bruising. If you are due to have surgery, stop taking cordyceps at least two weeks in advance to avoid excessive bleeding.

Due to the lack of research, cordyceps products of any kind should not be used in children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.

Dosage and preparation

Usually, the product is available in capsule, tablet or powder form. Whole dried mushrooms can be found online, although you can't always be sure you're getting C. sinensis or a related species.

Whole dried cordyceps are often used to make tinctures and extracts, while powdered cordyceps can be mixed into smoothies and protein shakes or infused into tea.

Since there are no universal guidelines for the proper use of cordyceps supplements, never use more than the dosage recommended on the product label. If you develop any unusual symptoms, stop and tell your doctor, showing him the product packaging.

When to trust cordyceps products?

Keep an eye out for supplements labeled "yeast free." These are less likely to be contaminated with molds that typically infest dried mushroom products. When purchasing a cordyceps supplement, be aware that many preparations are not made from C. sinensis. Some are derived from related species of cordyceps, such as C. militaris, or mixed with reishi mushrooms in varying concentrations.

How to make cordyceps tea?

Cordyceps tea is easily prepared by cutting the mushroom into small pieces or with cordyceps powder. Simply mix a tablespoon of powder or chopped mushrooms in 1½ hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Filter into a cup and sweeten if you prefer.

The taste of tea is, unsurprisingly, mushroom. To make it tastier, some people infuse the tea with four thin slices of ginger and flavor it with honey and a squeeze of lemon. Try turmeric tea, hibiscus tea, and other hot drinks in these pandemic times.

As all eyes are on alternative medicine in the search for an effective treatment for the coronavirus, one wonders if the benefits of cordyceps can affect the symptoms of COVID-19. There is some evidence that cordyceps supplementation can help protect the lungs and boost the immune system. However, research in humans is lacking and there is no evidence that cordyceps has an effect on the new coronavirus. For now, the best preventative measures you can take against COVID-19 are standard precautions, including social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding touching your face.