The Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom Extract

Cordyceps mushrooms, also known as "Caterpillar fungus," have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to improve overall health and vitality. These mushrooms have recently gained popularity in the Western world as well, due to their numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the five most widely studied health benefits of cordyceps mushrooms and why you should consider adding cordyceps supplements or buying cordyceps extract to your diet

Peer-reviewed sources are avalaible at the end of the post.

Boosts Athletic Performance

Cordyceps mushrooms have been found to increase the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary source of energy for the body. This increased production of ATP has been shown to improve exercise performance and endurance. A study conducted by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that athletes who took cordyceps supplements had increased oxygen uptake, which led to improved performance.

Supports Immune Function

Cordyceps mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex sugars that have been found to stimulate the immune system. These beta-glucans activate immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which help the body fight off infections and diseases. This makes cordyceps supplements a great addition to your diet during cold and flu season.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Cordyceps mushrooms have been found to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. A study conducted by the Journal of Diabetes Research found that taking cordyceps extract for 12 weeks helped improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels in participants with type 2 diabetes.

Improves Respiratory Function

Cordyceps mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. Studies have shown that cordyceps supplements can improve lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This is due to the mushrooms' ability to improve oxygen uptake and reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Supports Liver Health

Cordyceps mushrooms have been found to have hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can help protect the liver from damage. A study conducted by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that cordyceps extract helped protect the liver from damage caused by oxidative stress.

 

Peer-Reviewed Sources:

1. Choi, Y. H., et al. (2011). Cordyceps militaris Enhances Exercise Endurance Capacity of Rats by Activating Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Regulators. Journal of Medicinal Food, 14(9), 1-7. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2010.1363

2. Dai, G., et al. (2017). Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cordyceps Militaris Polysaccharides in Mice. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 105(Pt 1), 1330-1336. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813017324846

3. Liang, Y., et al. (2013). Effects of Cordyceps Sinensis on the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1-12. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/569159/

4. Xie, J., et al. (2013). Cordyceps Sinensis Prevents Apoptosis in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury in Human Alveolar Epithelial A549 Cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13(1), 91. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-13-91

5. Liu, Q., et al. (2006). Protective Effects of Cordyceps Sinensis Extract on Murine Hepatic Injury Induced by Exhaustive Exercise. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 86(1), 146-152. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.2321