Health Benefits of Cordyceps
WHAT CAN THE ‘ZOMBIE’ FUNGUS DO FOR YOU?
The tale of a prized and power giving powder derived from a fungus that grows out of a baby insect and is worth almost the price of gold, sounds more like a story from the Brothers Grimm than the development of a modern-day nutraceutical.
The ‘hero’ of this enticing anecdote is Cordyceps sinensis – an Ascomycetes fungus closely related to mushrooms. Remarkably, this fungi is parasitic and their root beginning is dependent on immature insect or caterpillar larvae. When Cordyceps attack, they consume the larval tissue of their host and effectively mummify the tiny creature.
Subsequently, long slender fungal stems with club-like caps develop which sprout from the host’s body.
WHY CORDYCEPS?
Traditional use of this ‘caterpillar fungus’ is recorded as long as 300 years ago in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnnan, Qinghai and in Tibet. In these communities the larval carapace and fungi have been hand collected, dried and administered to remedy fatigue, hypo-sexuality and renal dysfunction. It was also regarded as effective in enhancing strength and endurance.
Modern research has begun to bear out the practices of the traditional Chinese Herbalists.
It is now believed that the polysaccharides in Cordyceps are responsible for the most significant biologically activity. These compounds are paramount for their potential anti-oxidant, immunopotent and hypo-glycemic abilities. Whilst human studies are still at an early stage, recent clinical trials of the fermentation product of Cordyceps Sinensis have been found to support the belief that this nutraceutical can improve aerobic capacity and reduce fatigue in the elderly.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORDYCEPS
There are hundreds of different species of Cordyceps found all over the world. There are two main species, however, that are of interest for human consumption- CordycepsSinensis and CordycepsMilitaris.
WHAT IS CORDYCEPS USED FOR?
Modern supplements include Cordyceps to support healthy stamina and physical energy
levels. There are many more benefits - take a look....
1. BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Like many other medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps contain Beta-D-Glucans which have been shown to naturally modulate the immune system and help you resist disease and illness.
2. IMPROVE STAMINA
Cordyceps has been used to improve athletic performance and stamina by increasing the bodies ability absorb oxygen and use it more efficiently. Studies have shown the ability of this mushroom to increase VO2 max in athletes. This is one of the most commonly sought
afer effects of Cordyceps.
3. ANTI-AGING
Cordyceps has been linked to improving the action of anti-oxidants, reducing the effect of oxidative processes which can have an anti-aging effect.
4. INCREASE ENERGY
This mushroom is able to increase your body’s supply of ATP, which is the main source of energy for your cells during exercise. This has the effect of increased exercise performance, energy and liveliness.
5. BREATH EASIER
There have been lots of anecdotal reports of Cordyceps helping people who suffer from asthma and other immune related disorders. Studies in mice have shown Cordyceps Militaris to be effective in reducing airway inflammation.
6. A NATURAL APHRODISIAC
Cordyceps has traditionally been used to help improve fertility and act as a remedy for impotence, making it a natural aphrodisiac. This is thought to be because of the ability of Cordyceps to increase blood flow.