Cordyceps mushroom is renowned for its potential health benefits. It has been used in traditional healing for thousands of years, and more and more research is coming up suggesting that it contains beneficial bioactive compounds.
More recently, cordyceps mushroom has been studied for its potential action on inflammation, tumors, stamina, and more.
Here are 9 potential benefits of cordyceps mushroom.
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Cordyceps mushroom is believed to enhance oxygen uptake and increase endurance, making it a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Modern research has shown that cordyceps mushroom may help increase ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production in the body, which plays a key role in energy production. This can lead to improved physical performance, making cordyceps mushroom a popular choice among athletes and those looking to enhance their exercise performance.
Cordyceps mushroom is known for its potential to support respiratory health by possibly reducing inflammation in the airways. It has recently been explored as a potential part of a Covid-19 treatment protocol.
- Enhances immune function
Cordyceps mushroom contains compounds that may stimulate the immune system, which could help to protect the body against infections and diseases.
Cordyceps mushroom has been shown to decrease cardiovascular disease markers. One study postulates that this is because of its antioxidant activity and its action on adenosine receptors.
Cordyceps mushroom contains compounds that may help protect the liver from damage and improve its detoxification function. Researchers suggest that this is due to its antioxidant activity.
Some people reach for cordyceps mushroom because is believed to slow the signs of aging due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and protect against DNA damage. Antioxidants also come from eating colorful vegetables and getting your nutrients, especially vitamin C.
Preliminary studies have suggested that cordyceps mushroom could have anticancer effects by inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells and stimulating the immune system to target cancer cells.
Of course, more research is needed to determine whether these effects can be generalized to everyone.
How to use cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms can be consumed in several ways to take advantage of their potential health benefits. Here are some of the ways to use cordyceps mushrooms:
- Capsules or tablets. Cordyceps supplements are available in the form of capsules or tablets that can be taken orally with water.
- Tea. Cordyceps mushrooms can be used to make a tea by steeping dried cordyceps mushrooms in hot water for several minutes. The taste is described as nutty.
- Powder. Cordyceps mushrooms can be ground into a powder and added to smoothies, soups, or other recipes.
- Tincture or extract. Cordyceps mushrooms can be made into a tincture by steeping them in alcohol or glycerin for several weeks and then straining out the mushrooms.
- Soup. Cordyceps mushrooms can be added to soups or stews to enhance their flavor and nutritional value.
- Stir-fry. Cordyceps mushrooms can be stir-fried with other vegetables or meats for a flavorful and nutritious dish.
- Salad. Cordyceps mushrooms can be thinly sliced and added to salads for a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
It's important to note that cordyceps mushrooms may interact with certain medications or have adverse effects in some individuals, so it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before using cordyceps mushrooms as a supplement or adding them to your diet.
References
- Kaymakci, M. A.; Guler, E. M. Promising Potential Pharmaceuticals from the Genus Cordyceps for COVID-19 Treatment: A Review Study. Bezmialem Science ; 8:140-144, 2020.
- Qi W, Zhou X, Wang J, Zhang K, Zhou Y, Chen S, Nie S, Xie M. Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide inhibits colon cancer cells growth by inducing apoptosis and autophagy flux blockage via mTOR signaling. Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 237, 2020, 116113, ISSN 0144-8617.
- Das G, Shin H-S, Leyva-Gómez G, Prado-Audelo MLD, Cortes H, Singh YD, Panda MK, Mishra AP, Nigam M, Saklani S, Chaturi PK, Martorell M, Cruz-Martins N, Sharma V, Garg N, Sharma R and Patra JK (2021) Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials. Front. Pharmacol. 11:602364. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602364
- X. Zhang, J. Li, B. Yang, Q. Leng, J. Li, X. Wang, J. Lu, O. J. Olatunji, J. Tang, Chem. Biodiversity 2021, 18, e2100065.
