The Health Benefits of Cordyceps

What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps - fungi that has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. There are over 600 species. Cordyceps commonly come in pill, powder, and liquid form. The cordyceps can be brewed like tea. Some internet sources offer cordyceps in a chewable (gummy) version.

#1
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Regulation
Cordyceps studies have shown that the fungus is beneficial at regulating blood sugar in the body. Cordyceps can mimic the same functions as insulin in the body and help people with insulin resistance to better regulate their blood sugar. Cordyceps helps to balance cholesterol levels, too.

#2
Heart Health
Cordyceps can improve heart health. In a study published in 2021, the researchers discovered that cordyceps could work to heal the heart tissue and electrical activity after heart damage. Cordyceps can be used to naturally treat irregular heart rhythm, known as arrhythmias.

#3
Inflammation
Cordyceps can be used in therapies to treat lung injuries. Cordyceps can work in lung tissue to assist in the lungs’ healing process after injury or illness. Cordyceps are great as an anti-inflammatory. 

#4
Anti-Aging
Cordyceps are believed to offer anti-aging benefits. The fungus is rich in antioxidants that have been shown to extend the life of mice in studies. The fungus is also believed to hinder fatigue and increase sex drive.

#5

Stamina

Cordyceps can help that body with optimal performance. In 1993, the women's running team from China was accused of doping when they broke records. They were tested for steroid use and none could be found. Further investigation revealed that the runners were eating cordyceps mushrooms. A study showed that consuming cordyceps can improve oxygen absorption. There is research showing cordyceps can improve the body's ATP. ATP is used as energy within cells. The optimal energy allows the body to perform more efficiently. The greater side effect is the possibility of fat burning, leading to weight loss.

Reminders

As with any supplement, use caution. Check with your healthcare team and be sure that the benefits are right for your wellness. Be sure to order from reliable sources. You want to make sure that your supplement is not packed with filler ingredients. While you are exploring, consider other mushrooms that might be mixed as blends. There are some wonderful varieties of mushrooms for better health. Watch for more articles about specific mushrooms coming soon. 

References

Fang M, Jin L, Mao W, Jin L, Cai Y, Ma Q, Liu X, Hua J, Zhu J, Fu H, Shou Q. Hirsutella sinensis fungus improves cardiac function in mouse model of heart failure. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021 Oct;142:111885. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111885. Epub 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 34385104.

Li Y, Talbot CL, Chandravanshi B, Ksiazek A, Sood A, Chowdhury KH, Maschek JA, Cox J, Babu AKS, Paz HA, Babu PVA, Meyerholz DK, Wankhade UD, Holland W, Shyong Tai E, Summers SA, Chaurasia B. Cordyceps inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Sci Rep. 2022 May 4;12(1):7273. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-11219-3. PMID: 35508667; PMCID: PMC9068713.

Miller, R. A. (2009). The Cordyceps sinensis medicinal mushroom. Nexus, 23-28.

Zhang, W., Xu, L., & Yuan, M. (2022). Clinical studies of several well-known and valuable herbal medicines: a narrative review.