Cordyceps is a member of the parasitic family that grows on the larvae of bugs. As this fungus attacks where they lay, they begin to replace tissue with thin long stems sprouting on the outside of the host’s body.
Any remainder of the host is hand collected and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat low sex drive, fatigue, kidney disease, and illness. Supplements with cordyceps are becoming all the rage as there are many backed by scientific health benefits.
Stay with us as we delve into the top benefits of this fungus.
Boosting Exercise Performance
Cordyceps are believed to increase the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is what provides energy to the muscles. When you are exercising, these may help provide the oxygen your body needs.
In a study, 30 adults used stationary bikes to see what the effects of cordyceps had on the body. For six weeks, participants were provided either a placebo or 3 grams of CS-4, which is a synthetic strain of cordyceps.
After completion of the study, it was found that the VO2 max (a measurement to show fitness levels) had increased in the adults that were given the CS-4 by 7%. Individuals that did not have any cordyceps did not show any change.
A second 12-week study showed similar results. Participants were provided with 1 gram of CS-4 or a placebo pill. There was no change in the VO2 for either group, but those who were given the CS-4 showed other improvements in fitness.
Anti-Aging Properties
Cordyceps have been used by elderly patients to improve their sex drive and assist with fatigue. As cordyceps have antioxidants, scientists believe this is what helps with anti-aging properties. Antioxidants ward off cell damage by offsetting free radicals which are known to promote aging and disease.
Research has shown that in aging mice, using cordyceps has assisted with sexual function and memory.
Another study has shown that fruit flies can live longer if they are given cordyceps. Thus, it shows that these fungi do assist with anti-aging benefits.
Heart Health
Cordyceps may help to improve heart health. One study performed on rats showed that heart injuries were decreased in those that had chronic kidney disease. Patients that have chronic kidney disease that have injuries to their heart are believed to have higher chances of heart failure. Doctors feel if they are able to reduce these injuries, heart failure may be reduced.
These fungi have also shown the possibility of lowering cholesterol. Research in animals has shown that bad cholesterol can be lowered by taking cordyceps. Triglycerides were also reduced in mice.
Possible Anti-Tumor Effects
Cordyceps have the possibility to slow the growth of tumors. Scientists feel that this can be done in a number of ways.
Several kinds of cancer, including colon, lung, liver, and skin cancers, have been inhibited by growth in various test-tube tube research.
Other studies in mice have found anti-tumor effects in lung cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma.
Side effects, such as leukopenia, may also be reduced if cordyceps are taken with different forms of cancer therapy. In one study, mice who received radiation and taxol treatments were administered cordyceps. This fungus was able to reverse leukopenia.
Manage Type II Diabetes
Cordyceps can help manage type II diabetes as they contain a special sugar. This sugar imitates insulin, keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Studies in mice have shown that cordyceps decreased blood sugar levels in diabetic animals.
There is also some evidence that taking cordyceps can help with kidney disease, which is an obstacle many with diabetes face.
Reviewing studies shows that 1,746 people with chronic kidney disease that took cordyceps found their kidney function had improved.
Supplementing With Cordyceps
Cordyceps are very hard to harvest and have a steep price tag of $9,000 per pound. Therefore, synthetic CS-4 is used.
Be certain if you decide to take cordyceps that you purchase only high-quality supplements that carry approval from a third party stating they do not contain impurities. Brands that carry the NSF seal or the USP seal are approved.
We recommend the mushroom immune booster supplement because it contains the top 4 mushrooms to improve your health in general.
Dosage
While there is no consensus on what the dosage should be for cordyceps, human research doses have been between 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day. With this amount, not side effects have been shown, and possible health benefits have been seen.
Side Effects
There have yet to be any studies performed showing the safety of cordyceps in humans.
However, the Chinese government approves the use of CS-4 in hospitals and believes it to be a safe and natural drug.
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