Cordyceps Medicinal Mushrooms
When you think of mushrooms you are probably thinking of the kind that are sitting on your pizza, or stuffed in that casserole. Many of you are turned off by that thought and pick anything even resembling a mushroom out of your meal.
But the kind of mushroom I want you to know about is not something you add to your dinner but a superfood can enhance your health. Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years in Asia and have been touted as a “cure” to diseases and ailments.
These powerful fungi can kill bacteria, viruses, as well as other yeasts and fungi. They are so resilient they can actually survive radioactivity and use radiation to live. From fungi we have been able to develop lifesaving antibiotics such as Penicillin.
Cordyceps Sinensis are the new trendy mushroom, although they have been around since ancient times.
Their initial benefits were noticed 2,000 years ago when the Tibetan herdsman noticed an increase in stamina and vigor in their Yaks. They tied this energy to the Cordycep mushroom that the animals were consuming. It has since then been used medicinally in Asia with such esteem due to it's rarity and power that at one point it was outlawed as a penalty of death if anyone other than the royal family used it.
Now why did I compare this mushroom to an Alien? Well, Cordyceps are actually parasitic fungi that erupt out of caterpillar's backs, replacing their tissue and killing them as it grows. Creepy, right? It is found only in the Himalayans so it is quite rare. But it is now able to be produced in labs as well, so your supplement likely comes from a laboratory and not from the body of a catepillar.
Cordyceps have been said to benefit:
- Lung capacity
- Endurance
- Lung and Kidney systems
- Glucose efficiency
- Cancer preventative
- Increase libido
They are believed to be so powerful that many professional athletes and runners take this completely legal food to help increase their performance.
The benefits are believe to come from their composition of Polysaccarides, long chain sugars. Research shows that cells communicate through polysaccarides, so they may help with energy efficiency by providing these compounds.
Most of the studies done on Cordyceps have been non-vitro (in test tubes) so their is no clear evidence of their affect on humans. However, if you have been struggling with fatigue, low stamina, low libido or endurance, I would say give them a shot! Different brands may have different quality, so be aware of where you purchase.
There are no reports of serious side effects, if you are highly allergic to fungus and molds use caution. Although, it is reported that laboratory created Cordyceps would be less likely to elicit a response.
