Cordyceps gained significant popularity in 1993 when the Chinese women’s Olympic track and field team broke multiple world records during the World Athletics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. They set new world records in the 1500, 3000, and 10,000-meter events. These extraordinary achievements initially sparked speculation about doping, but it was later revealed that their coach, Ma Junren, had supplied them with Cordyceps as part of their training regimen. This event drew global attention to the potential adaptogenic properties of this unique mushroom and spurred numerous studies into its health benefits and athletic performance enhancement..

Adaptogenic Properties of Cordyceps

Cordyceps is known for its numerous health benefits, particularly in enhancing physical endurance and stress management. This mushroom is a potent adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress factors and maintain a balance of stress hormones.

Improvement of VO2 Max

Cordyceps helps increase the maximum volume of oxygen that can be consumed during physical exertion, enhancing aerobic capacity and endurance. A 2016 study showed that supplements of Cordyceps Militaris improve VO2 max, time to exhaustion, and ventilatory threshold.

Fatigue Resistance

Cordyceps aids in reducing muscle fatigue by improving lactate clearance, which helps prevent muscle weakness and cramps during intense physical activity.

Energy Production

This mushroom supports the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells, which is essential for muscle function and overall energy levels.

Improvement of Circulation

Cordyceps increases the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to working muscles. This allows the muscles to receive more nutrients and oxygen, enhancing their endurance and reducing recovery time after intense workouts.

Antioxidant Properties

Cordyceps contains powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, contributing to faster recovery and less muscle fatigue after training.

Application and Dosage

Adaptogenic mushrooms, including Cordyceps, are best absorbed by the body in liquid form as an extract. Liquid extracts provide faster and more effective absorption of active ingredients in the body. Regular use of Cordyceps can be beneficial for athletes and people looking to improve their physical performance and endurance. It is recommended to take Cordyceps before training, and it can be added to shakes or other non-alcoholic beverages.

The benefits of Cordyceps are not limited to athletic achievements. It is also known to improve overall health by regulating blood sugar levels, supporting the immune system, and even having potential anticancer effects. All of this makes it a preferred choice not only for athletes but also for those seeking ways to enhance their health and vitality.