Adding Cordyceps to a Diet Can Boost Energy and Heart Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used Cordyceps as part of a diet for more than two centuries. They have been used to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low libido. There are over 400 species of Cordyceps mushrooms, but the two that have been the focus of health research are the Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps Militaris. Multiple studies have been conducted on both and the results have been very promising.
What are Cordyceps?
Cordyceps are parasitic fungi within the mushroom kingdom. They are different from other parasitic mushrooms because they use insects as the host body. Spores land on the insect. As they grow, hyphae weave into the body and eventually kill the insect. Then, a long thin yellowish stem with a rounded end will grow out of the corpse. Most cordyceps are grown on farms and hail from Asia. However, they can be found growing all over the world. These mushrooms are high in polysaccharides which have been shown to improve energy and reduce stress.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps
Several clinical studies have been conducted on animals. There have been a handful of cases involving humans, but more research is needed to prove these benefits conclusively.
Boost Exercise Performance: Cordyceps have been shown to boost the body’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule is essential to get energy to muscles. This increased production might improve the way the body uses oxygen during exercise as outlined in this study. A different study found a 7% increase in VO2 in elderly participants who took Cordyceps while on a stationary bike. VO2 is the cardiorespiratory capacity measurement used to determine fitness levels. Yet, another study tested the effects of Cordyceps on younger adults and found an 11% increase in VO2 after three weeks.
Anti-Aging Properties: Cordyceps have tested very high in polysaccharides. These naturally occurring molecules exert a very strong antioxidant effect by scavenging free radicals and removing them from the body. One study showed this helped elderly mice boost strength and sex drive. Other studies saw the lifespan of mice and fruit flies extended after consuming Cordyceps.
Improve Heart Health: Researchers have found a very high content of adenosine in Cordyceps. This naturally occurring compound has been shown to have heart protection properties. Studies on mice have also shown that regular Cordyceps consumption can also reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Both of which are linked to a greater risk of heart disease.
Reduce Inflammation: Some studies have shown that Cordyceps can help reduce inflammation in areas of the body, such as airways.
Adding Cordyceps to a Diet: Recipes to Consider
There are a few different ways to add cordyceps to a diet. Below are just a few suggestions.
Cordyceps Supplements: Cordyceps are available online and in stores in capsule, powder, and tincture form. Capsules can be taken any time of day with a full stomach or an empty one. Powders and tinctures can be added to any food or drink recipe. Smoothies are one of the tastiest ways to enjoy Cordyceps tinctures and powders.
Cooking with Cordyceps: Using raw Cordyceps would require either finding the mushrooms yourself or cultivating them. So most of the time, dried Cordyceps are what is available to many consumers. That’s okay. Just rehydrate and cook them. They can be added to almost any recipe. To rehydrate dried Cordyceps, place them in enough water to cover them and soak for five minutes. To cook them, place them in a saucepan filled halfway with water. Bring the water to a low boil for one minute while stirring. Any longer and they are overcooked and become soggy. After simmering the mushrooms, dip them into ice water for five minutes using a strainer. This will stop the cooking process while keeping the texture and color. Remove from the water and season to taste.
Suggested Cordyceps Uses: Cooked Cordyceps can be added to soups, pizza, pasta dishes, stir fry, or anywhere else mushrooms can be added.
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