Cordyceps mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an immune system booster to treat conditions such as lung cancer, heart failure, and erectile dysfunction. Cordyceps is a species of medicinal mushroom that is said to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cordyceps' antioxidant powers and immune-modulating effects make it a type of anti-inflammatory food. Cordyceps is thought to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Rich in Antioxidants

Cordyceps is rich in antioxidants, substances that help protect the body and help to fight off the signs of aging. As we age, our bodies produce fewer antioxidants and become more susceptible to oxidative stress and free radical damage. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one of the best ways to combat this and help keep our bodies healthy as we age. Cordyceps are exceptionally high in the following antioxidants: Beta-Sitosterol, Ferulic acid, Viscin, and Polyphenols.

Improves Athletic Performance

Cordyceps have been shown to improve athletic performance, particularly when it comes to endurance and stamina. Studies have shown that regular cordyceps consumption can improve aerobic and anaerobic endurance by up to 17%. One study focused on a group of cyclists and found that those who consumed cordyceps for ten days significantly increased their endurance levels compared to the control group. Moreover, cordyceps have also been shown to help reduce lactic acid build-up, which is associated with muscle pain and fatigue. If you’re an athlete looking to improve your performance, consuming cordyceps might be useful for your program.

Help Fight Fungal Infections and Viruses

Cordyceps have been associated with treating many fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and ringworm. It’s believed that this is because cordyceps are very high in cordycepic acid. Cordycepic acid is a chemical compound that kills certain fungi and bacteria, including certain strains of Candida (a common fungal infection). Cordyceps are also believed to help kill viruses.

Contains Cordycepic Acid

Cordycepic acid is a compound found in high quantities in the cordyceps mushroom. Research has shown that cordycepic acid has anti-inflammatory effects, and may help to prevent blood clots. Cordyceps have also been shown to boost the immune system and help to increase energy levels.

Helps with Breathing Difficulties and Asthma

Some studies have shown cordyceps may help with breathing difficulties, including asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In one study, researchers looked at the effectiveness of different types of cordyceps. They found that certain types of cordyceps mushrooms were more effective in reducing breathing difficulties than others.

Boosting Endurance and Stamina.

Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to promote increased endurance and stamina, which can be helpful in athletes or anyone who wants to stay active for long periods.

Enhancing Strength and Muscle Mass

Cordyceps mushrooms help to increase strength and muscle mass by promoting the growth of muscle fibers. This can be particularly helpful for people who want to improve their athletic performance or build muscle mass for other reasons.

Treating Aches, Pains, and Injuries.

Cordyceps mushrooms have also been shown to treat a variety of aches, pains, and injuries, including fractures. They can be beneficial for people who suffer from chronic pain or injuries that prevent them from being active.

Cordyceps Mushroom Side Effects

Some potential cordyceps mushroom side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. It is always best to speak with a doctor before beginning any new dietary supplement regimen. Many options are available, and no one knows your specific health condition or how these supplements may interact with your other medications.

Cordyceps research

Studies suggest cordyceps may have anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory activities and could have benefits for treating a long list of health issues. Several studies show they can partially improve athletic performance-- athleticism, endurance, and endurance--by increasing the body's ATP stores, which are a significant energy source in sports.

Studies suggest cordyceps may function as a gentle stimulant, or adaptogen, herb, combating stress and fatigue and increasing energy levels naturally. Some herbalists also believe cordyceps may increase sexual desire, slow down the aging process, and protect against disease. Proponents also say that cordyceps may protect against health problems such as asthma, depression, diabetes, fatigue, high cholesterol, and upper respiratory infections. Some studies have shown that eating cordyceps benefits immune function and may help optimize cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive health.

Like other functional mushrooms, taking cordyceps supplements supports the healthy functioning of your immune system. A 2016 study concluded that these mushrooms possess an ability to combat oxidative stress, which can also enhance immune function. Clinical studies show that cordyceps mushrooms may help boost exercise performance and even fight cancer, among other benefits. 

In the past few years, studies of this medicine mushroom have yielded even more impressive results, reporting that this super-star supplement may also improve your athletic performance, promote heart health, and reduce inflammation so that you feel better. We went through the benefits of the cordyceps mushrooms. We saw that cordyceps might offer antioxidant support, support reproductive health for men, support the immune system, and help keep energy and endurance healthy. These great mushrooms also have shown the potential to help individuals recover from brain injuries, increasing blood flow to damaged brain cells. This delivers the additional possibility of cordyceps for improving physical health by improving heart and circulation.

In one 2009 study in mice, researchers found Cordyceps improved antioxidant activity and brain function.

A 1996 study in animals confirmed cordyceps increased the efficiency of carrying oxygen throughout the body. Based on the animal models, taking cordyceps supplements may help the body use oxygen more effectively and enhance blood flow, both of which are important to health and sexual function.

Studies show that taking cordyceps supplements may help improve several aging markers, including memory, brain health, antioxidant activity, and even longevity. The high antioxidant activity of cordyceps and its effects on brain health and immunity make it a potent anti-aging supplement.

According to research published in Biotherapy, by stimulating macrophage (invader-fighting cells) activity, cordyceps may boost your immune system by increasing the number of natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that protect your body against viruses and bacteria. Cordyceps' high antioxidant activity means cordyceps may help to protect the body against oxidative stress, the damage caused by free radicals in the environment and built up within the body -- contributing to increased risks for health problems.

Studies have shown that, as well as Cordyceps mushrooms' ability to increase oxygen availability in the blood and help support heart function and respiratory health.

Laboratory studies show the more robust species extract increases the overall antioxidant capacities of liver, kidney, and heart tissues. Renal function has also been shown to improve when supplemented with cordyceps: one study of 51 patients suffering from chronic kidney failure showed that the administration of 3-5g of cordyceps Sinensis dramatically improved the patient's kidneys and immune system.

Other studies show that cordyceps mushrooms' ability to increase blood flow to the liver and non-exercise skeletal muscles can also assist in lactate disposal, which allows athletes to sustain higher intensities of training without fatigue.

Elderly subjects experiencing extreme fatigue participated in one study where cordyceps were administered daily for 30 days.

Animal studies show the polysaccharides in cordyceps can exert an anti-fatigue effect and enhance biomarkers of athletic performance. This was also demonstrated in another study, in which rodents receiving a two-week supplementation with cordyceps militaris showed higher levels of delayed fatigue than rodents not given cordyceps militaris.

A 2012 study in Taiwan reported that a four-week protocol of a cordyceps extract improved cholesterol levels and decreased body weight in diabetic mice but did nothing to change blood glucose levels or improve insulin resistance. Animal studies have suggested cordyceps might help with the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as elevated blood sugar, weight loss, and excessive thirst.

Cordyceps has also been shown to have kidney-protective and antioxidant effects.

High blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes may damage kidneys through increased oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species.

Cordyceps can support psychological health protocols, such as anxiety, associated with elevated levels of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of cordyceps reduce oxidative stress, supporting psychoendoneuroimmunology processes in the body.