Cordyceps | Parasitic medicinal mushroom with health benefits
Cordyceps, or caterpillar, is a very interesting fungus from the order Caterpillars. Although it poses a relatively great danger to insect representatives, it brings to humans...to the caterpillar, which would be a real shame not to take advantage of. Today's article is therefore dedicated to this very specific mushroom, its effects, recommended dosage and how to choose supplements with it.
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps sinensis or Chinese caterpillar is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae or on some caterpillars. It is a mushroom that has been used in Chinese medicine since ancient times to treat various health ailments. The mushroom itself has a very specific shape, even looking like a caterpillar, and the ancient Chinese believed it to be a type of caterpillar. That is why its original name was "cchung chao" - caterpillar.
Cordyceps shoots its spores into the environment during the warm months, which then cling to the bodies of unsuspecting insects and slowly grow through them. The fungus is popularly known as the "zombie fungus" because once it has outgrown its host, it loses control of its body and is "controlled" by the fungus. However, it is not the case that the fungus gets into the brain and uses it to control its victim. Cordyceps envelops the insect's muscles and forces it to, for example, walk a few steps and bite into the nearestbranch or leaf where the host dies and the fungus continues to grow and shoot its spores into the surrounding area.
As you can imagine, collecting the mushroom in natural conditions is very challenging and the mushroom has been highly prized since ancient China. A kilogram of natural cordyceps can cost up to . That is why the supplements are made from mushrooms grown in special cultivation facilities.
Cordyceps contains a relatively large amount of protein, polysaccharides or beneficialfats, but also vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, which are very importantimportant for human health, which is why cordyceps is used in traditional medicineis often used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various health problems.
What are the types of cordyceps?
In total, more than 400 species of cordyceps have been discovered, each of which grows and functions differently in nature. For supplements, you will usually come across two specific species, CS-2 and CS-4, which differ in their concentration of beneficial polysaccharides. Cordyceps CS-4 is considered the most optimal for human health and is also the most common in supplements. However, some cordyceps supplements also use a combination of all the beneficial species of this mushroom.
What are the proven effects of cordyceps?
Researchers believe that cordyceps owes its beneficial effects to to the combination of cordycepin and the unique polysaccharides found in the mushroom. So let's take a look at what cordyceps actually does for human health and why it is worth consuming.
Improved performance during training
The association of cordyceps with improved athletic performance goes back to the 90s. This is of course highly questionable, as Chinese athletes set several new world records and their coach attributed this to cordyceps.
However, a study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has shown that cordyceps in the body positively affects the production of adenosine triphosphate moleculeswhich is essential for providing energy to the muscles because it affects the way the body uses oxygen. In the study, it was shown that people who were given cordyceps increasedVO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen effectively used during physical activity) increased. However, it should be noted that the study was relatively small in size and the effect was only demonstrated in non-exercising individuals.
Strengthens immunity and prevents various diseases
Cordyceps helps to stimulate the activity of white blood cells, which significantly supports immunity. It is also known in traditional medicine circles as a 'natural antibiotic' because it can kill pathogens.germs such as bacteria and viruses, and is thus effective not only as a prevention against diseasebut can also help if a disease has already broken out.
Some studies also point to the fact that cordyceps has beneficial effects on the liver, kidneys and heart and can also reduce blood cholesterol. This makes it an effective supplement in preventing their diseases.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Various studies have shown that certain cultivated species of cordyceps (cordyceps militaris) cancan suppress the activity of proteins that cause inflammation in our bodies. Under laboratory conditions, cordyceps has been shown to reduce the risk of inflammation in mice.airway inflammation in mice and could be an effective aid in the treatment and prevention of asthma. However, we must stress that commonly administered asthma medications are much more effective and cordyceps is certainly not a substitute for them.
Anti-tumour effects
Studies in mice show that cordyceps helps prevent or slow down the growth of lymphomas, melanomas or tumours that cause lung cancer. Under laboratory conditions, cordyceps has also been shown to attack cancer-causing cellsincluding those causing cancers of the lung, rectum, skin or liver.
Some studies also point to the fact that cordyceps can mitigate the effects of cancer treatment, as it can prevent the loss of whiteThe body is better protected against various infections during complex cancer treatment. However, Cordyceps cannot be considered a cure for cancer and its effects are more likely to be supportive or preventive. However, if you have already developed cancer, always seek advice fromconsult your doctor first and do not take cordyceps unwisely.
Positive effects in type 2 diabetes
Diabetes is inherently a disease causing dysfunctions in sugar metabolism. In diabetes, the body fails to produce or respond properly to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for moving sugar into the cells where it is converted into energy. However, if there is not enough insulin in the body, sugar has no way to get into the cells and remains in the blood, which can ultimately cause serious health problems.
Some studies have shown that cordyceps helps maintain normal blood sugar levels by taking over the function of insulin to a lesser extent. In studies with laboratory mice, a drop in blood sugar has even been observed, but this effect has not yet been seen in humans. Studies also show that the caterpillar has a positive effect on kidney function, which is very stressed in diabetes.
Increased strength and libido
In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is traditionally used to increase strength and libido, especially in men. This may be linked to an increase in VO2 max, where more oxygen is delivered to the muscles, whichmuscle fatigue is delayed and training or physical activity can last longer and be more intense.
Rejuvenating effects
Much longer life was observed in laboratory mice given cordyceps than those not given cordyceps. Another study also showed that cordyceps prolonged the lives of even the female mice on which it parasitized. In humans, it then helps to brighten and renew the skin, which it also helps to keep supple and healthy.
Side effects and disadvantages of cordyceps
Taking Chinese caterpillar is considered relatively safe and has never been shown to be toxic or have significant side effects. After all, the Chinese have been using it for many centuries and, as part of the noChinese medicine has been considered a safe and effective medicine.
However, as with all mushrooms, various problems can occur with excessive use.such as nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, so never exceed the recommended daily dosage. Cordyceps should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with autoimmune diseases or people with bleeding disorders. If you are unsure, always consult your healthcare practitioner.
Dosage of cordyceps
There is no reliable study to date for the dosage of cordyceps to determineto determine what amount of this mushroom should be taken to maximize its effects. It has been observed from traditional medicine that the ideal amount of cordyceps depends on the sex, weight and age of the user. In general, a dose of around 1000 to 3000 mg/day is recommended. However, we always recommend following the manufacturer's recommended dosage, which is stated in the package insert or on the supplement. If you are unsure of the dosage, consult your physician.
Which cordyceps to choose?
As we mentioned above, you will most often find cordyceps type CS-2 or CS-4 on the market, usually CS-4 is more common. The CS-4 strain is generally considered to be the highest quality and contains about the same amount ofas natural cordyceps, which is hand-picked in the mountainous regions of China.
Another factor in choosing a cordyceps supplement is the content of various supporting substances such as vitamins and amino acids. It is the content of supporting substances and the concentration of cordyceps in one tablet that are often the only reported differences between products. However, when choosing a supplement, it is also advisable to focus on the origin and quality of the mushroom.
If you're not sure, we recommend trying Cordyceps 750 mg fromNow Foods or Cordyceps CS-4 from the renowned sports nutrition manufacturer Reflex Nutrition, which you can't go wrong with.
What to take away from the article?
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that occurs naturally in the mountainous regions of China. However, it is not a common fungus growing in the understory of the forest, but grows from the bodies of insect larvae or various caterpillars. However, mushroom strains bred in special cultivation facilities are used for food supplements.
Although cordyceps has not yet undergone as thorough studies and testing as other supplements, its long and successful use in theChinese and traditional eastern medicine proves that it is an effective remedy for improving overall health. Furthermore, studies conducted on animals under laboratory conditions support its benefits.
The laboratory-proven effects of cordyceps include:
- Improving training performance and delaying fatigue,
- a positive effect on the immune system,
- cancer prevention,
- anti-aging effect,
- regulation of blood sugar levels.
Cordyceps is a great supplement for athletes who want to achieve even better resultsbut also for those who want to improve their immunity and prevent dangerous diseases.
Sources
https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-cordyceps-89441
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.602364/full
https://naturalforce.com/blogs/nutrition/best-cordyceps-supplement#anchor1
Why can you trust us?
Hey! Hey! I'm Mirek and I've been working at World Fitness almost since the beginning, except for a small break. But before that I lived only in the gym for a few years, doing deadlifts and power triathlon, going to competitions and winning a few medals.
Probably the one I value the most is the national record in the WUAP federation. But besides working out, I was also interested in food and supplements, I liked to enjoy my free timeI used to read different researches and professional books in my free time to know as much as possible.