Your Ultimate Guide to Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits

There are many species of Cordyceps mushrooms throughout the world. Though not technically a mushroom, they have the rare distinction of being entomopathogenic fungi, which means that in nature, they grow as parasites on insects. Two species, Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis, have attracted considerable attention from the medical community and have been extensively researched for their significant health and wellness properties.

Cordyceps are recognized for their ability to support vitality, endurance, and stamina as a result of the naturally occurring compounds in the mushroom that improve the availability of oxygen in the blood.^‡ Whether you’re looking for a pre- or post-workout supplement or a secret weapon to charge through busy days with the kids, back-to-back meetings, or double shifts, continue reading to learn about the top cordyceps mushroom benefits as well as some easy ways to incorporate them into your wellness routine.

Cordyceps are ideal for athletes looking for clean sources of energy that make a positive difference in their performance. The impact of increased availability of oxygen also has relevance beyond athletes.^‡ It can play an important role in supporting the natural energy needs for daily routines, cognitive health, and mood across the general population. It has particular importance for those dealing with low energy and fatigue. ^‡ 

A Brief History of Cordyceps Mushrooms

In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, Cordyceps was highly valued as a natural vitality elixir to help combat illness, improve stamina, and increase longevity.^‡ With an unusual spindly appearance like that of a bright orange caterpillar, it was originally discovered by Tibetan herdsmen working at high altitudes. They took cordyceps to cope with the impact of low oxygen on their required level of exertion.

It gained popularity in the West for its effects on athletic performance in 1993 when the world record-breaking performances of Chinese female athletes were attributed to a nutrition regimen that included cordyceps supplementation. Now, cultivators are bringing the medicine of the Himalayas to the West in convenient and accessible dietary supplement products.  

The Power Behind Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits

As a functional mushroom, cordyceps provides low-calorie nutrition, and a whole lot more. It contains amino acids, the building blocks of protein, as well as vitamins and minerals. Cordyceps mushrooms contain cordycepin and other important bioactive compounds. One of their strongest benefits comes from prebiotic fiber that supports the digestive system and promotes a healthy gut flora.^‡

Improves Oxygen Consumption

Studies show that in addition to the cordyceps mushroom’s ability to improve the availability of oxygen in the blood, it helps to support cardiac function and respiratory health. Researchers reported that a 28-day trial of cordyceps administered during high-intensity exercise showed benefits for both aerobic and anaerobic performance, improving oxygen consumption and blood lactate levels.^‡

Promotes Endurance

The increased availability of oxygen to exercising muscles has been shown in a recent study to significantly increase Max VO2, time to exertion, and other sports performance parameters, helping with overall endurance and recovery. These performance results demonstrated the effect of an enhancement of the mitochondrial production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the “cellular currency” or fuel that provides cellular energy for the body.^‡

Aids Post-Workout Recovery

Other studies have shown the mushroom’s ability to enhance blood flow to the liver and non-exercising skeletal muscle may also aid lactate clearance, allowing athletes to maintain a higher intensity of exercise without fatigue.^‡ Elderly subjects who experienced extreme fatigue participated in a study in which cordyceps was administered daily over a 30-day period. The treatment group showed an increased level of energy and vitality and reported a higher quality of life and self-esteem.

Supports Immune Functions

Similar to other functional mushrooms, cordyceps supplementation supports the body’s healthy immune functioning. Its polysaccharide content supports gut health and helps to modulate the immune system. As an adaptogenic mushroom, cordyceps helps the body to react appropriately when challenged by infection.^‡

Who Should Take Cordyceps Mushrooms?

While the energizing benefits of cordyceps make it ideal for athletes, anyone can benefit from its natural power. To receive cordyceps mushroom benefits:

• Take it before a hard workout or competition
• Take it after exercise to aid recovery
• Take it just after waking up in the morning to jumpstart your day
• Take it in the afternoon when your energy level is getting low
• Take it every day to firmly establish its supportive benefits in your life

It is clear that there are many good opportunities to put cordyceps to work for you in your day. If the demands of modern life often leave you feeling depleted, you may find that cordyceps helps you to bounce back with much-needed energy and there’s no better time to start than the present.

How To Incorporate Cordyceps Into Your Daily Routine

Om Superfood Mushrooms makes it easy to incorporate this functional mushroom into your daily routine supplements made from certified 100-percent organic, non-GMO, whole food mushrooms grown at our state-of-the-art indoor farm in California. Each Om mushroom is:

• Cultivated under the direction of experienced mycologists, the scientists who study fungi
• Grown in environmental conditions that are just right for cordyceps
• Allowed to grow through the full spectrum life-cycle so that the finished product includes mycelium and fruit bodies or primordia (baby fruit bodies)
• Dehydrated at low temperatures to protect the integrity of cordyceps’ bioactive compounds
• Tested to ensure it is free from contaminants, heavy metals, and environmental toxins
• Milled to increase the bioavailability of its nutrients

Though cordyceps grows on insect larvae in the wild, Om cultivates its fungi more sustainably on oats, so our products are vegan and kosher certified and gluten-free.

Getting the recommended cordyceps dosage has never been easier. The ENERGY+ Citrus Orange Mushroom Drink Mix can be added to your water bottle for those days when you’re on the go. It offers a combination of four mushroom species: Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps sinensis, reishi, and lion’s mane, plus B-vitamins and natural botanicals, including guarana, yerba mate, and turmeric. This blend provides sustained clean energy while supporting focus and alertness, and can be used before or after your workout.^‡

If you prefer to get your sole energy source delivered by cordyceps alone without added flavor, opt for Om Cordyceps Organic Mushroom Powder blend. Available in 50, 100, or 250 serving canisters, you can add it to juice, a smoothie, coffee, tea, or your favorite recipe. When you don’t have time to make a smoothie, get the same powerful cordyceps dose in convenient capsule form for natural endurance and stamina made easy.^‡ You can find these and other convenient cordyceps products available from Om without having to trek the Himalayas.

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^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.