Cordyceps or Cordyceps Sinensis is a fungus naturally found in high altitude mountains located in China, Nepal, and Tibet. It is commonly known as the “caterpillar fungus” as this organism derives nutrients from different species of caterpillars. In china, Cordyceps is known as either the “winter worm” or the “summer grass”. Although cordyceps had long existed in the cold mountains, its positive effects on health were known only in the early 90’s. A group of Chinese runners won nine world records in a prestigious World Outdoor Track and Field Championship in 1993 held in Germany. The team’s coach revealed that the stamina and endurance of the athletes are due to their regular use of a cordyceps-based tonic. Today, cordyceps supplements are among the most sought after product in the circle of elite athletes like swimmers, runners, cyclists, and triathletes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps is also used in lung and kidney conditions. The older Chinese population is also using Cordyceps as their “super-ginseng” to be more vibrant and for enhanced stamina. In the western countries, cordyceps sinensis is perhaps the most studied fungus because it does not just improves endurance but is believed to cure and prevent diseases. Because many of these studies revealed that this fungal specie is really beneficial to health, cordyceps is now being manufactured as supplements. Cordyceps supplements or fresh cordyceps from the wild, this fungus provides the body an impressive list of benefits.
Cordyceps Benefits
- Cordyceps strengthens the immune system by increasing the number of protective cells. The body will have more resistance against diseases caused by numerous bacteria and viruses.
- Cordyceps improves sexual function and vitality in both men and women. Cordyceps stimulates the production of sex hormones in males and is an effective way to fight infertility in females.
- Cordyceps aids in achieving a good night sleep because it calms the nervous system. It also alleviates stress and anxiety for sleep to become restful and productive.
- Cordyceps is very helpful to people with hypertension as it can lower blood pressure and increase blood supply. Cordyceps acts by relaxing the walls of blood vessels to deliver more blood to the heart while decreasing blood pressure.
- Cordyceps has anti-aging effects because it has antioxidant properties. The antioxidants promote cellular formation and offers protection against free radicals that causes cell damage.
- Cordyceps can ease the symptoms of asthma, cough, and chronic bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also relaxes the bronchial walls that decrease the severity of these diseases.
- For diabetics, cordyceps is useful in regulating blood sugar levels.
- Cordyceps prevents liver and kidney diseases by improving the blood flow in these very vital organs.
- Cordyceps enhances the delivery of oxygen in cells, promoting healthy cells, tissue, organs, and systems.
- Cordyceps can also improve cognitive function like memory and mental sharpness.
Cordyceps Side Effects
Cordyceps has no known side effect. However, for pregnant women and those afflicted with chronic diseases, cordyceps supplements must be taken with your doctor’s advice and supervision.
