Cordyceps Supplements and Uses, Benefits, and Precautions to Take

A type of fungus which has been long used in traditional Chinese medicine is the cordyceps. Cordyceps are such that they have possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant side effects. When cordyceps are taken as a supplement, there are many benefits. Some of the cordyceps mushroom benefits consist of the following: increased performance in exercise, reduced inflammation, boosted immunity, and improved heart health. Then, you can also see some of the benefits like low blood sugar in some people with type 2 diabetes.

There are some groups of folks who even think and believe that cordyceps can have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Here you will come to know everything about cordyceps and who should take it and other factors.

Quick Facts About Cordyceps

Let’s look at the supplement facts of Cordyceps mushrooms. The active ingredients in cordyceps are cordycepin, sterols, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Some of the alternate names of Cordyceps are Cordyceps Sinensis, cordyceps mushroom, caterpillar fungus, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps hyphae, Cordyceps barnesii, and Cordyceps sobolifera.

Its legal status is that it is legally available as an OTC, or over-the-counter. When it comes to the suggested dose, there is not enough evidence to suggest a standard dose for cordyceps. You should also see the safety considerations. There are mild side effects of cordyceps, but the safety of long-term use of cordyceps is still unknown.

Uses of Cordyceps

There are more than 399 species of cordyceps, though the types of cordyceps that are being used as supplements are made by humans in the lab. It is very important that before you take the supplements, you consult with a professional healthcare specialist like a registered pharmacist, doctor, or dietician. Besides that, it is also important to know that no supplement is likely to prevent, cure, or treat a disease.

In a CAM program, i.e., complementary and alternative medicine, cordyceps is most of the time used as an energy booster, which is natural. The proponents also say that cordyceps can protect against various health issues like high blood pressure, fatigue, upper respiratory infections, kidney disorders, inflammation, and others, to name a few. There are some herbalists who also say that cordyceps can enhance the libido, slow aging and protect against cancer. Besides that, more human trials are required before recommending cordyceps for various health issues.

Cordyceps Helps in Athletic Performance

There have been mixed results on the use of cordyceps Australia for enhancing performance. It is thought to enhance the performance of athletes. The Chinese track and field athletes achieved several multiple records in the 90s, and the coach attributed the success to supplements containing cordyceps.

Also, a study from the University of North Carolina suggested that daily intake of cordyceps supplements increased the maximum intake of oxygen (VO2 max) in young adults within 3 weeks of use. So, the researchers believed that through results it showed that cordyceps might enhance the tolerance to high-intensity exercise in an athlete. But human trials are required to determine its safety.

Other Health Areas Where Cordyceps Can Help

Cordyceps has also been found to be beneficial in the prevention of diabetes and blood fats, asthma, kidney damage, kidney transplant, promoting longevity, and decreasing fatigue. Cough, Bronchitis, Breathing problems, Anaemia, Heart arrhythmias, High cholesterol, Liver problems, Dizziness, Weakness, Ear Ringing. But again, human trials are needed to prove this.

Precautions In the Use of Cordyceps

People should take precautions while using cordyceps supplements as very little is known about the safety of taking cordyceps and its long-term side effects. Human trials are needed.

Conclusion

Though it is non-toxic, less is known about it. The following people should avoid taking cordyceps supplements: breastfeeding and pregnant women, as research has not been conducted on them regarding the use of cordyceps. Also, children should not use cordyceps. So, certain people should avoid taking cordyceps and talk with a healthcare provider about the same. Plus, before starting this supplement, talk with the doctor about the same.