What does cordyceps mushroom do?

• Cordyceps are known for boosting athletic performance and overall wellness.
• Research suggests potential benefits in managing diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
• It's crucial to understand proper dosage and potential side effects.
• For premium Cordyceps products, check out GreenHatShop.

About Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a type of fungus that is famed for its unique qualities, including its appearance on insects. It's often considered as a supplement for boosting stamina and improving general health. For top-quality Cordyceps, visit GreenHatShop’s Cordyceps page.

Cordyceps Benefits

• Enhanced Athletic Performance
• Anti-Aging Properties
• Boosts Immunity
• Improved Respiratory Health

Cordyceps Research

Scientific studies have examined Cordyceps for their possible health benefits. While research is ongoing, there is promising evidence for its effectiveness in various health conditions.

There are over 400 known species of cordyceps, although the types used in most supplements are manufactured in the lab.
In complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), cordyceps is often used as a natural energy booster. Proponents also claim that cordyceps can protect against health issues like fatigue, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, inflammation, and kidney disorders.
Some herbalists also believe that cordyceps can boost libido (sex drive), slow aging, and protect against cancer.

Panda AK, Swain KC. Traditional uses and medicinal potential of cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011;2(1):9-13. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.78183

However, much of the research on cordyceps has been completed on animal models or in lab settings. More human trials are needed before recommending cordyceps for health purposes.

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or doctor. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.

How to Use Cordyceps

You can use Cordyceps in various forms like capsules, powder, or tinctures. The choice often depends on personal preferences and specific health needs.

Athletic Performance

Cordyceps has been credited with enhancing athletic performance, likely due to its capacity to improve oxygen utilization and lung function.

Research into the performance-enhancing effects of cordyceps has yielded mixed results.

Cordyceps is thought to boost athletic performance. This claim first grabbed headlines in the '90s when Chinese track and field athletes achieved multiple world records, and their coach attributed their success to cordyceps-containing supplements.
One study found that daily cordyceps supplementation gradually increased the maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max) in young adults after three weeks. Researchers believed these results meant that cordyceps might increase an athlete's tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

Hirsch KR, Smith-ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, et al. Cordyceps militaris Improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386

However, this study was small and conducted over a short period. Therefore, it's unclear if long-term cordyceps supplementation could safely improve exercise tolerance even further. Before claiming that cordyceps is a safe and effective supplement for athletes, more human trials must be performed.

Diabetes and Cordyceps

Some studies suggest that Cordyceps may have a role in glucose metabolism, making it a subject of interest in diabetes research.

In traditional medicine, cordyceps has long been used to treat diabetes.

While there are no quality studies investigating these effects in humans, several animal studies have been conducted. However, animal studies on cordyceps and other supplements should not be used as evidence for human use.

One study found that a four-week course of a cordyceps extract improved cholesterol levels and weight gain in mice with diabetes. Cordyceps was also found to have the potential to protect insulin-making beta cells. However, cordyceps did not significantly alter blood sugar levels or improve insulin resistance in the mice.

Cordycepin, one of the active ingredients in cordyceps, has been associated with antidiabetic activity in animal models. A recent review of various studies noted that cordycepin's potential effect on diabetes might be due to gene regulation.

Again, these findings are based on nonhuman animal research and, therefore, cannot be used to determine human benefit.

Hyperlipidemia and Cordyceps

Early evidence indicates that Cordyceps may contribute to lowering bad cholesterol levels, making it beneficial for people with hyperlipidemia.

Cordyceps is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, both of which may help prevent or treat hyperlipidemia or high levels of fat in the blood.

Many of these benefits have been attributed to cordycepin, a bioactive component of cordyceps. Polysaccharides, or carbohydrates, found in cordyceps have also been helpful.

Results from animal studies linked cordyceps use to lowered hyperlipidemia. In one such study, a polysaccharide extracted from cordyceps decreased hamsters' total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In other studies, cordycepin has been associated with improvements in hyperlipidemia. This has been attributed to its similar structure to adenosine, a naturally occurring chemical in the human body needed during fat metabolism and breakdown.

As with most research areas surrounding cordyceps, human trials are necessary before making any health claims.

What Are the Side Effects of Cordyceps?

Generally, Cordyceps is considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, mild side effects such as stomach ache can occur.

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Severe Side Effects

Cordyceps Safety

Always choose high-quality Cordyceps products and adhere to recommended dosage guidelines to ensure safety.

Dosage: How Much Cordyceps Should I Take?

The appropriate dosage varies depending on individual health needs and the specific Cordyceps product. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. 

There are no universal guidelines for an appropriate dose of cordyceps supplements.

Dosage varies significantly in studies looking at cordyceps. For example, studies on athletic performance have used doses of one gram up to 4.5 grams daily.5 In some animal studies, dosage ranged from three grams per day to 10 grams per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day.

As a rule of thumb, never use more than the recommended dosage on the product label or as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Stop and let your healthcare provider know if you develop any unusual symptoms or side effects after consuming cordyceps. Side effects often occur from taking a higher-than-usual dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can cordyceps do to humans?

  Cordyceps are believed to have multiple health benefits including boosting immunity, enhancing energy, and potentially helping in managing conditions like diabetes and hyperlipidemia. However, effects can vary from person to person.

• Is cordyceps mushroom a drug?

  Cordyceps is classified as a dietary supplement, not a drug. It has not been approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, though it is used in traditional medicine for various health-related purposes.

• Does cordyceps raise testosterone?

  Some studies suggest that cordyceps may help to increase testosterone levels, although more research is needed to confirm this effect. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using cordyceps for this purpose.

• Do cordyceps help with anxiety?

  There's limited evidence to suggest that cordyceps may have anti-anxiety effects. Some people claim to experience mood improvement, although more research is needed to substantiate these claims.

• Why do athletes eat cordyceps?

  Athletes often consume cordyceps to boost their energy levels and stamina. The mushroom is believed to improve the body’s utilization of oxygen and enhance blood flow, potentially improving athletic performance.

• Can cordyceps take over your brain?

  There's no scientific evidence to suggest that cordyceps can "take over" your brain. This idea is often a myth or dramatization seen in popular culture or science fiction.

• How does Cordyceps make you feel?

  Many users report feeling energized and experiencing improved focus after consuming cordyceps. However, individual experiences can vary.

• What to avoid when taking Cordyceps?

  It’s advisable to avoid taking cordyceps alongside anticoagulant drugs or if you have auto-immune diseases, unless under medical supervision.

• Does Cordyceps affect serotonin?

  Cordyceps has been found to help increase serotonin, showing antidepressant-like behavior. There is limited research on the impact of cordyceps on serotonin levels. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

• Does Cordyceps affect dopamine?

  In a nutshell, scientific studies highlighted in an article have shown that cordyceps can indeed boost dopamine levels, leading to various health benefits. The increase in dopamine, as mentioned in the article, can improve mood, motivation, and attention. Some studies suggest that cordyceps may influence dopamine levels in the brain, but more research is needed to confirm this effect.

• Are cordyceps mushrooms healthy to eat?

  Yes, cordyceps mushrooms are generally considered healthy to eat for most people. They have been credited with a range of health benefits, including boosting immunity and improving stamina. However, it's crucial to source them from reputable suppliers like GreenHatShop to ensure you're getting a quality product.

• Does cordyceps give you energy?

  Many users report a significant increase in energy levels after consuming cordyceps. It is believed to improve the body's utilization of oxygen and enhance blood flow, which could lead to increased physical and mental energy. While individual experiences may vary, it's a commonly sought-after benefit of the mushroom.

• Is Cordyceps safe for everyone? Generally, yes. But consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.
• Where can I buy quality Cordyceps products? GreenHatShop offers a selection of premium Cordyceps products.