Cordyceps for Athletes
A Fungi-Powered Performance Booster
Maybe you’ve heard of Cordyceps before—our beloved adaptogenic fungi friend that we’ve previously touted for its adrenal-renewing effects (see: Cordyceps Over Coffee). There we highlighted these fungi's ability to increase cellular energy (ATP production), providing much-needed support to overworked adrenal glands. But what if we told you that Cordyceps offers an extra edge for athletes as well?
Cordyceps militaris, cousin of Chinese Medicine’s Qi and Kidney tonic Cordyceps sinensis, has long been praised for reducing fatigue, protecting memory, and boosting libido. However, its benefits extend even further beyond these, particularly for those seeking to enhance physical performance and endurance.
The Science Behind Cordyceps and Athletic Performance
Cordyceps' magic lies in its bioactive compound, Cordycepin, which stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for delivering energy to your muscles. As any athlete knows, the more efficiently your body produces and utilizes energy, the better it performs, especially during high-intensity, cardiovascular exercise.
Research has revealed that Cordyceps have the potential to enhance endurance and exercise performance. In one 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, amateur marathon runners that consistently supplemented with Cordyceps showed significant improvements in their aerobic performance compared to the placebo group. What do we mean by consistent supplementation? At least three weeks of use. While short-term use of these mushrooms didn’t produce any noticeable results, participants who stuck with Cordyceps for three weeks or more saw measurable improvements in VO2 max, which is the amount of oxygen your body can consume during exercise, and a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Consistency is Key
Like other adaptogens, Cordyceps doesn’t offer a quick fix. Its real magic lies in long-term, consistent use. A single week of supplementation may not bring noticeable benefits, but research shows that time is the key to unlocking the benefits of these fungi.
Additional Benefits for Athletes
Aside from its energy and endurance-enhancing effects, Cordyceps offer multiple other benefits that can support athletes:
Reduced Fatigue: Cordyceps is known for helping to alleviate both mental and physical fatigue, which helps provide a recovery time that can allow athletes to go harder longer.
Enhanced Oxygen Utilization: By improving oxygen efficiency, Cordyceps allow athletes to push harder and longer without hitting a wall.
Improved Recovery: As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse, Cordyceps may help reduce post-exercise muscle soreness and speed up recovery.
Incorporating Cordyceps into Your Routine
To see the full benefits of Cordyceps for yourself, look for high-quality supplements. We’re fond of our own, as we’ve curated a highly effective triple extraction process that allows us to create full spectrum, maximum-potency extractions. Cordyceps star in both our Mastermind and Super Immunity extracts. Take them consistently (daily for at least three weeks), in any tea, water, smoothie, or simply take directly under your tongue.
