Benefits of Organic Cordyceps: Your Ultimate Guide
Organic cordyceps is a type of parasitic fungi that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its many potential health benefits. Do you want to know how this “Zombie-ant fungus” can benefit your health? Explore with us till the end.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the potential health benefits of organic cordyceps that are backed by scientific research. But before we get into how this fungus can benefit human health, it’s worth knowing exactly what it is and what ingredients it contains. So, let’s get started.
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a type of fungi that are parasitic in nature. There are more than 700 species have been identified so far. Researchers have found at least 35 types of cordyceps have medicinal properties and may have some potential health benefits.
Some of the rarest types of cordyceps are found in high mountain regions of Tibet, China, Nepal, and India. They have long been used in traditional medicines for centuries. What makes it specifically interesting is that each species grows in specific, unique caterpillars of insects.
Organic cordyceps are often called a mushroom and are used in medicines and supplements. They are said to have various active ingredients that can help human health in many ways.
let's take a look at what ingredients they generally contain:
Active ingredients found in organic cordyceps
Different species contain different types of ingredients that are biologically active and can help human health in several ways. Some of the most common ones may include:
- Cordycepin
- Adenosine
- Phenolic compounds
- Polysaccharides
- Fatty acids
- Sterols
- Amino acids
- Trace elements
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- B vitamins
Potential health benefits of organic cordyceps
Organic cordyceps has been found to have several medicinal properties including anti-fatigue, anti-aging, and anti-tumor just to name a few. It has an effect on specific chemicals in the immune system and therefore, can improve immunity and overall health in many ways. Natural and organic cordyceps is rare and hard to get and sometimes might be expensive.
Here are some most common uses that are backed by science:
Organic cordyceps might help increase athletic performance
Organic cordyceps is a tremendous antioxidant that indirectly can help increase blood flow and oxygen utilization in the body. In a 2017 study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, scientists found that chronic supplementation of Cordyceps militaris has the capacity to improve tolerance in high-intensity exercise
Organic cordyceps might help manage blood sugar levels
Organic cordyceps might help lower sugar levels by increasing sugar metabolism. It may also help prevent nerve damage caused by excess sugar levels in the blood. A 2020 review in Molecules shows that Cordyceps militaris extract can help lower blood sugar levels by affecting how efficiently the body processes sugar molecules from foods a person intakes.
Organic cordyceps might improve cardiovascular health
Organic cordyceps has significant antihyperlipidemic properties that can help improve blood lipid profiles and also correct irregular heartbeat. High levels of blood lipids play a key role in developing risk factors for heart and blood vessel conditions.
In a 2022 review of 19 clinical trials that investigated 1805 patients diagnosed with irregular heartbeat, researchers have confirmed that cordyceps has a positive effect on adjusting heart rate to a normal level.
Organic cordyceps might help in reducing inflammation
Although inflammation is an essential part of the healing process in the body, especially in response to an infection or injury, prolonged inflammation that lasts for the long term may lead to some serious and chronic health conditions including autoimmunity and neurodegenerative issues. Organic cordyceps has been shown to have noticeable anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation and its associated symptoms such as pain and swelling.
A 2020 review in the Phytotherapy Research shows that cordycepin, the major active ingredient in organic cordyceps, has significant anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting its potential use against various inflammatory conditions. Also check herbs for inflammation.
Organic cordyceps has anti-aging properties
The overwhelming loads of free radicals, the unstable oxygen-bearing molecules, cause an imbalance and damage cells known as oxidative stress. This plays a major role in aging and the development of age-oriented health issues including memory loss, pain, and degenerative cognitive problems.
Organic cordyceps and its bioactive compounds including cordycepin and polysaccharides have been shown to have potent antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce the chances of oxidative stress.
How to use organic cordyceps
Organic cordyceps are available in various supplementary forms, most commonly in capsules and tinctures. Dosage varies from person to person depending on personal health status and associated conditions. However, in general, for extract capsules, the dosage commonly ranges between 1000 mg to 3000 mg per day.
For tincture use, the suggested dosage ranges from 20 drops to 30 drops twice or thrice per day with water for fruit juices.
Here you can see our pure and natural Cordyceps Tincture
Side effects and precautions
A long history of traditional uses of cordyceps suggests it is safe and non-toxic to humans. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and dry mouth. People with known allergies to mushrooms should avoid it.
Besides, organic cordyceps may interact with certain prescription drugs such as anti-diabetic medicines and blood thinners. The safety on pregnant and breastfeeding people is yet not known. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with a certified naturopathic doctor or herbal practitioner prior to using organic cordyceps supplements.
Final words
Organic cordyceps is well-known in several traditional medicines and has historically been used for centuries to manage and prevent various health conditions. The most common benefits of cordyceps include improving athletic performance, managing sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health, lowering inflammation, and reducing signs of aging. It’s recommended to consult with a certified naturopathic doctor or herbal practitioner prior to using cordyceps herbal supplements.