Cordyceps for Energy: What the Science Says

Cordyceps for Energy: What the Science Says

Are you tired of feeling tired? Sick of relying on caffeine jitters and sugar crashes to get through your day? If you're looking for a natural way to boost your energy levels and sustain them all day long, cordyceps could be the answer. 

This powerful functional mushroom has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine, known for its energising and fatigue-fighting properties.

How Cordyceps Supports Energy

Unlike caffeine's short-lived jolt, cordyceps may work at a more fundamental level to support your body's natural energy production and utilisation.  Here's how:

  • ATP Production:  Our cells rely on a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy. Studies suggest that cordyceps may help the body regenerate ATP more efficiently, leading to increased energy reserves.
  • Oxygen Uptake:  Cordyceps may improve how your body uses oxygen, especially during physical activity. This is particularly beneficial for athletes, those at high altitudes, or anyone feeling short of breath with exertion.
  • Workout Endurance & Recovery:  Research shows cordyceps may significantly extend  exercise endurance, reduce muscle fatigue, and speed up recovery time. Whether you're an athlete or just trying to make it through a busy day, this can translate to feeling less exhausted and bouncing back more quickly.

Cordyceps vs. Caffeine: The Difference

2 mushroom capsules next to a cup of coffee

We've all felt the jolt of a strong cup of coffee or an energy drink. That rush of energy is often followed by a slump, leaving you more tired than before. Cordyceps offers a fundamentally different experience:

  • Sustained Energy: Cordyceps supports energy production at the cellular level, potentially leading to a more sustained feeling of vitality throughout the day, without the crash.
  • No Jitters or Burnout:  With cordyceps, you're unlikely to experience the jittery feeling, anxiety, or disrupted sleep that can come with excessive caffeine intake.
  • Long-Term Benefits:  While caffeine provides a temporary fix, cordyceps may offer longer-term benefits like improved endurance, faster recovery, and even support for overall well-being due to its other active compounds.

Think of cordyceps as your steady, reliable energy companion, while caffeine remains that intense friend useful in specific situations, but not for everyday reliance.

Additional Benefits of Cordyceps

While cordyceps' potential for boosting energy and endurance is its main draw, this remarkable mushroom may offer additional benefits:

  • Immune Support: Like other functional mushrooms, cordyceps contains polysaccharides, which studies suggest can modulate the immune system. Regular cordyceps use could contribute to a healthy immune response.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Cordyceps has shown antioxidant activity in studies. Antioxidants help combat harmful free radicals in the body, potentially protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand these additional benefits. However, they suggest that cordyceps may provide a holistic approach to wellness, supporting both energy levels and overall health.

Research Spotlight: Cordyceps for Performance - What the Science Shows

A recent study examined the effects of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris on high-intensity exercise. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 28 healthy adults received either the mushroom blend or a placebo for one week, with some continuing for an additional two weeks. Here's what they found:

Supplementation Period

Key Findings

1 Week

No significant differences in exercise performance were seen between the mushroom blend and placebo groups.

3 Weeks

The mushroom blend group showed significant improvements in: 

  • Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) (+4.8 ml·kg^-1·min^-1
  • Time to Exhaustion (TTE) 
  • Ventilatory Threshold (VT)

 

What This Means:

  • Short-Term Benefits Unclear: This study suggests that Cordyceps militaris may not provide immediate performance boosts in high-intensity exercise.
  • Potential with Long-Term Use: The significant improvements after three weeks indicate that the benefits of Cordyceps may take time. Consistent use could lead to increased endurance, better oxygen utilisation, and enhanced overall performance.
  • Promising for Athletes: Those involved in endurance sports or high-intensity training might see the most benefit from including a Cordyceps-containing blend like Thrive in their long-term supplement regimen.
A person looking invigorated and energised after taking cordyceps extract

Incorporating Cordyceps Into Your Routine with Thrive Capsules

Mushroom Works' Thrive capsules offer a simple and convenient way to harness the energising benefits of cordyceps and other functional mushrooms. Their carefully crafted blend supports increased energy, endurance, and overall well-being.

Usage Tips:

  • Recommended Dosage: Follow the dosage instructions provided for optimal results (2 capsules per day with food).
  • Daily Ritual: Establish a consistent routine of taking the capsules, making them part of your morning or pre-workout regimen.
  • Listen to your body: Notice how this blend makes you feel. You may find it provides increased energy, improved focus, and overall vitality with regular use.

Thrive capsules are perfect for those who prefer the ease of swallowing capsules and want a consistent way to incorporate functional mushrooms into their daily wellness routine.

Complementary Strategies for Optimal Energy

A person running

While cordyceps offers a powerful boost, a holistic approach to energy levels is always best. Consider combining it with these healthy lifestyle practices:

Practice

Benefits

Hydration

Prevents fatigue, supports bodily functions

Nutritious Diet

Provides essential fuel for energy production

Quality Sleep

Allows your body to rest and recharge

Stress Management

Reduces the energy-draining effects of stress

Regular Exercise

Boosts energy levels and overall fitness over time

 

Remember, consistency is key! These practices, combined with the power of cordyceps, can help you sustain optimal energy levels and feel your best.

To learn more about functional mushrooms head over to our blog!

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