Years ago, the cordyceps fungus made its way to the Chinese and Tibetan medical world. It is a mixture of both caterpillar and fungus, which is very rare. The fungus grows in Sikkim, an Indian state that shares its border with neighboring countries, i.e., Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The state is situated at an altitude above 4,500 meters.
Out of 400 species, two species of this fungus, namely Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps Sinensis, have been under research due to their health benefits.
To cure multiple diseases, in Sikkim, the conventional healers and local people recommend the consumption of Cordyceps Sinensis as a single drug or with another herb. It helps treat fatigue and kidney disease. Moreover, the fungus is being used as a food supplement.
Proving that the fungus is used in medicine and healthy food. Read the story till the end to know its positive effect on the body and mind:
Perks of ingesting cordyceps fungus
Enhances the physical performance
Many studies have revealed that those who have intake this medicinal mushroom benefit from the lactate clearance it offers. The products with cordyceps enhance lactate clearance because of the refined lactate energy metabolism within the cell.
Even it benefits the athletes’ greater anaerobic physical performance.
Another study proved that the mushrooms that have cordyceps militaris boost the system to high-intensity exercise and provide long-term benefits if taken regularly.
Improves Oxygen Consumption
The cordyceps benefit the body by improving the oxygen in the blood, resulting in cardiac functions and respiratory health. Though the herders in Tibet first discovered this benefit, the yak herders have been intaking the cordyceps to improve the oxygen level in high-altitude regions in the low oxygen zone.
It protects the lungs, thus improving the respiratory system. Making it useful for the disease: bronchitis, asthma, or coughs.
Anti-tumor effect
It is found that the cordyceps have the potential to lower the growth of tumor cells.
Fruit extracts and mycelium bodies from the various species of cordyceps have anti-tumor effects on lymphoma, melanoma, and lung cancer.
It has been found that it can reverse the side effects that occur due to various cancer therapies. Cordyceps also reverses leukopenia, a state where white blood reduces, decreasing the body’s defense capabilities and resulting in making the body prone to various infections.
After regular consumption, the growth of various cancer cells of lung, colon, skin, and liver cancer cells is inhibited.
Helpful in type 2 diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which either the body stops producing insulin or is resistant. The job of insulin is to deliver glucose to cells to make energy for the body. Without insulin, glucose won’t be able to enter cells and remain in the blood. If excess glucose remains in the blood for a longer period, it poses a grave danger to the body.
It becomes inevitable for diabetic persons to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously. Cordyceps dupes the job of insulin and controls blood sugar levels. The fungus also protects against kidney disease, a common complication of diabetes.
Benefits heart health
The effects of cordyceps on heart health have proved a boon to patients with heart diseases. Moreover, China has already approved the use of cordyceps in treating arrhythmia, a state of irregular, slow or fast heartbeats.
Chronic kidney diseases are the reason for heart injury, leading to heart failure risk, so reducing these injuries may avoid the result. The fungus has adenosine, which protects the heart from any possible risk.
Apart from the effects mentioned above, researchers are finding more benefits of cordyceps fungus in curing severe diseases.
