When it comes to boosting athletic performance, athletes are always on the lookout for that extra edge. And we’re all athletes. Cordyceps, one of our favourite functional mushrooms, is gaining attention as a natural supplement.
People are praising it for its potential to enhance exercise performance by increasing energy production and improving oxygen utilization. But the big question is, can Cordyceps make you a better athlete? Let's dive into the science and find out.
Boosting Energy and Endurance
One of Cordyceps's key benefits is its ability to increase energy production in the body. This is achieved by enhancing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to muscles during physical activity. With more ATP available, athletes can sustain high-performance levels for longer periods.
Studies have shown that Cordyceps can significantly improve endurance.
Researchers investigated the effects of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris on high-intensity exercise performance over 1 and 3 weeks.
Twenty-eight individuals participated in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They measured maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion (TTE), and ventilatory threshold (VT) during a cycling test.
After one week, there were no significant improvements in performance. However, after three weeks, the Cordyceps group showed significant improvements in VO2max and TTE, indicating that consistent use of Cordyceps militaris might enhance high-intensity exercise performance and recovery over time.
A higher VO2 max means your body can utilize oxygen more efficiently, translating to better stamina and prolonged performance (necessary for athletics).
Reducing Fatigue and Supporting Recovery
Another compelling reason athletes turn to Cordyceps is its potential to reduce fatigue. By potentially minimizing the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, Cordyceps may help to prevent the burning sensation and muscle fatigue often accompanying strenuous workouts. This allows athletes to train harder and longer without feeling worn out.
But the benefits don't stop there. Cordyceps is also believed to accelerate recovery times post-exercise. As a natural adaptogen, it helps the body cope with physical stress, which is crucial for athletes who push their bodies to the limit. Quicker recovery helps athletes train more often and stay on track with their workouts and competitions.
Real-World Applications
Athletes from various disciplines, from endurance runners to weightlifters, are incorporating Cordyceps into their training regimens. The natural supplement's ability to support ATP production, reduce lactic acid build-up, and improve oxygen utilization makes it a valuable addition to any athlete's toolkit.
Sports scientists are increasingly interested in Cordyceps's potential to enhance performance and recovery naturally. Its adaptogenic properties offer a holistic approach to managing the physical stress of intense training and competition.
Conclusion
So, will Cordyceps make you a better athlete? The evidence suggests it can certainly help.
By boosting energy production, improving oxygen utilization, reducing fatigue, and accelerating recovery, Cordyceps offers a natural way to enhance athletic performance whether a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, incorporating Cordyceps into your routine could be the key to reaching new heights in your fitness, training and competition.
All of Stay Wyld Organics Cordyceps are grown in Canada and are 100% Organic and third-party tested.
As with any supplement, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before adding Cordyceps to your regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. But for those looking to push their performance to the next level, Cordyceps might be the natural ‘mushroom’ boost you didn’t realize you were looking for.
Other articles you might like about Cordyceps:
Cordyceps Militaris: Revolutionizing Gut Health and Blood Sugar Management?
The Benefits of Cordyceps for Menopause
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33312018/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
