Wellness Encyclopedia: Cordyceps

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that food can be your first line of defense against fatigue and occasional stress – both of which can affect energy levels during your workouts and recovery time after your workouts. But what about adaptogens? Like cordyceps?

May is here, which means it’s finally time to transition your workouts from the gym to the great outdoors – if you haven’t already! With the arrival of warm weather, road running, and parkside yoga, perhaps you’ve been looking for ways to get energized and support your wellbeing? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that food can be your first line of defense against fatigue and occasional stress – both of which can affect energy levels during your workouts and recovery time after your workouts. But what about adaptogens? Surprisingly, adaptogens, which help the body adapt to the stressful world around it, could also contribute to improved performance. I know, it sounds counterintuitive. Aren’t adaptogens supposed to help you chill? But certain adaptogens, like cordyceps, could support energy and endurance and provide the boost you need to power through your routine. Ready to learn more?

What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps just might be the most fascinating fungi out there – yup, it’s part of the fungi kingdom. You may even be familiar with one particular species: Cordyceps sinensis. Like something out of a science fiction novel, Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus that grows on the larvae of moths, ants and other bugs, eventually taking over. Crazy, right? Thankfully, most cordyceps on the market is an entirely different species that can be easily cultivated on plant hosts – Cordyceps militaris. Used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, cordyceps is classified as an adaptogen and could support a number of systems in the body.

What are the benefits of cordyceps?

As an adaptogen, cordyceps works with the system to support overall wellbeing and occasional stress. What does this mean? Everyday, our bodies are exposed to stressors – from environmental to physical to emotional. Cordyceps can help bring the balance back. Interestingly, cordyceps has also been found to support energy levels while also supporting occasional stress. It could help deliver oxygen to tissues, giving you a little extra boost in your workouts and assisting recovery time afterwards, too.

How do you use it?

Cordyceps is best taken as a capsule, powder, or part of a blend. Add it to smoothies, mix it into coffee or tea, or add to your protein mix two hours before you hit the gym or immediately after – or any time you need an extra energy assist! A few of our favorite cordyceps products: Moon Juice Adaptogenic Protein, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Hot Cacao Mix, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix.

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