Cordyceps Militaris is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insects and insect larvae. When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and grow long slender stems outside its body.
The remains of the insect, along with the fungi, have been collected, dried and used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, with healers claiming that the fungus can enhance strength and physical performance along with treating a wide range of health complaints, from kidney disease to high cholesterol.
Cordyceps Militaris is one variety of a rare species of fungus that lives on insects and their larvae, though you may be relieved to learn that the type of Cordyceps Militaris found in food supplements is likely to be lab grown. This is, in large part, due to its price tag, with one-kilogram of natural product costing over $20,000.
Cordyceps is thought to help combat a wide range of medical complaints. The most exciting of these is its alleged ability to arrest the progress of certain types of tumour (including lung, liver and colon.) The fungus has also been reported as beneficial in treating diabetes, kidney disease, arrhythmia, high-cholesterol and low-libido.
Cordyceps Militaris has also been long renowned for its ability to enhance endurance, stamina and athletic performance. In fact, in recent years, there has been a buzz around the potential ability of the fungus to give athletes a competitive edge. Peak 02® is an organic blend of 6 mushrooms including Cordyceps Militaris which has been show to improve:
• Workout duration
• Time to exhaustion
• Maximum power output
• Peak strength
• Anaerobic peak power
• Oxygen utilization during exercise
• Ability to uptake oxygen
• Exercise capacity
PeakO₂® is a natural, non-GMO, non-allergenic, vegan and gluten-free blend of six organic-certified adaptogens. It’s produced with a unique manufacturing process that preserves high levels of bioactivity.
In a 21-day clinical study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 28 subjects underwent a six-minute high-intensity cycle ride and a three minute all-out cycle test. The PeakO₂® group improved its time to exhaustion by 70 seconds from baseline, compared to a 5 second improvement in the placebo group.
PeakO₂ improves the maximum volume of oxygen athletes can use over a period of time (VO₂ max) while helping them use that oxygen more efficiently. So whether you’re interested in hiking, lifting, or running longer or faster, you can benefit from PeakO₂® which is contained in Fresh Healthcare’s Peak Power Mushroom Supplement.
Cordyceps is thought to increase lactate threshold in humans, an indicator of how intensely one is able to exercise. The higher the lactate threshold, the harder and longer physical exertion can be continued.
The fungus is also thought to stimulate ATP generation in the body’s cell mitochondria, increasing energy levels and thus improving athletic performance.
Cordyceps Miliaris have long been famed for their alleged anti-aging properties, along with their ability to boost energy and sex drive.
Researchers believe that their high antioxidant content is responsible for their ability to restore youth and vigour – these are molecules that help fight cell damage by neutralizing free radicals which can otherwise contribute to both disease and the aging process.
Cordyceps Militaris are most commonly taken in a synthetic form as food supplements, though they can also be bought in either fresh or dried form (resembling long, twisted brown fingers.)
Many health food stores sell Cordyceps in a range of formats, including powders, capsules, extracts, tinctures and coffees. Be sure to buy from reputable supplement brands such as Fresh Healthcare which are available on Amazon.com
Those lucky enough to be able to afford fresh or dried Cordyceps mushrooms will enjoy their deep, earthy, nutty flavour. These can be cooked with like any other type of mushroom, being sliced into stews, soups and stir fries or enjoyed as a side dish.
Cordyceps are considered to be safe for most people. Those with auto-immune diseases like lupus and MS (or any know medical condition) should consult a doctor before eating Cordyceps, as they may cause this type of illness to become more active. Cordyceps may also slow blood clotting, so be cautious if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or if you are about to have or have recently had any type of surgery.
As with any dietary supplement, listen to your body and stop taking if you notice any adverse effects and consult your physician.