Why Cordyceps Is the Best Natural Pre-Workout Supplement
When many think of workout supplements, mushrooms aren’t likely to come to mind. Yet, did you know that the Cordyceps mushroom has the potential to boost your energy, endurance, stamina, and recovery?
In 1993, the Chinese women’s Olympic running team broke several world records and was accused of steroid use. However, it was later revealed that the runners were actually consuming Cordyceps as part of their training regime.
While there wasn’t much research into Cordyceps during that time, we now know that the mushroom does contain compounds that could potentially improve exercise performance and increase energy levels. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to push past your limits and reach your fitness goals, Cordyceps could be an absolute game-changer.
How Does Cordyceps Improve Athletic Performance?
Cordyceps has been intensively researched for its potential to enhance athletic capabilities and increase energy levels. Here’s how it works:
1. Boosts Muscle Energy
Cordyceps has been shown to activate skeletal muscle metabolic regulators like AMPK, which can help muscles use energy more efficiently. When these regulators are activated, they can enhance energy metabolism, allowing muscles to access glucose and lactate and giving you more stamina during exercise. This means you’ll have more energy available during exercise, leading to better endurance and less fatigue. Imagine being able to run that extra mile or push through a tough lifting session without feeling as worn out.
2. Increases Hormones for Muscle Growth
Researchers have found that a special compound in Cordyceps called cordycepin can help produce more steroid hormones that are crucial for building and repairing muscles. With more of these hormones, your body can heal muscle tissues with more ease and even enhance muscle growth for more gains and less pain.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Cordycepin has also been found to reduce inflammation in the body by blocking the specific pathways that cause it. By decreasing exercise-induced inflammation, Cordyceps can help the body recover faster after intense workouts. This is especially beneficial after those intense workouts that leave your body sore and achy so you can get back to your training routine feeling less worn out.
4. Strengthens the Immune System
Exercising can really take a toll on your body and immune system, making it easier to get sick and harder to bounce back from hard workouts. However, Cordyceps can boost immune function, allowing you to stay healthy even when you’re pushing yourself to the limit. With Cordyceps, you can recover more quickly from the stress of training, meaning less downtime and more time doing what you love.
5. Improves Oxygen Use in Muscles
Studies have determined that Cordyceps can increase the body’s ability to absorb and use oxygen, which is beneficial for prolonged endurance activities like running or cycling. By improving oxygen uptake, Cordyceps helps your muscles perform better and recover faster, allowing them to maintain high-intensity exercises for more extended periods so you can perform at your best.
Integrating Cordyceps into Your Fitness Routine
You can find Cordyceps in many different supplement forms, making it simple to add to your day-to-day flow. You can take capsules for convenience, add powder to your protein shake, or add a liquid extract tincture to your preworkout mix.
To fully enjoy the benefits of Cordyceps, make sure to take it consistently. The effects of Cordyceps build up over time, enhancing your body’s ability to perform and recover.
For optimal benefits, consider taking Cordyceps before or after workouts. Pre-workout consumption can boost your energy and endurance, while others find it beneficial to take it immediately after exercising to help with muscle repair and reduce inflammation.
It’s generally recommended to take 1 to 3 grams of Cordyceps a day, but always follow the instructions provided on the supplement label or discuss with a healthcare provider to determine the best dosage for your personal needs.