Cordyceps Mushrooms Benefits: The Kind of 'Shrooms You Need

By Rebalance Health

June 08, 2022

Used for centuries in ancient Chinese medicine for health benefits, cordyceps are a newcomer on the ‘shroom science scene. But, what these parasitic fungi can do for your health is turning out to be incredible. Taking cordyceps mushrooms is no bad trip as this mushroom has powerful medicinal properties to help balance cortisol and feel like your best self, again.


Are you curious about the cordyceps mushroom benefits that are backed by science? And how to add them to your daily routine? 


What are Cordyceps Mushrooms?

There are over 400 species of cordyceps or parasitic fungi that grow from insect larvae. The most commonly studied form are cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps, like other mushroom adaptogens, enable the body to recover from the physical effects of stress. Adaptogens support the adrenal glands, which get taxed during times of high stress.


Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits

Much of the research on cordyceps mushroom benefits is in its early stages, but there are many promising animal and human cell studies demonstrating the potential for tremendous benefits. Here is some of what science has to say about the benefits of cordyceps mushrooms:


Supports healthy aging

We can’t stop getting older, but we can slow it down. If inflammation accelerates the aging process. Slow it down by decreasing inflammation. Cordyceps’ antioxidants scavenge damaging free radicals and reduce the DNA damage done to cells. Less DNA damage means slower aging. 


One study found that cordyceps extract can essentially stop DNA damage in human cells. Though the study was done at the cell level in a lab, it is a promising glimpse into how cordyceps might work inside the body. 


Normal inflammatory response

Inflammation is a classic example of a good thing gone bad and here’s why: inflammation is the body’s cavalry – the first line of defense against injury or illness and anything it interprets as a threat from the outside.


Under normal circumstances, inflammation increases to protect and heal, and then returns to baseline. The troops stand down, so to speak. If the body is chronically stressed or ill, it causes inflammation to stay high. High inflammation is hugely problematic and is linked with chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.


Supporting a normal inflammatory response is one of the top cordyceps mushroom benefits. This is evident not only in early animal studies but is also being validated in human studies. Bioactive compounds in cordyceps called cordycepin and adenosine may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.


Reduces oxidative stress

That burnt-out, run-down feeling you get when stress is high? That is a sign of oxidative stress in your body. When a cell is damaged from aging, illness, or injury, free radicals are released and wreak havoc in the body through a process called oxidative stress. Cordyceps contains flavonoids and polyphenols which are antioxidant all-stars. They have the powerful ability to dramatically reduce oxidative stress. 


Animal studies are a preview of what might be possible in humans, but human studies are forthcoming. Several animal studies have demonstrated cordyceps’ ability to increase antioxidant capabilities in the body to help slow down disease processes.


Improves exercise performance


Rock Climber

A 2017 study, supplementation with cordyceps improved measures of aerobic endurance in as little as 3 weeks in healthy adults. A similar effect was seen in another study of elderly adults, suggesting that it is never too late to improve exercise performance with cordyceps. 


Though, it is important to note that similar aerobic improvements weren’t witnessed in a study involving trained cyclists. This may suggest that the ingestion of cordyceps might be more effective for those in earlier training stages and not as effective for those with an exceptionally high level of endurance. Additional research is needed in this area.


Supports healthy blood sugar levels

Chinese medicine has used cordyceps for managing diabetes for centuries, but laboratory science in this area is still new. It is believed that substances called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors block the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut, leading to lower blood sugar. 


At this time, the evidence isn’t as robust for blood sugar regulation in humans since most current studies are from mouse models. There is a clear effect that cordyceps may help lower blood sugars in animals and could possibly help regulate glucose metabolism in human cells


Heart health benefits

Promising preliminary human data has demonstrated that cordyceps might help prevent LDL, “bad” cholesterol and blood clots from accumulating in blood vessels. 


Looking at a holistic view of heart health, cordyceps mushroom benefits may be a collective effort of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering effects that help support the heart. 


How to Add Cordyceps Mushrooms to Your Routine

Choose high-quality cordyceps

Discover high-quality cordyceps in the Rebalance Systems - The Anxiety SystemThe Testosterone System, as well as The Hot Flash System. Dial down the stress and ramp up energy and recovery. 


No pills here. Get maximum cordyceps benefits from exclusive scientifically-formulated lozenges packed with natural ingredients. Rebalance’s proprietary Directline™ delivery method also makes their Superceuticals™ more effective. The goodness begins as soon as each lozenge starts to dissolve. And the longer you suck on it, the more you get where it matters.


Optimize with adaptogen partners

Harness the high cortisol-crushing power of combining cordyceps with these three adaptogens Superceuticals™. You will find these adaptogenic ingredients throughout the Rebalance Stress Management System.


  • Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid valued for protecting the brain and keeping your mind, memory, and focus sharp. 
  • Ashwagandha is an adaptogen known to have a calming effect on the brain and body, helping them recover from daily stressors. 
  • Magnolia Bark is an herbal ingredient typically used for anti-anxiety and stress. 

From the boardroom to the bedroom, cordyceps can help you kick high cortisol to the curb, feel better, and be there for what matters at every moment.