4 Benefits of cordyceps militaris, a mushroom that is nutritious for health, especially for respiration: uses, side effects, interactions

Cordyceps mushrooms are one type of mushroom that has a myriad of benefits. Maybe some of you have never heard of this mushroom. However, in traditional medicine, this fungus has long been used. There are about 400 species of cordyceps mushrooms and most of them come from Bhutan, China, Korea, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. One of the most commonly used types is cordyceps militaris. Apart from being consumed directly, cordyceps is processed into extracts and can be found in health supplements. Then, what benefits do these mushrooms offer?

The amazing benefits of cordyceps militaris mushrooms that you need to know

Of the 400 species of cordyceps, two of which have been the main focus of a number of studies. Respectively, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.

Generally, cordyceps militaris which is widely used by many people because it has a more affordable price but still with the same benefits and quality.

Furthermore, here are some of the benefits of cordyceps that you may need to maintain health:

1. Increase the immune system or immune system

As mentioned earlier, cordyceps can help protect you from diseases related to the immune system. In addition, based on scientific reviews in 2017, this mushroom is also beneficial for the immune system because it can be used to increase the effectiveness of the treatment of diseases, such as arthritis, HIV, and Crohn's disease.

Another study in 2015 also found that cordyceps militaris can effectively increase the body's protective mechanisms from invading pathogens (cells infected with viruses or bacteria) and toxins. Plus, this study found that these mushrooms are safe for consumption.

2. Help

Research conducted at Xinxiang Medical College found that cordyceps can increase molecular production adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body which is important for channeling energy to all muscles. When your muscles get the energy they need for work, your body's endurance can increase as you move.

When the production of ATP molecules increases, the body is more effective at utilizing oxygen, especially during physical activity, for example, during exercise.

3. Cordyceps militaris mushroom can be used to reduce inflammatory reactions

Because the base of the cordyceps militaris fungus is protein, research shows that when the cordyceps enters the body's cells, the proteins that increase the inflammatory reaction in the body decrease. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of the fungus remains to be investigated.

Another study examining the benefits of cordyceps as an antioxidant found that this mushroom can effectively treat immune-related diseases. The therapeutic effect of cordyceps mushrooms can also suppress autoimmune and allergic diseases.

4. Reducing the risk of diseases of the respiratory tract

A study found that extracts from cordyceps militaris and one of its ingredients, namely cordycepin, can increase hydration as well as smooth mucus clearance on the surface of the respiratory tract. This then can affect the prevention of various diseases of the respiratory tract, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (causing people to have difficulty breathing).

In addition, in several studies it has been found that even this one fungus can inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells, including lung cancer.

Maybe not many people consider this mushroom as a supplement to help support health. However, with the benefits provided by cordyceps mushrooms, a supplement containing this mushroom extract should be included in one of the supplement choices as a source of antioxidants.

In addition, this fungus can help boost the immune system or immune system, and protect against health problems in the respiratory tract, such as lung disease. Cordyceps militaris mushroom can be a safe alternative to herbal medicine or health care.