Cordyceps For Athletic Performance with a Post Workout Recipe*
How Cordyceps May Promote Energy, Stamina, and Lung Health*
Amateur and professional athletes around the world are turning to herbs and mushrooms to support their training and performance.* Cordyceps can become your best-kept secret for optimal performance, but what Cordyceps product is the best for your needs?
Which mushroom is truly better for athletes: Ophiocordyceps sinensis vs. Cordyceps militaris?
Thousands of years ago, Cordyceps sinensis (now known as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) was so revered in Traditional Chinese Herbalism that only the emperor was allowed to use them. So, what makes this mushroom so special? Ophiocordyceps sinensis mushrooms typically grow on insects in the Himalayan foothills.
More recently, Cordyceps militaris, a cultivated variety of Cordyceps mostly grown on rice or grain, has been developed to allow more affordable access to this wondrous mushroom. Because both varieties are known to provide similar support, they are both used to support improved health today.*
Both mushrooms are a top choice for athletes. However, Cordyceps militaris is often of better quality since most Ophiocordyceps sinensis products use only the mycelia. Cordyceps militaris is also more affordable.
Why Do Athletes Choose Cordyceps?*
Cordyceps have traditionally been used for their adaptogenic properties as well as their support for the body’s immune defenses and respiratory health.* As an adaptogen, Cordyceps may support the body during times of occasional stress.*
Athletes will be happy to learn that this mushroom supports the body’s natural energy levels, and also may support endurance and stamina in already energized people by promoting the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), naturally supporting energy on a cellular level.*
Cordyceps is known to promote a healthy circulatory system, supporting the maintenance of oxygen in the bloodstream and promoting lung capacity in a healthy respiratory system.*
Here at Mushroom Revival, we only use the fruiting bodies in our products. The fruiting bodies of mushrooms contain a specific type of polysaccharides called 1,3/1,6 beta-glucans, which have been shown to support immune health and overall wellness.* Research has shown that the fruiting bodies (actual mushrooms) of Cordyceps militaris have more than 400 times more 1,3/1,6 beta glucans compared to mycelium on grain. In layman's terms this just means 400 times more immune supporting compounds. By using the fruiting bodies and not mycelium, our Cordyceps help promote a healthy immune response.* Similarly studies have shown the fruiting bodies (actual mushrooms) contain 51 times more cordycepin and 7 times more adenosine compared to mycelium on grain. In layman's terms this means the actual mushrooms contain 51 and 7 times more energy supporting compounds compared to the mycelium on grain. As you can see, if you want mushrooms.. The actual mushrooms are the way to go!
Can Cordyceps Be Consumed as a Pre-Workout?
Yes. Many athletes use Cordyceps to get the most out of their workouts. In fact, many athletes find that Cordyceps before a workout provides them with the boost they need to work out longer and return to the gym more often.
What Does Cordyceps Do for You Pre-Workout?
While there have not been a lot of studies done, Cordyceps may help support ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production which helps supply the muscles with energy.* A higher level of ATP may help support your athletic performance.*
When Should You Take Cordyceps Before Your Workout?
Cordyceps can be taken any time of the day except evening (it may interfere with getting those Zzz’s). Its support will last through the day and may support athletic performance by supporting the production of ATP.* By taking your Cordyceps tincture a couple of hours before your workout, the body will be able to process it so that you may have higher ATP levels when you work out.*
Want to Use Cordyceps militaris as a Post Workout?
Cordyceps militaris isn’t a mushroom that most people are accustomed to cooking for dinner, but it’s one that has definitely made its way into our meals and snacks. If you’re an athlete, you’ll love the Cordyceps militaris recipe we’re sharing today.
While you aren’t likely to find fresh Cordyceps at your local farmers’ market, and even dried ones can be hard to source in some areas, that’s OK. Our Certified Organic Cordyceps ENERGY tincture is an easy, convenient way to take this mushroom—whether as drops, in water, or in the recipe we’re sharing today.
Cordyceps militaris Highlights
Before we get to the Cordyceps militaris recipe itself, let’s recap some of the highlights of this bright, vibrant mushroom.
Cordyceps militaris is a mushroom with adaptogenic qualities, meaning it can support your body adapting to occasional stress, naturally.* It has long been a valued botanical in traditional Chinese herbalism, and it’s now widely used to:
- Support cellular energy and endurance*
- Promote the body’s natural metabolic systems*
- Support our bodies fighting occasional stress*
- Promote healthy lung capacity and oxygen uptake*
- Support athletic performance*
It’s easy to see why this recipe was created for use after a workout. It’s one you’ll eagerly await, from warm-up to cool down.
Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious way to take your Cordyceps militaris? The following recipe is great before or after you work out. Quick and easy to make as well as tasty and healthy, give it a try!
Protein-Packed Chia Pudding with Cordyceps militaris Recipe
This chia pudding is a much-loved Cordyceps militaris recipe—it’s easy to make, super tasty, and packed with nutrition. We created this dish for an after-workout snack or small meal, but you can eat it any time of day. Try it for quick breakfasts on the go, afternoon treats when you’re craving sweets, or an after-dinner pick-me-up.
This chia pudding also requires no cooking and no special equipment, so you can whip it up in a hotel room, dorm, campsite or office kitchen, too.
Thick and creamy, it boasts plenty of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. It makes two servings, so you can save one for later or share it with a friend.
Serves 2
10 minutes to prepare plus 1 hour to refrigerate
Ingredients
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 servings protein powder of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey or your sweetener of choice
- 2 cups oat, soy or almond milk
- 2 servings Cordyceps ENERGY tincture
- Pinch of salt
Optional toppings (choose as many as you like)
- Fresh fruit
- Shredded coconut
- Granola
- Fruit puree or jam
- Nut butter
- Slivered almonds
- Cinnamon
- Cocoa powder
- Mini chocolate chips
Preparation Instructions for Cordyceps Chia Pudding
- In a medium container with a lid, combine all the ingredients.
- Stir every couple of minutes for about 10 minutes.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Divide into two bowls and garnish as desired.
If your chia pudding gets too thick in the refrigerator, thin it with water or milk (start with about 2 tablespoons). Eat within three days.
The Best Flavor and Functionality Comes from the Best Cordyceps
When choosing a tincture for this Cordyceps militaris recipe or for daily use, know what to look for. Our products use only 100% organic Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies, never mycelium, so you get only the “good stuff.”
Make It Your Own In a New Way!
You can top the chia pudding with anything you have on hand. In summer, stir in some cardamom and ginger, and add chopped fresh peaches on top. In winter, stir in pears and chai spices. Strawberries and peanut butter. Chocolate chips, raspberries, and coconut flakes. Peppermint and cocoa powder… there’s no wrong way to eat it!
If you try this Cordyceps militaris recipe, share it on Instagram, and be sure to tag us @mushroomrevival !
Did You Just Discover Cordyceps militaris?
Not many people have heard about Cordyceps mushrooms, but they are growing in popularity. Explore our website to find out more about the history of the Cordyceps along with all the wonderful things that they may do to improve your health and quality of life. Read on and learn all the fascinating facts about our mushroom products.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
