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Can medicinal mushrooms help athletes?
Sport is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are an avid athlete or just enjoy being active, it is always important to take good care and support your body during and after exercise. An emerging trend within the world of health and wellness are medicinal mushrooms. These unique organisms offer various benefits for athletes, ranging from improving physical performance to supporting recovery and immune system.
What are medicinal mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms are also known as functional mushrooms. They are specific types of mushrooms that contain a large amount of bioactive compounds. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, especially in Asian countries such as China and Japan.
These mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits. They can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, support energy levels and promote an overall sense of well-being. Because of these properties, medicinal mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular in the supplement industry, including among athletes.
Improved physical performance
For athletes, one of the main benefits of medicinal mushrooms is their ability to improve physical performance.[1] Some mushrooms, including the cordyceps family, have adaptogenic properties that help increase endurance and optimise oxygen uptake. By stimulating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body, these mushrooms can help improve energy metabolism and overall performance during workouts.
Supporting recovery
Following intense physical activity, athletes often experience muscle soreness and fatigue. Medicinal mushrooms can help support the recovery process. Reishi mushrooms, for example, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body. In addition, other mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and chaga, promote regeneration of damaged cells and reduce muscle breakdown after intense exercise.
Strengthening the immune system
Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for athletes, as illness or infection can lead to delays in training schedules and affect performance. Fortunately, medicinal mushrooms can boost the immune system and increase resistance to disease. Mushrooms such as maitake and shiitake contain several immunomodulatory compounds that stimulate immune cell function and help the body fight infections effectively.
Reishi mushroom
In fact, one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms is the Reishi mushroom, also known as the “mushroom of immortality”. This mushroom has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.[2] Moreover, the Reishi mushroom is traditionally used to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress.
Cordyceps mushroom
One other important medicinal mushroom is the Cordyceps mushroom. This mushroom is known for its energy-boosting properties and is often used by athletes to improve performance. In addition, the Cordyceps mushroom may also be able to boost the immune system and inhibit inflammation.
Lion’s Mane mushroom
The Lion’s Mane mushroom is an interesting mushroom with potential for brain health.[3] Several studies have shown that this mushroom has neuroprotective properties and could potentially help improve cognitive functions, such as memory and concentration. Next to that, the Lion’s Mane mushroom is traditionally used to reduce anxiety.
[1] https://hekate.com/blogs/functional-mushrooms-benefits-and-recipes/cordyceps-for-athletes
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits
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