Our living environment has become increasingly more polluted, our diets unhealthy with processed foods that are full of preservative, harmful fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugars which fill our stomach but do not nourish our body optimally. On top of that we are leading very busy, hectic, and stressful lifestyles. Even though we boast to have the best and modern time-saving electrical gadgets and appliances most people are left with no time or no stamina for exercise which everyone knows is vital for health. All these have put a great deal of strain on our immune system which has to constantly function on a hyper mode, trying hard to neutralize the environmental pollutants we are exposed to and ingested toxins from foods and drugs, trying to help your body maintain a state of homeostasis or balance for optimum health. When this physiological balance is not restored, the common physical symptoms that will manifest are:
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Depression
- Aging prematurely
The discovery of medicinal mushrooms such as Cordyceps and ganoderma lucidum (reishi) or Lingzhi has been documented in many reputable studies on its ability to restore our bodies' balance and natural resistance to disease.
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps or Cordyceps Sinensis is a rare parasitic organism grows primarily on the Tibetan plateau at high altitudes of 14,000 feet. In Chinese, its name means 'winter worm, summer grass' or "caterpillar fungus." It is nature's cross marriage of the insect and plant kingdom. When it was first discovered about 2000 years ago the Chinese thought the herb was a worm. The fungus mushroom is a product from a type of fungus which parasites upon the larvae of the Chongcao bat moth and forms a fungus/larva composite body, and it takes five to seven years to complete its life cycle.As part of the Chinese culinary delicacy, the Cordyceps mushroom was used in soups and brews with pork and poultry. Due to its scarcity and high price, its use was reserved exclusively for the Emperor's Palace in China.Cordyceps has been recognized for centuries and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). For generations, it has been considered the premier agent in the Chinese culture for:
- Restoring energy
- Longevity and quality of health
- Treating lung problems
- Strengthening kidney functions
In 1993, three women Chinese athletes set new world records in the National Games in China. Their coach attributed their success to intensive training and supplementation with the Cordyceps mushroom. Today many scientific studies have proven the numerous health benefits from this fungus.
Recently, a small study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting (1999), showed that a cordyceps-based supplement (CordyMax, Pharmanex) significantly increases maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold, which may lead to improved exercise capacity and resistance to fatigue.
Recently, a small study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting (1999), showed that a cordyceps-based supplement (CordyMax, Pharmanex) significantly increases maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold, which may lead to improved exercise capacity and resistance to fatigue.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps:
- Enhances endurance, stamina and exercise performance
- Reduces fatigue
- Relieves asthma
- Fights sexual dysfunction
- Improves libido in man and woman
- Pomotes healthy lung function
- Improves kidney and liver functions through metabolizing and excreting toxic substances
- Promotes healthy cholesterol levels
- Improves respiratory functions
- Promotes natural vitality
Copyright 2005
Elena Leong is a health enthusiast and adviser in holistic health, a certified Aromatherapist by International Federation of Aromatherapy UK(IFA) and the founder of http://www.1menopause.com –a website for women going through menopause. She has helped many to better health and vitality through holistic therapy and herbal nutrition supplements.
