Mushrooms have been used in food preparation and medicines worldwide since ancient times, but only recently have they been scientifically studied to determine exactly what they can do to our bodies. In many cases, the results are astounding and show just how powerful mushrooms really are. Today, mushrooms are considered nutritionally functional foods and a source of physiologically beneficial medicines. Here's why mushrooms should be part of your exercise routine and how you can put them to work for you today!
What are Mushrooms
Often feared and misunderstood, mushrooms have a bad reputation. For centuries, mushrooms have been shrouded in mystery and mentioned in the folklore of every country on the American and the Eurasian continents. After all, mushrooms grow everywhere; they are neither animals nor plants and have been living on Earth for 50-70 million years. Do you know that the largest organism on Earth is not a blue whale but a fungus? One honey fungus in the Blue Mountains of Oregon spreads its mycelium to almost 1000 hectares!
While in some cultures, mushrooms are seen as dangerous, poisonous beings that should be avoided at all costs, in others, mushrooms are considered to be magical creatures that can grant wishes or help you to see the future. But what do mushrooms really have to offer?
What Do Mushrooms Do
Mushrooms are fungi that are known to have many health benefits, including the ability to improve athletic performance. When you work out, your muscles produce lactic acid, leading to fatigue and soreness. Mushrooms can help reduce lactic acid build-up in muscles, which means you can train harder for longer periods of time without feeling as much fatigue or pain. One study concluded that 1g of Cordyceps product daily for 12 weeks (divided into a thrice daily dose of 333mg) increased the lactate and ventilatory threshold in older persons.
Mushrooms also contain compounds that can help increase oxygen uptake and utilisation by muscles, improving exercise performance. For example, there was a study of 21 men who completed a 14-week training program consisting of both resistance training and high-intensity interval running. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily adaptogen supplement or a placebo. The adaptogen supplement contained Cordyceps. Those in the supplement group produced a greater weekly resistance training workload (total weight lifted x total sets completed) than did those in the placebo group.
Another benefit of mushrooms is their high concentration of potassium and sodium. Potassium helps maintain fluid balance by controlling how much water goes into cells and sodium helps regulate nerve impulses and muscle contractions. In addition, the relationship between sodium and potassium in your body plays a major role in the level of intracellular and extracellular water you are holding.
When Should I Take A Mushroom Supplement
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best time to take a mushroom supplement will vary depending on your individual goals and needs. However, some general guidelines include taking them before or during intense training sessions to help improve performance or taking them regularly to help boost energy levels and immunity. Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which can help to train you better by reducing inflammation and increasing stamina. If you are new to mushroom supplements, start with a low dose, half of a teaspoon of dry powder, and increase gradually as needed. As with any supplement, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional before starting use.
How To Choose The Right Mushroom Supplement
There are many different types of mushrooms with various benefits, so it is important to choose the right mushroom supplement for your needs. Some mushrooms, for example, Chaga and Reishi, can help reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and boost energy. Other mushrooms, like Lion's Mane and Shiitake, have unique benefits, such as helping to improve cognitive function or memory. Lion's Mane mushroom has been studied since 1983. The studies reported anti-fatigue, anti-hypertensive, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties of this mushroom fruit bodies, mycelia, and bioactive-pure compounds. That means a morning cup of the Lion's Mane mushroom brew will invigorate and energise you for your workout. Of course, the best way to determine which mushroom supplement is right for you is to consult with a healthcare professional or research the different types of mushrooms and their benefits. One thing that is certain is that when used correctly, mushrooms will improve your health and help you train better.
What Makes Up a Good Mushroom Supplement?
Mushroom supplements are a great way to improve your training regimen. But what makes up a good mushroom supplement? Here are a few things to look for when purchasing mushroom supplements. The first is that the mushrooms should be pure and not contaminated with other substances, such as caffeine or preservatives. The second is that the mushrooms should be highly concentrated, meaning that they contain large amounts of active ingredients (specifically beta-glucans). Finally, you want to ensure the mushrooms you buy are raw and not cooked or heated because this reduces their potency. While it may seem like more work than simply taking a pill, if you consider these factors when looking for mushroom supplements, then there's no doubt that they will help you train better.
Other Factors That Come Into Play
Aside from their ability to improve athletic performance, mushrooms also have other benefits that can help with training. For example, they can improve cognitive function, help reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. All of these factors can come into play when trying to train effectively.
Nutritional value
Mushrooms are a great source of food. They are very low in calories, so they won't sabotage your diet if you are on a weight loss journey. Raw mushrooms contain 3% protein and 3% carbohydrates, of which 1.1% is fibre. That means 100 grams of cooked mushrooms will provide you with about 2g of protein and 5g of carbohydrates. Not bad compared to vegetables, most of which are lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates! Fibre is another important nutrient for well-being, and mushrooms are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
However, it's not macronutrient composition but rather micronutrient content that places mushrooms on the pedestal of the most micro elements-rich food. Among vitamins and microelements such as copper, magnesium and selenium, mushrooms are rich in potassium. As your muscles move due to neurological signals, you need potassium together with sodium and calcium to improve the speed of reaction. So, if you're looking for an all-natural way to boost your fitness routine and perform better on race day (or any day), try adding mushrooms to your diet!
The bottom line
But there's more to mushrooms than meets the eye. These mysterious fungi have properties that are still being studied, and they may be able to help you train better. So include them in your diet and see how they can help you reach your fitness goals. And while we may not know all their secrets yet, these organisms have helped humans for thousands of years - and will continue to do so for thousands more.
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