What are Cordyceps Capsules?
Cordyceps capsules are a type of dietary supplement that is made from Cordyceps mushrooms. This mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health problems. Cordyceps capsules are available in both tablet and capsule form.
There are 2 types of Cordyceps capsules:
- Cordyceps militaris capsules: These are made from the Cordyceps Militaris mushroom and are the most popular type of Cordyceps capsule. This contains Adenosine and 90x more Cordycepin than Sinensis.
- Cordyceps sinensis CS-4 capsules: These are made from the Cordyceps Sinensis mushroom and are less popular than Cordyceps Militaris capsules. This does not contain any Cordycepin, however has a higher Adenosine content than the above. Typically, they made are a powdered extract from Cordyceps-CS4, which involves is a liquid mycelium fermenting process.
Adenosine is a nucleoside that plays various important roles in the biology of animals. It forms the backbone of ATP (molecules that provide energy for cellular function), it’s a derivative of the nucleotide adenine, and it reacts with receptors in our brains that make us sleepy.
Cordycepin has b been found to exert antiangiogenic, anti-metastatic, and antiproliferative effects, as well as inducing apoptosis
Most commercially available products are produced from Cordyceps Militaris, as it is more economically accessible and made from cultivated fruiting bodies. Cordycep in capsules form are commonly produced out of Cordycep extracts, rather than pulverized non-extracted powder.
Benefits of Cordyceps Capsules
Cordyceps capsules are associated with benefits like improved energy levels, better respiratory function, and a stronger immune system. These properties come from the compound called Cordycepin, which is found in Cordyceps mushrooms.
Cordyceps capsules are also a great source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, Cordyceps capsules can improve liver function and help regulate blood sugar levels.
The following list presents scientific articles that confirm the various health benefits that occurred during experimentation with Cordyceps capsules:
- Inhibiting the growth of different types of human cancer cells, including colon, lung, liver, and skin cancers (Source)
- Reduction of blood sugar levels (Source)
- Improvement of exercise performance (Source)
- Suppression of inflammation-causing proteins (Source)
- Decrease LDL cholesterol (Source)
Cordyceps Capsules vs Powder – The Benefits
When it comes to Cordyceps and the debate of using Cordyceps capsules vs Cordyceps powder, there are a few key benefits to choosing the capsules. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of Cordyceps capsules:
- Convenience: Cordyceps capsules are easy to take with you on the go. You don’t need to worry about packing any Cordyceps powder or weighing it out each time you want to take it.
- Shelf-life: Cordyceps capsules have a longer shelf life than Cordyceps powder. This means that you can stock up on them and not have to worry about them going bad.
- No mess: Cordyceps powder can be a bit messy when you are taking it. Cordyceps capsules avoid any of that mess.
Overall, Cordyceps capsules offer a lot of convenience over Cordyceps powder. If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to take your Cordyceps, then Cordyceps capsules are the way to go!
Side Effects of Cordyceps Capsules
While there are many benefits to taking cordyceps supplements, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects before taking them.
Cordyceps may interact with other medications, such as immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, anti-platelet drugs, and testosterone supplements, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking them if you are already taking other medications.
Although rare, cordyceps can cause some people to experience heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. Cordyceps capsules should be avoided by pregnant women and people with liver disease or kidney disease.
If you experience any adverse side effects after taking cordyceps capsules, stop taking them and speak with your doctor.
Where To Buy Good Quality Cordyceps Capsules
When looking for a high-quality Cordyceps supplement in the United States and Candada, it is important to seek out a product that has been standardized for potency and purity. Look for a supplement that has been certified by a third-party organization with laboratory analysis. Those who can provide laboratory analysis of their products tied to batch numbers can assure that their products contain high quantities of Cordycepin and other select compounds. Products made from 100% fruiting bodies are the most guaranteed for potency. Mycelium products such as CS-4 can also be effective but it depends on whether the product has been diluted with grain or filler.
If you are one of our readers from Australia, please check out our article on Cordyceps mushrooms in Australia.
Dosage
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to Cordyceps dosages. The first is that the dosage will vary depending on the person’s weight and health condition.
Generally speaking, the recommended dosage for Cordyceps capsules is 2g (2000mg) per day. However, some experts suggest that the dosage could be increased to as much as 4g (4000mg) per day for the first two weeks so that your body can establish its beneficial profile quickly.
It is also important to remember that Cordyceps tablets are not the same as capsules. The recommended dosage for tablets is typically lower, at around 1g (1000mg) per day. If unsure, please read the instructions and dosage guide on the product packaging.
Cordyceps supplements are typically taken for a period of 3-6 months. After that, it is recommended to take a break for a month or two. This allows the body to reset and prevents any potential tolerance from developing.
Can You Take Cordyceps With Other Supplements?
There are a lot of different opinions on whether or not you can take Cordyceps with other supplements. Some people say that you should only take Cordyceps with other supplements from the mushroom family, while others say you can mix and match them as you please. There are still others who say that you should avoid taking Cordyceps with any other supplements.
The truth is, there is no definitive answer to this question. Different people will have different reactions to different combinations of supplements. It’s important to listen to your body and experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you.
That being said, there are many supplements on the market that have a combination of the formula with cordyceps. Many multi-vitamin pills now and Energy support supplements include a combination of Zinc, B Vitamins, Korean Ginseng, and Cordyceps.
When to Take Cordyceps Capsules?
Cordyceps is best taken first thing in the morning for an energetic boost. Your brain is waking up and needs the stimulation to help it function at its best.
Cordyceps capsules are also a great choice before workouts. It helps give you energy and stamina for physical endurance. Try to take them about an hour before starting your workout.
Do Cordyceps Capsules Expire?
Like every other supplement, there is a limited time frame in which cordyceps capsules are effective. After this period, the compounds in the capsules may start to break down and become less potent. It is important to check the expiration date on your cordyceps capsules before taking them.
Cordyceps capsules have a shelf life of over a year if kept in a cool, dry place where they won’t be exposed to light or heat. Once opened, it is best to consume the cordyceps capsules within 3-6 months for optimal potency.
Final Thoughts
Due to its convenience, Cordyceps capsules are often the first step into incorporating the mushroom into everyday nutritional supplementation. Recent studies have shown that this fungi may be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including respiratory disorders, fatigue, and even cancer. Whether you are looking for a natural way to boost your health or simply want to try something new, cordyceps capsules are definitely worth considering.
