Performance Enhancing Diets (P.E.D.s)
January 11, 2018
Mushrooms. If you’ve been following the plant based diet craze, you’ve already heard about all the potentially amazing benefits of mushrooms. For thousands of years, these little fun-guys have been touted for their anti-inflammatory, performance enhancing and mood altering benefits. While the scientific community isn’t ready to confirm or deny all the wilde claims, there’s enough merit in the anecdotes to consider adding a fungus to your daily routines.
Here’s what you need to know:
- There are a lot of benefits to fungus.
- Cordyceps Sinensis appears to have the greatest impact on athletic performance.
- Lion’s Mane may be the “Limitless” fungus.
- Reishi is considered the "fountain of youth" as a powerful antioxidant.
- Maitake may be the secret weapon to improve your immune system.
Since I know you’re going to want to give this a try, here’s a list of the top selling fungus and their benefits.
Cordyceps are a type of fungus considered by many cultures to be an edible medicinal. This is due the fact that they are classified as a powerful form of Acomycetes fungus. Historically harvested only in the high Himalayas above 3800 meters sea level and found only on the backs of caterpillars at specific times of the year, they were extraordinarily rare. Today, you see them advertised in supplements and “herbal” teas and coffees.
Those who endorse cordyceps claim it supports respiration, oxygen delivery and ATP synthesis for energy creation. Maybe there’s good reason too, as early as 1993 world class athletes began touting the benefits of this fungus. Though I haven’t been able to locate the study, I’ve read that 600mg per day of cordyceps combined with a rhodiola rosea showed improved aerobic performance.
Not to worry for those power athletes out there. Because it impacts ATP synthesis, it may help improve your ability to sustain those High Intensity workouts necessary to be successful at The D10.
Other potential benefits include improved liver function, infertility, and and immune function. Buyer beware. Supplements are still largely unregulated.
Lion’s Mane might be considered the “Limitless” mushroom. This beautiful little puffball of a fungus has gained a reputation as a powerful superfood for enhancing brain function, boosting immune function, and possibly even reducing the incidence of cancer.
Traditionally marketed as a neurotrophic, Lion’s Mane may stimulate nerve growth factor production - also known as NGF (1). Neurotrophic support the neurons responsible for the neural pathways necessary for optimal brain function. This translates to improved focus at work and maybe even reduce reaction times. Thus, these fungus may help improve your 40 yard dash or vertical jump.
Stay tuned for next week's post to learn more about the amazing nutritional benefits of the top mushrooms on the market..