Mushrooms may not be the first choice an athlete thinks about for the ideal performance enhancement, but their properties are shown to relieve inflammation, encourage cell growth and repair, and act as a valuable antioxidant. Discover the many reasons to choose mushrooms for athletes.
Mushrooms are a ubiquitous forest floor ingredient, often associated with the image of a red-capped fungus with white spots, which have become a popular depiction in pop culture. In traditional medicine, they’ve been used to help treat various diseases and have also been part of religious ceremonies. Several compounds found in mushrooms exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. These benefits can be particularly advantageous for athletes, as they may boost performance and facilitate muscle repair.
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Mushrooms for Athletes? This Game-Changer May Surprise You is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Mushrooms for athletes:
High-intensity healing for high-intensity exercise
The potential effects of mushrooms on athletic performance were first noted in 1993 when Chinese athletes achieved record-breaking feats attributed to cordyceps supplements, a genus of fungi. Cordyceps supplementation showed positive effects on maximal oxygen consumption, which may help remove lactic acid from the muscles, thus expediting recovery. Consequently, this particular fungus could help athletes engage in greater rates of high-intensity exercises.
Given cordyceps’ potential to aid athletes in their workout intensity, incorporating it into a pre-workout could be pivotal in reducing oxidative stress and delaying fatigue. As mushrooms gain popularity as supplements, cordyceps is one mushroom that has been synthetically cultivated for consumption.
Mushrooms for athletes:
Teas, capsules, and powders
Traditionally, consuming mushrooms involves foraging in your local forest, purchasing exotic, imported varieties from markets, or growing some yourself. Today, mushrooms are widely available, both in their natural form and as capsules or teas.
Mushroom types such as Reishi, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. These mushrooms are commonly found in protein powders and drink mixes, as well as in capsule form for easy consumption. Incorporating a powdered form of mushroom into tea is a typical method of preparation, while some mixes can be added to other drinks as well. Some companies even provide hot chocolate blends infused with mushrooms.
Mushrooms for athletes:
Functional mushrooms vs edible mushrooms
When looking for mushrooms to add to a workout routine, it’s important to know the difference between functional mushrooms and edible mushrooms. This knowledge is especially valuable for athletes seeking optimal benefits.
Functional mushrooms encompass certain species that are recognized for their health benefits that extend beyond their nutritional value. These mushrooms not only possess the typical health benefits associated with mushrooms but also offer additional benefits that are not commonly found in other edible varieties. Functional mushrooms may provide insomnia relief, brain support, and an array of other benefits.
Edible mushrooms include portobellos, cremini, shiitake, morels, and other types found on supermarket shelves. These mushrooms contain health benefits common to fungi, including essential amino acids, vitamins, and no cholesterol. Such mushrooms are a good addition to any diet, regardless of athletic ability.
Mushrooms such as cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, and Turkey Tail are considered functional mushrooms, with added benefits such as antioxidant properties, increased oxygen consumption, and delayed muscle fatigue. These mushrooms are, thus, a much better choice for athletes, whose training may demand fast recovery and performance, than simply edible mushrooms.
Mushrooms for Athletes? This Game-Changer May Surprise You is the (HealthXWire) report.
Mushrooms for athletes:
Real Mushrooms
If you’re an athlete looking to enhance your performance and recovery, mushrooms may be a helpful addition to your regimen. Real Mushrooms, a Canada-based company, takes pride in creating blends of functional mushrooms for consumers. The company offers a range of capsules, powders, and even a hot cocoa mix, providing options for athletes and non-athletes alike.
A majority of mushroom products marketed as supplements do not contain mushrooms, as these products are produced from mycelium (the root system of the mushroom) grown on a grain substrate. Thus, many current products on the market are primarily composed of grain, with minimal or no inclusion of the mushroom’s fruiting body. Real Mushrooms stands out by emphasizing its Chinese suppliers of functional mushrooms, which boast a rich history of cultivation dating back to the 12th century. In contrast, several “U.S.-grown” products may lack the important benefits of functional mushrooms that consumers seek. Real Mushrooms aims to provide consumers with an honest product and real results.
Mushrooms for athletes:
The fungi difference
Mushrooms have been used throughout the ages to alleviate various symptoms and impart health benefits. As we delve into our ancestral past and uncover the properties of mushrooms that enhance oxygen absorption and expedite muscle recovery, it’s no wonder that they are gaining popularity as a performance-boosting tool for athletes. The right kinds of mushrooms can serve as a healthy and powerful addition to athletes’ regimens. Moreover, those of us who are looking to improve our diets could benefit from a healthier hot chocolate option infused with mushrooms.
Further Reading:
The Botanical Institute: Complete Guide to Functional Mushrooms: 5 Key Benefits
Forbes: A First-Timer’s Guide to Healing with Functional Mushrooms
Harvard School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source: Mushrooms
Important Note: The information contained in this article (Mushrooms for Athletes? This Game-Changer May Surprise You) is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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