Cordyceps Weight Loss: How Can It Help You Lose Pounds

You've undoubtedly heard your fair share of bizarre weight loss advice, such as substituting weight loss "cookies" for meals. And usually, those suggestions are not backed by science.

But for those in the correct mental health place and who have weight loss as a personal goal, many reliable, research-supported, and expert-approved recommendations should not be disregarded. One such tip is Cordyceps mushroom.

More and more people support using natural supplements to attain weight loss milestones easily. This is where cordyceps enters the picture as a potential all-natural weight-loss tool.

Studies have shown that Cordyceps can decrease fat deposition in the body and improve lipid levels in the blood. Specifically, Cordyceps militaris may be effective in regulating obesity and helping your weight loss journey.

Let’s explore the science behind Cordyceps weight loss benefits and how to include the mushroom in your wellness routine.

Benefits Of Cordyceps For Weight Loss

Cordyceps is a natural superfood as the mushroom has a remarkable amount of micronutrients. Zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, and vitamin B5 are all abundant in this fungus. Your body requires micronutrients like vitamins and minerals to survive and flourish, and these types of nutrients are connected to almost any part of a person's wellness, including weight loss.

There are limited Cordyceps sinensis weight loss studies, and most research is focused on Cordyceps militaris. Below we take a look at the research linking Cordyceps and weight loss.

According to a 2013 rodent study(1), Cordyceps militaris has a remarkable capacity to significantly lower liver weight, fat accumulation, and lipid levels compared to other cordyceps species. These Cordyceps militaris traits imply that this specific species of cordyceps may be particularly useful in promoting weight loss and controlling obesity.

Furthermore, a separate animal study from 2018(2) demonstrated that cordycepin, one of the vital bioactive substances in Cordyceps militaris, may help prevent weight gain by modulating the gut flora. The results of this study imply that the mechanism of action by which cordycepin may aid in weight loss involves the microbiota it creates.

While Cordyceps militaris and its chemical compound cordycepin can already help manage the body's lipid profile, this beneficial fungus may also be able to aid in weight loss in other ways. The possibility that Cordyceps supplementation could assist in increasing tolerance to intense exercise, boost energy levels, and enhance general physical performance is another reason why researchers and even athletes are interested in Cordyceps.

Hence, Cordyceps supplementation may be helpful if you're seeking a way to enhance your weight loss plan and some extra energy to push through your exercise routines or elevate the intensity of your workouts. In any case, it is best to research before experimenting with Cordyceps and ask your healthcare provider before starting the supplement.

Cordyceps Dosage For Weight Loss

As there is so little official research on Cordyceps use in people, more targeted studies are still required to establish the appropriate Cordyceps dose for each purpose, including weight loss. In human research, 1 to 3 grams per day for up to a year is the most typical dose. No current studies indicate the consequences of the long-term use of Cordyceps for more than this time. This dosage may offer some of the mushroom's health benefits while not appearing to have any adverse side effects.

As with many functional mushrooms, the organic compounds in Cordyceps need to build up in the body before you can start feeling changes or benefits. Thus some experts advise doubling this dose for the first couple of weeks. Adults should take between 1g and 6g of Cordyceps daily; 6g is a high dosage.

How To Incorporate Cordyceps Into The Diet?

Even though Cordyceps extract is typically sold as capsules or powder, whole Cordyceps fruit bodies are also available. There are Cordyceps extracts available in "00" capsules that are ready to take and typically contain 400 mg of Cordyceps powder.

You can also easily consume Cordyceps powder by blending it with some liquid and then ingesting it, always aiming to consume between 1 and 3 grams daily. Since Cordyceps powder is so simple to combine and has a nearly imperceptible flavor, you may add it to your morning coffee or just about any other food or beverage.

Even though Cordyceps extract is typically sold as capsules or powder, whole Cordyceps fruit bodies are also available. For example, there are Cordyceps extracts available in "00" capsules that are ready to take and typically contain 400 mg of Cordyceps powder. In addition, you can easily consume Cordyceps powder by blending it with some liquid and then ingesting it, always aiming to consume between 1 and 3 grams daily. Finally, since Cordyceps powder is so simple to combine and has a nearly imperceptible flavor, you may add it to your morning coffee or just about any other food or beverage.

Cordyceps Side Effects

Although there are no particular studies yet to determine the safety of Cordyceps supplementation in humans, the long history of using these functional mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine implies that they are non-toxic and, therefore, safe for human ingestion. The potential adverse effects that some users may encounter can include everything from dry mouth to nausea after ingesting excessive quantities. Despite these adverse effects, many scientists, complementary or alternative medicine practitioners, and governments believe that Cordyceps is generally safe. In fact, Cordyceps CS-4 is a safe, natural medication the Chinese government has licensed for use in hospitals.

FAQs About Cordyceps Weight Loss

References

1. Effect of Cordyceps militaris extract and active constituents on metabolic parameters of obesity induced by high-fat diet in C58BL/6J mice, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24231073/ 
2. Cordycepin reduces weight through regulating gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese rats, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30522511/