Can mushrooms improve athletic performance?

Numerous mushrooms have been a staple in many cultures for centuries and have become well known in recent years for their potential health benefits. But can they also improve athletic performance? In this article, we take a closer look at this question and the benefits of using mushrooms as a performance-enhancing supplement for athletes.

There are many different types of mushrooms and each of them has unique properties that can impact health and performance. For athletes, two types of mushrooms are of particular interest: Medicinal mushrooms and ergogenic mushrooms.

Medicinal mushrooms

Helpful mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake and chaga are known to boost the immune system, relieve inflammation and improve energy levels. These effects can be beneficial for athletes, as a healthy immune system and reduced inflammation can reduce the risk of injury and illness, and improved energy levels can enhance athletic performance.

Ergogenic mushrooms

Ergogenic mushrooms such as cordyceps are thought to have performance-enhancing properties that can directly affect athletic performance. Cordyceps, for example, has been shown to increase oxygen utilization, improve endurance, and increase energy levels. This can be particularly beneficial for endurance athletes such as runners and cyclists, who require a constant supply of energy to maintain performance over long periods of time.

Science is just beginning

Despite the potential benefits of mushrooms for athletes, more in-depth research is still needed to fully understand their effects on athletic performance. While some studies have shown promising results, these studies have been quite small and have used extract preparations rather than whole mushrooms. This makes it difficult to determine the exact mechanism and optimal dose by which mushrooms can improve athletic performance.

Conclusion

• It has been proven that mushrooms can have a positive effect on athletic performance. (Certain medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake and chaga can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and improve energy levels.) 
• Ergogenic mushrooms such as cordyceps can increase oxygen utilization, improve endurance and increase energy levels. 
• Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects of mushrooms on athletic performance, current evidence suggests that they may have a positive impact. 
• Athletes who wish to use mushrooms as a performance-enhancing supplement should seek the advice of a professional before incorporating them into their nutritional program.

Sources:

"The Effects of Cordyceps sinensis Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review." (2019). Frontiers in Physiology, 10, 1224. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01224

"Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) in Cancer Care." (2015). Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 14(2), 34-37. https://doi.org/10.7899/IM14.2.5

"Shiitake Mushroom Extract Inhibits Inflammatory Responses and Improves Physical Performance in Mice." (2018). Food and Function, 9(7), 3990-3997. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8FO00617A