A closer look at the powerful compounds in Cordyceps militaris
When we say that too many people are missing out on functional mushrooms, what do we mean by that? What are they missing out on, exactly?
Let’s look at Cordyceps as an example here. Within the Fungi kingdom, Cordyceps is a unique genus of functional mushroom with over 700 known species.
When we say “Cordyceps” here at Umbo, we’re most often talking about Cordyceps militaris — this is the extremely functional species that we use in our products. We like it because it has been studied extensively, with lots of scientific documentation on its ability to boost energy levels. 
Compounds in functional mushrooms that athletes cannot get anywhere else
Let’s look at Cordyceps militaris more closely. It contains compounds you just can’t find anywhere else. In fact, there are over 200 different metabolites, amino acids, and fatty acids in this species alone, including these four compounds that do not exist in any other food source:
- Cordycepin
- Cordycepic Acid
- Cordyheptapeptide
- Cordycenadeside A
They have crazy names, but they’re crazy effective too. And taken all together, these rare compounds show great promise for energy and stamina — one study showed its ability to improve VO2 max, for example, as well as help with exercise-induced inflammation.
Think of Cordyceps like a vitamin or mineral that you just don't get enough of through your diet alone. The only things to watch out for is that you are getting enough Cordyceps when you take it, and that your source of Cordyceps is as natural and bioavailable as possible.
