The Last of Us: Fictional Mushrooms vs. Functional Mushrooms

The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic video game franchise that has captured the imagination of gamers and non-gamers alike. 

The series, which is set in a world where a Cordyceps fungus has infected human hosts and turned them into zombie-like creatures, has gained a cult following thanks to its compelling storyline and immersive gameplay. 

So much so that it’s been adapted to an HBO TV series with a budget five times that of Game of Thrones.

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey play Joel and Ellie, respectively, in the television adaptation of The Last of Us on HBO. Joel is the main protagonist of the story, a smuggler who is tasked with escorting Ellie across a post-apocalyptic United States. Ellie is a young girl who is immune to the deadly fungus that has ravaged the world, and is being hunted by a group of survivors who believe that she holds the key to a cure.

But as with all good science fiction, The Last of Us raises interesting questions about the nature of reality. In the world of the game and the show, Cordyceps is portrayed as a destructive force that turns people into mindless monsters.

But in reality, Cordyceps are a species of functional mushroom that have a number of potential health benefits. 

Cordyceps are found in various parts of the world, including the Himalayas and China, where it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In recent years, Cordyceps has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its potential health benefits. 

One of the most well-known benefits of Cordyceps is its ability to increase energy and endurance. Cordyceps contains compounds that may help improve oxygen utilization and increase ATP production in the body, leading to increased energy and stamina. 

This makes it a popular choice among athletes looking to improve their performance. Cordyceps may also have immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that may help stimulate the production of immune cells and enhance immune function.

This may make it helpful in fighting off infections and diseases. In addition to its energy-boosting and immune-supporting properties, cordyceps has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Read more about the Cordyceps mushroom here, in the Umbo Functional Mushroom Playbook. 

More zombies coming in Season 2

HBO has announced that The Last of Us season 2 of the series will come out in April 2025, and all reports say that it will just as true to the source material as the first season. Which means even more zombies.

While the fictionalized Cordyceps from the tv show may turn people into zombies, the Cordyceps of the real world have the potential for anti-zombie effects that make us feel more alive, energized, and focused.

If you want to see for yourself how powerfully anti-zombie the Cordyceps mushroom can be, consider these products that contain Cordyceps.