How Functional Mushrooms Can Elevate Your Fitness Goals (Backed by Science)

Functional mushrooms aren’t just for focus or immunity. More and more athletes, gym-goers, and everyday movers are turning to mushrooms like Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, and Reishi to support their training, recovery, and mental edge — and science backs it up.

Whether you're chasing a new 10K PB or just want to feel more balanced in your workouts, here’s how mushrooms can become a natural part of your fitness stack.

Cordyceps: Natural Endurance Booster

Why athletes love it:
Cordyceps is best known for its ability to support energy, stamina, and lung capacity — without the caffeine crash.

📚 Backed by science:

• VO2 max boost: Studies show Cordyceps sinensis may enhance oxygen uptake and aerobic performance, especially during endurance exercise.
• ATP production: Cordyceps supports the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that fuels your cells.
• Lung function: Its effects on oxygen efficiency make it popular among runners, cyclists, and HIIT devotees.

🕒 How to use:

• When: Take it 30–60 minutes before a workout.
• Why: Helps sustain energy and endurance — without stimulants or jitters.
• How: Add it to water, coffee, plant milks, or smoothies.
  While it can be taken under the tongue, most of the absorption happens in the digestive tract — so drinking it is the more effective route for full-body benefits.

Lion’s Mane: Mental Focus for Better Training

Why athletes love it:
Training is just as mental as it is physical. Lion’s Mane supports focus, memory, and mind-muscle connection — helping you stay present in every rep, stride, or pose.

📚 Backed by science:

• Contains hericenones and erinacines — compounds that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and support brain function.
• NGF is linked to neuroplasticity — helping your brain adapt, learn, and stay sharp under pressure.
• Emerging studies suggest Lion’s Mane may even support mood regulation and stress resilience.

🕒 How to use:

• When: Take in the morning or before a workout for sharper focus.
• Why: Great for mindful movement, coordination, and cognitive endurance.
• How: Add it to water, coffee, plant milks, or smoothies.
  While it can be taken under the tongue, most of the absorption happens in the digestive tract — so drinking it is the more effective route for full-body benefits.

Reishi: Sleep, Recovery & Stress Reduction

Why athletes love it:
Reishi is the go-to mushroom for deep recovery, better sleep, and helping the body adapt to stress — making it perfect for post-workout rituals and rest days.

📚 Backed by science:

• High in triterpenes and beta-glucans, which help regulate stress hormones and support the immune system.
• Studies show it can help improve sleep quality and support the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s rest-and-repair mode).

🕒 How to use:

• When: Take 30–60 minutes before bed, or post-workout on rest days.
• Why: Supports recovery by encouraging deeper sleep and reducing inflammation.
• How: Add it to water, coffee, plant milks, or smoothies.
  While it can be taken under the tongue, most of the absorption happens in the digestive tract — so drinking it is the more effective route for full-body benefits.

Why Functional Mushrooms Are a Game-Changer for Fitness

Functional mushrooms are:

• ✅ Adaptogenic — they help your body respond to physical and mental stress.
• ✅ Anti-inflammatory — may reduce soreness (DOMS) and help with recovery.
• ✅ Whole-food based — no synthetic ingredients, fillers, or jittery energy spikes.

Whether you're training hard or just getting back into movement, mushrooms offer a natural edge for both performance and recovery.

 Everyone’s Body Is Different

⚠️ Mushrooms are powerful — but they’re not a magic pill. Think of them like nutrition, not a one-off fix.

Consistency is key. For best results, take your chosen tincture daily for 2–3 weeks to allow the adaptogenic effects to build.

Ready to Try It Yourself? 💪

Explore our UK-grown, organic mushroom tinctures, crafted to support performance, clarity, and recovery — with no synthetic additives, ever. You can also ask us in the cafe to add mushrooms extracts to your favourite drinks! 

➡️ Try Cordyceps to fuel your training
➡️ Add Lion’s Mane for mental focus
➡️ Use Reishi to wind down, rest, and rebuild

Got questions? Our team is always here to help you find the right blend for your goals.