Improving Training Condition Assessment in Endurance Cyclists: Effects of Ganoderma lucidum and Ophiocordyceps sinensis Dietary Supplementation

This research examined how two medicinal mushrooms – Reishi and Cordyceps – can help protect athletes from overtraining and improve their recovery. The study found that taking these supplements for 3 months helped balance stress hormones and boost antioxidant defenses in cyclists. Unlike traditional antioxidant supplements that may interfere with training adaptations, these mushrooms appear to work through multiple beneficial pathways. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a natural alternative for athletes and active individuals to prevent overtraining – Offers potential benefits for managing physical and mental stress – Demonstrates how traditional medicinal mushrooms can be integrated into modern sports nutrition – Shows promise for improving exercise recovery and preventing burnout – May help weekend warriors and recreational athletes train more effectively