Mushroom power: can fungi give athletes an edge?

Mushroom power: can fungi give athletes an edge?

From Thinking Nutrition by Dr Tim Crowe

December 8, 2025 · 14 min · Episode 137

About this episode

This episode explores the potential performance benefits of functional mushrooms for athletes.

Athletes are always on the lookout for a new sports supplement that could give them an edge. And there certainly are some sports supplements that deliver on their promises: creatine and caffeine are two clear examples. But a new supplement is starting to gain traction for its performance benefits: and that’s the humble mushroom. There's now emerging science suggesting that certain functional mushrooms, particularly the varieties of Cordyceps and reishi (also known as Ganoderma lucidum), may o...

Topics covered

  • mushrooms
  • sports supplements
  • athletic performance
  • functional foods

Keywords

  • Cordyceps
  • reishi
  • Ganoderma lucidum
  • nutrition
  • fitness

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Cordyceps, reishi

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