The Himalayas are home to one of the most essential medicinal plants in the world that are unique to that region. Due to their scarcity and exceptional healing capacity, they are very expensive. Himalayan Keeda Jadi or Cordyceps Sinensis is a fungus that can only be extracted from specific caterpillars that are found in high-altitude mountain regions. It is one of the most precious biological resources and is also referred as Caterpillar Fungus in English and Yartsa Gungu in Sikkim.
The name Cordyceps, which means “club fungus,” is derived from the Latin words “cord” and “ceps,” which mean, respectively, “club” and “head.” Let’s check out the various Keeda Jadi benefits, the health uses of Kida Jari aka Cordyceps and the nutritional value
Nutritional value of Himalayan Kira Jadi aka Cordyceps
Cordyceps is rich in many forms of necessary amino acids, vitamins including B1, B2, B12, and K, and different types of carbohydrates like monosaccharides and oligosaccharides along with many medicinally significant polysaccharides, proteins, sterols, nucleosides, and other trace elements. (Source 1) ( Source 2)
The reported total free amino acid content of C. militaris is 14.03 mg/g in the corpus and 69.32 mg/g in the fruiting body. Lysine, glutamic acid, proline, and threonine are only a few of the many amino acids found in the fruiting body. Unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, which make up roughly 70% of all fatty acids, are also abundant in the fruiting body. (source )
Health Benefits of Using Cordyceps (Backed by Science)
Cordyceps Benefits in Boosting Exercise Performance
The creation of the chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is necessary for supplying energy to the muscles, is thought to be increased by cordyceps. This might enhance how efficiently your body uses oxygen, especially when exercising. (Source )
In one study, using a stationary bike, researchers examined their effects on the ability of 30 healthy older persons to exercise. For six weeks, participants were given either a placebo pill or 3 grams per day of the synthetic Cordyceps strain (source )
Keeda Jadi Benefits in Reducing Tumor Causing Cells
Recent years have noticed an emerging interest in cordyceps because of its ability to halt tumor progression. The fungi, according to researchers, may have several antitumor actions. Many different types of human cancer cells, including those that cause lung, colon, skin, and liver cancers, have been shown to develop more slowly when cordyceps are used in test tubes. Studies on mice have also revealed that cordyceps has anti-tumor effects on lung cancer, lymphoma, and melanoma. (source 1), (source 2)
Health Benefits of Cordiceps: Cordyceps Helps in Treating Type 2 Diabetes
A unique kind of sugar found in cordyceps may aid in the treatment of diabetes. When you have diabetes, your body either produces too little or too much of the hormone insulin, which is responsible for delivering the sugar glucose to your cells for energy. Glucose cannot enter the cells when insulin is not produced in sufficient amounts or is not properly metabolized by the body, therefore it remains in the blood. Over time, major health issues might result from having too much glucose in the blood.
As a result, it’s crucial for diabetics to maintain tight control over their blood sugar levels. It’s interesting to note that Cordyceps works similarly to insulin in regulating blood sugar levels. As per research, Cordyceps helps in reducing or balancing the level of sugar in the body. (source 1), (source 2)
Keeda Jadi Benefits by Working as an Anti-aging Source to Increase Strength
Cordyceps has historically been used by the elderly to increase sex desire, increase strength, and reduce weariness. According to researchers, its antioxidant content may account for their anti-aging effect. In numerous research, it has been discovered that Cordyceps increases antioxidants in old mice, enhancing their cognition and sexual function. (Source )
Free radicals, which can otherwise lead to disease and aging, are neutralized by antioxidant molecules, which prevent cell damage. (source )
Also Read: Shilajit Healing Benefits: Health Facts, Precaution and Side-Effects
Cordyceps Keeps your Heart Healthy
The advantages of the mushrooms are becoming more and more clear as new research on Cordyceps and heart health emerges. In fact, cordyceps has been given the go-ahead in China to treat arrhythmia, a disorder characterized by an irregular, rapid, or excessive heartbeat.
In rats with chronic kidney illness, a research indicated that cordyceps dramatically reduced heart damage. Reducing these injuries may help prevent heart failure because it is believed that heart injuries from chronic renal disease increase the risk of heart failure. The adenosine concentration of Cordyceps, according to the researchers, is what caused these results. A naturally occurring substance called adenosine has heart-protective properties. (Source 1 ), (Source 2)
Moreover, by stimulating immune system cells and certain molecules, cordyceps may enhance immunity. Besides, when it comes to lung or skin malignancies, it may also aid in the fight against cancer cells and reduce tumor size. Natural cordyceps are very expensive.
Precautions before Using Cordyceps aka Kida Jari, Keera Jari
When consumed orally, cordyceps may be safe for the majority of people when taken at amounts of 3-6 grams per day for up to a year. Mild side effects include constipation, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
Breast-feeding and pregnancy: There isn’t enough trustworthy evidence to determine whether cordyceps is safe to use during these times, let alone what potential negative effects there might be. Avoid being on the safe side.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other “auto-immune disorders”: The immune system may become more active when cordyceps are taken orally. This might make auto-immune disease symptoms worse. It’s advisable to steer clear of utilizing cordyceps if you have one of these disorders.
Side effects of using Cordiceps aka Himalayan Keeda Jadi
Human research on Cordyceps’ safety has not yet been conducted. But a lengthy history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine leads one to believe they are safe. In fact, Cordyceps CS-4 is a natural medicine that has been approved for use in hospitals by the Chinese government. (source )