From Doping Scandal to Nature’s Viagra: How Cordycep Mushrooms Were Once Mistaken for Steroids

Today we're taking you on a journey back in time, to the Chinese doping scandal of 1993 that put cordyceps mushrooms in the spotlight. We'll also reveal why this fungus is so powerful and how they earned the nickname "nature's Viagra". Finally, we'll let you in on why we at Everybody's Juice have decided to blend cordyceps and beet juice for a synergistic power punch. 

The year was 1993, and the world was in awe of China's female runners. They were shattering world records left and right under the guidance of their coach, Ma Junren.

In 1993, Chinese Olympics female running team broke records for 1,500, 3,000 and 10,000 meters that caused much curiosity and suspicion. They were suspected of using performance enhancing steroids, but the rumors were shot down by their coach when their drug tests reflected zero steroids.

The coach revealed to the reporters that his team had been taking doses of “cordyceps” at his request after each training session*. This event brought alternative medicine to the forefront of not only immune health, but also physical health. It was a thrilling time in the world of sports, but it didn't take long for rumors to circulate about doping. What was their secret?

The truth was stranger than fiction. Ma Junren credited their extraordinary performance to a special tonic made from the cordyceps mushroom. This peculiar fungus, known for its energy-boosting and stamina-enhancing properties, took center stage in a massive doping scandal that rocked the sports world. But the intrigue didn't stop there. Cordyceps mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for their numerous health benefits. So, what makes them so powerful?

Cordyceps mushrooms contain a unique compound called cordycepin, which has been linked to increased ATP production. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the body's primary source of energy at a cellular level. More ATP means more energy, which translates to better athletic performance, greater stamina, and faster recovery.

Now that we've got the backstory, let's talk about why we at Everybody's Juice have decided to combine cordyceps and beet juice for an all-natural energy and performance booster. Beets are an incredible source of dietary nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has a vasodilating effect, meaning it helps expand blood vessels for better blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles. The result? Improved physical performance, increased stamina, and a healthier cardiovascular system.

Combining cordyceps mushrooms and beet juice creates a synergistic effect that amplifies their individual benefits. While cordyceps mushrooms work at the cellular level to increase energy production, beet juice enhances blood flow, allowing that energy to reach your muscles more effectively. Together, they make an unbeatable team for a natural, performance-boosting powerhouse.

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