In 2017, a team of scholars from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University published a review that explored the potential anti-fatigue properties of certain mushrooms. They communicated that mushrooms target five major systems in the body with their energizing effects. These were the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the muscular system, the hormonal system, and the antioxidant system.
The cardiovascular system: mushrooms enhance blood circulation and glucose regulation as well as liver efficiency.
The immune system: mushrooms stimulate immune cells and the proteins (cytokines) in the body that trigger immune response.
The muscular system: mushrooms increase muscle and liver glycogen storage capacity and reduce lactic acid in the blood. This can help with muscle fatigue and combat that burn you feel in your muscles while exercising.
The hormonal system: mushrooms can stabilize testosterone levels, which provides a more sustained feeling of energy.
The antioxidant system: mushrooms stimulate enzymes and fight the negative effects of free radicals and stressors. Targeting these five areas, mushrooms enhance the proper function of the different systems in our bodies. This maintains balance and combats fatigue, leading to an increase of energy over time.