Are you focused on preventing injury? This is for you!

I can’t believe I didn’t write this recipe sooner, because it just makes so much sense.

However, my deep-dive into why mushrooms are the most underused superfoods right now definitely spurred it. Before this little obsession of mine, I didn’t know that there was a mushroom strain specifically good for athletic recovery!

In case you missed the 5 Science-Back Reasons Why Mushrooms Make Your Life Better, let’s do a quick little recap.

Why are mushroom supplements so great?

Some mushrooms have the power to stop and reverse tumor growth.
Mushrooms are strong antioxidants.
Certain strands can improve athletic performance (more on that below!)
Some mushrooms can prevent diabetes.
Many mushrooms can improve immune function.

Yeah… now you’re catching onto why I think they’re so great.

When I discover something new like this, I just love using it as an excuse to experiment in a variety of ways in the kitchen.

Many people who are making recipes for mushroom powders are focusing on sweet recipes. While my Flu Season Mocha falls into that category, I was more interested in some of the savory ideas floating around in my head.

This recipe combines two particularly huge benefits for injury prevention.

How do you naturally take care of your joints?

The first “secret ingredient” is, as you probably guessed, a mushroom.

It’s called Cordyceps-M, and it’s mentioned in my blog post about mushroom supplements as the type of Cordyceps that boasts major anti-inflammatory properties.

The other strand of Cordyceps is Cordyceps-S, which has been proven to improve endurance.

However, I’d argue that recovery is the truly beneficial piece of athletic performance that far too many of us neglect… including myself.

The beauty of this recipe is that it combines the anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps-M and the joint-healing properties of collagen protein.

Collagen protein is hugely abundant in any bone broth. It’s made in your bones, and the reason why many people consider it a superfood.

How collagen and anti-inflammation heal you for athletic performance

Collagen protein is the most abundant protein in our bodies.

We use it for joint cushioning, bone structure, skin elasticity, nail & hair growth, and gut lining.

Many holistic health experts and naturopathic doctors believe it’s hugely beneficial to re-seal leaky gut syndrome and help build up a stronger, healthier gut flora.

I’ve personally seen a huge change in my hair & skin health since making sure to eat and supplement with more collagen-containing foods.

Because collagen is the main building-block protein of our bodies, it’s crucial to our joint health.

It’s been theorized lately that our bodies actually require more collagen per day than they create… which would explain wrinkles, thinner hair, and sore joints with age.

By consuming collagen via supplements and foods like bone broth, we can help replenish that supply and possibly ward off some signs of aging.

As for the anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps-M, the very definition of athletic recovery involves fighting off inflammation.

Exercise is an inflammatory act on our bodies. We break down tissues so that the body will repair them stronger than they were before.

The soreness after a workout isn’t from lactic acid buildup - it’s from micro-tears in the muscle fiber from the difficulties placed on it during your workout session.

And the very act of injury repair is simply the body working to reduce inflammation.

So, by adding in a supplement like Cordyceps-M to help speed that process up, you can improve the system and bounce back faster.

A savory mushroom supplement recipe

Yeah, I love my chocolates and mochas. But the winter calls for savory comfort foods, too, and I think you’re going to LOVE cozying up with a mug of this Chicken Bone Broth!

If you need more information on rendering bone broth, check out this step-by-step guide.

Muscle Recovery Bone Broth

Prep time: 5 minutes . Cook time: 24+ hours

Yield: ~1/2 gallon broth

Directions

Ingredients

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and place the top on.
Leave on low heat for at LEAST 24 hours, up to a week (the longer you leave it, the stronger the flavor will be. Keep in mind you might need to add more water to the pot once you hit about day 3)
Remove from the slow cooker and store in a large glass container, or simply spoon out of the slow cooker to sip on throughout the week.
For a complete guide to rendering bone broth, click here.

1 batch pasture-raised chicken bones / carcass

3 stalks celery

1/2 onion, sliced

1 Tbsp Cordyceps mushroom powder

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Enough water to cover the bones / fill your slow cooker