First, what Cordyceps is and how it works. Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that has about 400 species, many of which grow in tropical regions of Asia. The most well-known Cordyceps species, Cordyceps sinensis, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, such as fatigue, respiratory problems, and low libido. Cordyceps fungi typically infect insects, such as ants, caterpillars, and beetles, by spores that enter the host's body and grow inside, consuming its tissues and eventually killing it. The fungus then sprouts long stalks from the host's body, releasing more spores to infect other insects.

Now, let's imagine that you somehow ate Cordyceps sinensis, perhaps as a supplement or a delicacy. Would the fungus be able to infect your body and turn you into a zombie? The answer is no, for several reasons.