Introduction to Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee is the latest wellness trend to take over social media, with proponents claiming it can help with stress, cognition, immunity, and more. The concept of adding a health-boosting ingredient to your morning cup of joe is not new, but the latest trend is all about medicinal mushrooms, sometimes called "functional mushrooms." Mushrooms are a nutrient-rich, flavorful fungi that have been used for cooking and health purposes for centuries. Proponents of mushroom coffee say it combines the power of mushrooms, like lion’s mane and chaga, with coffee beans to create an energizing, health-boosting brew.
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is typically made from combining regular coffee with ground medicinal mushrooms. "Mushroom coffee" may also refer to a coffee alternative made only of mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms include a variety of different species that have documented benefits for health conditions. These mushrooms are typically dried and available in powder form, or as an extract, which is sold as a supplement. Common species of medicinal mushrooms include:
- Lion’s mane
- Turkey tale
- Chaga
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
Mushroom coffee uses one or a few of these mushrooms, which belong to a class of fungi that are considered “adaptogens." Adaptogens are thought to help our bodies cope with stress and return to a balanced state of homeostasis.
History of Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are an underutilized source of phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins in the West, but they’ve been used regularly in Asia as food and as part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Today, these mushrooms are commonly added to coffee, which is marketed as a healthier alternative to your usual cup of joe.
Mushroom Coffee Benefits
Mushroom coffee drinkers claim it can help combat stress, enhance cognition, promote sleep, and boost immunity. In addition to being rich in vitamins and minerals, medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may have beneficial effects in the body. However, there’s not a ton of verified research on these mushrooms, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of medicinal mushrooms as a treatment for any health condition.
Immune Health
The main benefit of medicinal mushrooms is that they seem to be immunomodulatory, meaning they can help activate or suppress our immune response. There’s emerging evidence that bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, especially turkey tail, may strengthen our immune system to help it identify and ward off diseases. Research suggests that turkey tail may play a role in anti-tumor activity against different types of cancer.
Stress and Energy
A popular claim about mushroom coffee is that it reduces stress. Adaptogens help the body cope with stress, and they’re usually used to deal with fatigue and burnout. It’s thought that the adaptogenic effects of mushrooms, especially reishi and cordyceps, may help lower levels of cortisol, aka the stress hormone. There is an increasing amount of research that cordyceps may help enhance stamina and endurance, especially in athletes.
Cognitive Function
Medicinal mushrooms contain many compounds that may be beneficial for brain health. Many people use them for improved cognition, or they feel like they will help enhance their memory. Lion’s mane in particular may help with cognitive enhancement and protecting against neurodegeneration. Early research suggests it may be beneficial for dementia patients, but more large-scale human clinical trials are needed.
Sleep
Reishi mushrooms have been used to promote sleep in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. A 2021 study in mice showed that reishi mushroom extract may help prolong sleep time by altering the gut microbiome, but more research in humans is needed. The cortisol-lowering effects of adaptogens may also regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Mushroom Coffee Risks
Mushroom coffee is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. All adaptogenic mushrooms are non-toxic when taken in normal doses. However, you should avoid mushroom coffee if you’re allergic to mushrooms. Some mushrooms may cause digestive issues for certain people. The only other risk is that chaga mushrooms have high amounts of oxalates, which may be an issue for people at risk of kidney stones following a low-oxalate diet.
Should You Try Mushroom Coffee?
If you’re curious about swapping your morning coffee for an adaptogenic brew, it probably won’t hurt to try. For daily coffee drinkers, mushroom coffee may be a great option to explore. However, if you don’t even like coffee or you’re not dependent on caffeine, it’s not necessary to start drinking it.
Best Mushroom Coffee
There are many different mushroom coffee products that vary in their ingredients. Most pre-made blends contain a mix of medicinal mushrooms and ground or instant coffee — either regular or decaf. You can also purchase medicinal mushroom powder or extract and add it to your own coffee. The best type of mushroom coffee for you depends on your sensitivity to caffeine and which mushrooms you want to consume.
Conclusion
Mushroom coffee is a trend that has taken off in recent years, with proponents claiming it can help with stress, cognition, immunity, and more. While there is some evidence to support the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, more research is needed to fully understand their effects. If you’re curious about trying mushroom coffee, it’s generally safe to consume in moderation, but be sure to talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.
FAQs
Q: What is mushroom coffee?
A: Mushroom coffee is a type of coffee that combines regular coffee with ground medicinal mushrooms.
Q: What are the benefits of mushroom coffee?
A: Proponents of mushroom coffee claim it can help with stress, cognition, immunity, and more.
Q: Is mushroom coffee safe to consume?
A: Yes, mushroom coffee is generally safe to consume in moderation, but you should avoid it if you’re allergic to mushrooms.
Q: Can I make my own mushroom coffee?
A: Yes, you can purchase medicinal mushroom powder or extract and add it to your own coffee.
Q: How much mushroom coffee should I drink?
A: There is no established standard dosage for medicinal mushrooms in coffee, so it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.
Q: Can I take mushroom coffee with other medications?
A: It’s always best to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, including mushroom coffee, especially if you have any underlying conditions.
