Mushrooms are currently trending as a supplement to enhance focus, boost energy, alleviate stress, and fortify the immune system. Among these, mushroom coffee is gaining significant popularity.
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a unique blend that combines traditional coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms, often accompanied by various flavorings and other herbal adaptogens such as ginseng, ashwagandha, and rhodiola. This innovation arose when companies producing mushroom supplements sought to broaden their appeal by introducing these beneficial fungi into daily beverages like coffee, tea, and matcha. Manufacturers assert that these drinks have the power to rejuvenate and restore vitality.
Each serving of mushroom coffee can differ in the type and quantity of mushroom extract used, as well as whether the extract comes from the fruiting body or the mycelium, which is the mushroom’s root network.
The medicinal mushrooms frequently included in these coffee blends are:
The flavor of mushroom coffee is reminiscent of traditional coffee, though some users describe it as having a smooth, slightly nutty, or earthy taste, which can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Potential benefits of mushroom coffee include:
- May enhance focus and concentration.
- May promote gut health.
- May boost the immune system.
- May help reduce stress.
- Contains lower caffeine levels.
Explore our full array of health benefit guides and check out our guide on the health benefits of coffee and learn about bullet-proof coffee.
5 Potential Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
1. May Improve Focus and Concentration
The caffeine found in traditional coffee can enhance focus and mood, while lion’s mane mushrooms are believed to boost brain function in healthy young adults. Research on animals indicates that certain components called erinacines in lion’s mane may promote this heightened alertness.
2. May Support Gut Health
Mushrooms are rich in various beneficial compounds, including polyphenols and polysaccharides, which are known to enhance gut health by increasing the diversity and number of beneficial bacteria in our digestive system.
3. May Strengthen Immunity
Mushroom coffee contains a variety of beneficial compounds like polyphenols and polysaccharides (including beta-glucans), along with essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. These components can support and modulate the immune system and help enhance our natural resistance to infections.
4. May Ease Stress
Adaptogens like medicinal mushrooms assist the body in managing and balancing stress hormones such as cortisol, contributing to a state of equilibrium.
5. May Contain Less Caffeine
Experts generally agree that a moderate caffeine intake of about four cups of coffee (around 400mg of caffeine) is typically safe for most individuals when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Mushroom coffee usually contains 30-50% less caffeine than regular coffee, though this can vary by brand. The lower caffeine content of mushroom coffee may offer a more gradual, balanced energy boost, reducing the likelihood of experiencing caffeine jitters.
How to Make Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee can be found in various forms, including instant coffee powder, pre-ground blends, and coffee pods. Preparation is similar to that of regular coffee, allowing it to be enjoyed just like any other coffee beverage.
Potential Side Effects
It’s essential to note that comprehensive human studies on mushroom coffee are still lacking, with the majority of research conducted in vitro or on animal models. Generally, when consumed in moderation, mushroom coffee is considered safe for most people. However, excessive consumption may lead to mild digestive upset, such as nausea.
As mushroom coffee does contain caffeine, individuals may react differently to it based on their genetics. For some, consuming more than six cups might lead to symptoms of agitation and anxiety may cause agitation and anxiety. Those who are allergic to fungi should avoid mushroom coffee and related products.
Additionally, mushroom coffee may not be suitable for certain populations, which includes children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with high blood pressure, and those taking specific medications for autoimmune disorders.
What’s the Difference Between Mushroom Coffee and Regular Coffee?
Compared to regular coffee, mushroom coffee typically has a lower caffeine content and is also rich in plant-based compounds known as polyphenols, along with other active compounds. The presence and amounts of these compounds may vary based on the type of beans used, their roast level, and storage conditions. Furthermore, each mushroom coffee brand may introduce additional ingredients, including flavorings, herbal extracts, and sweeteners that differentiate their products.
Overall, Is Mushroom Coffee Good for You?
Although social media is filled with testimonials about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, there is not yet adequate scientific evidence to support many of these claims. Controlled trials specifically examining the effects of mushroom coffee are limited, and while some preliminary findings are promising, further clinical research is required to establish any potential health benefits. Additionally, individual responses to caffeine can vary widely, affecting the amount that can be safely consumed.
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Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a BANT Registered Nutritionist® with a post-graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years, she has contributed to various nutritional and cooking publications, including Good Food.
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