Mushrooms and mushroom extracts have long been used in traditional medicine, and have more recently become an increasingly popular ingredient in wellness products like powders, supplements and tonics that claim everything from an energy boost to mental clarity improvement. Unfortunately, the evidence supporting such claims remains limited, while their use in such products — often combined with coffee beans — makes understanding them even harder.

Mushroom coffee combines medicinal mushrooms with regular coffee beans in a blend, using drying and extraction processes to isolate their beneficial compounds. Once extracted, they’re blended together for a beverage that resembles that of regular coffee in terms of looks, smells and taste. Some brands of mushroom coffee even add milk or other ingredients for enhanced flavor or texture enhancement.

Marketing campaigns tout the benefits of mushroom coffee products as being improved immune function, reduced stress levels and better sleep. They also tout its lower caffeine content for less jitteriness at bedtime and an easier transition towards restful slumber.

Fungi used in mushroom coffee are known as adaptogens, which have been shown to help lower stress response by regulating cortisol levels (a hormone released when under stress). Furthermore, these same mushrooms boast anti-inflammatory properties making them an excellent natural immune system supporter.

But it is important to keep in mind that while mushroom coffee offers some health advantages, it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for eating healthily overall, according to nutritionist Kyle Byron of Toronto. “Eating a diverse selection of whole foods may provide greater nutrients and overall well-being benefits than any single food or supplement,” he says, as foods eaten together may interact and produce synergistic effects.

As Dr. Anderson points out, there has not been enough clinical research done on mushroom coffee to ascertain whether all its claimed benefits exist and also warns that caffeine could interfere with certain medications – including blood thinners – potentially interfering with its effectiveness.

If you want to give mushroom coffee a try, Byron recommends starting by drinking one cup daily and gradually increasing it up to two or three cups per day. Listen to your body – stop drinking if the beverage causes stomach upsets or discomfort.

As well, mushroom coffees have been linked to an increased risk of liver damage and cancer. People allergic to coffee beans should avoid drinking this beverage altogether. If you’re concerned about any new food or supplement on the market affecting your health negatively, talk with a registered dietician who can guide you through current food trends and fads while offering guidance tailored specifically to you.