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Is Mushroom Coffee Safe?
Though mushroom coffee claims to have stress-reducing and immune-enhancing effects, these have yet to be proven through scientific research. Furthermore, certain medicinal mushrooms used in its blend may interact with certain medications; thus it’s wiser to consult a healthcare provider prior to drinking this beverage if you have any medical conditions or concerns about taking this route.
As many mushroom coffee blends contain both caffeine and extracts of various medicinal mushrooms, they should be avoided by anyone sensitive to or with medical restrictions that restrict caffeine intake. Too much caffeine intake can lead to jitteriness, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure and more; most mushroom coffee products available today contain about half as much caffeine than traditional cups of joe.
No matter which mushroom blend they choose for their mushroom coffee consumption, most consumers report an adaptogenic effect. Adaptogens help reduce stress levels and boost energy by balancing cortisol levels within the body; some medicinal mushrooms, like Reishi or Chaga are known for having antidepressant effects while others such as Maitake can boost immunity.
Mushroom coffee may help improve cognitive function as research indicates its effect on nerve growth factor production and memory recall. Consumers claim it helps them focus better, decreasing their chances of Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
Some individuals who try mushroom coffee report experiencing improved sleep. This could be the result of decreased caffeine consumption or adaptogenic effects of medicinal mushrooms; many mushroom coffee blends available today also feature herbs or spices such as lavender or chamomile which could contribute to better relaxation.
While mushroom coffee has been widely received by some, it may not be suitable for all. Individuals allergic to medicinal mushrooms used in mushroom coffee blends could experience side effects including nausea or a skin rash. Mushrooms also contain high levels of oxalates, increasing risk for kidney stones if already affected. Lastly, some individuals dislike its taste and therefore do not drink it regularly.
Medicinal mushrooms contain many essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; however, their effectiveness has yet to be thoroughly explored through clinical trials. Furthermore, drying, extraction and brewing processes can significantly diminish the active ingredients contained in mushroom coffee blends; so it is wise to carefully read labels when shopping for such products in order to find ones with greater quantities of actual mushrooms than blended-in options.