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Is Mushroom Coffee Worth the Hype?
Mushrooms have experienced a recent surge in popularity among wellness influencers and the public at large, thanks to mushroom products such as powder, extract, tonics and gummies being touted by wellness influencers as natural anti-inflammatories, adaptogens, immunity boosters and stress reducers. One product garnering particular attention is mushroom coffee; which essentially mixes regular coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms like chaga cordyceps turkey tail or lion’s mane infusions that provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals or compounds thought to support health and support a healthy weight.
But is mushroom coffee worth its hype? Human studies are necessary to fully evaluate how mushroom coffee affects health and any specific advantages over traditional coffee. There is some evidence suggesting it can prevent cognitive decline as well as increase energy and endurance levels, plus some varieties contain omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols which provide antioxidant protection.
Most mushroom coffee products combine high-grade organic coffee beans with functional mushrooms for maximum benefit. Laird Superfood’s popular blend contains shade-grown arabica coffee combined with organic mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps to provide an extremely vegan, gluten-free and nut-free option. Or try Four Sigmatic’s blend, featuring an effective combination of dual-extracted chaga and cordyceps with rigorous quality-tested 100% Arabica coffee. This combination is known to promote physical endurance and mental focus. It contains an abundant supply of cordycepin–an active ingredient found in cordyceps which enhances oxygen flow, increases aerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue, supports immune function and cell regeneration and promotes immune health.
Although most mushroom coffee products are relatively safe, more research needs to be conducted before recommending them as health solutions. Furthermore, medical experts advise against excessive caffeine consumption.
Mushroom coffee’s growing popularity can be partly attributed to its delicious taste and perceived mental clarity and focus-boosting properties, in addition to being an easy way to consume mushrooms that may otherwise be expensive and hard to come by in stores or online. It provides you with your daily dose without resorting to whole mushrooms which may be harder and more costly to come by in stores or online.
Although more human studies are necessary, initial evidence indicates that mushroom coffee and medicinal mushroom supplements could help alleviate stress and improve sleep quality. They’re also believed to enhance cardiovascular and liver health while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
Studies on mushrooms tend to focus on supplements containing single species at unspecified ratios; so while mushroom coffee has become more and more popular in recent years, most evidence points towards medicinal mushrooms and/or diet as the most effective ways to promote overall wellbeing and increase health and wellbeing. It’s always wise to consult your physician prior to beginning any new supplement regimen, including mushroom coffee or medicinal mushrooms; especially if you have preexisting conditions.