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Mushroom Coffee – What is it Good For?
Mushroom coffee has quickly become a social media trend, with everyone from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex to Taika Waititi touting its benefits. The drink combines ground java beans with powdered mushrooms like lion’s mane and cordyceps for an effective combination that claims to reduce stress while improving focus and concentration.
Reduces Stress
Mushroom coffee is a trendy food trend that promises to do multiple things: increase cognitive function, reduce stress and strengthen immunity. But does it really work? Mushrooms such as lion’s mane and chaga contain antioxidant properties which may reduce inflammation by fighting free radicals. In addition, these mushrooms contain essential B vitamins as well as essential minerals like zinc and potassium which all may benefit.
Medicinal mushrooms, also known as adaptogens, can help your body cope with stress and fatigue more effectively. Reishi and cordyceps have both been linked with lower cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress – suggesting this may explain why some claim mushroom coffee reduces stress.
Because there is limited research on mushrooms yet, we don’t know for certain whether they do what their advocates claim they can. They have however long been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine, with “some positive claims but it is important to remember there is limited proof,” states Czerwony.
Four Sigmatic offers mushroom coffee blends which aim to provide specific health benefits, such as their “Power On” blend with lion’s mane and chaga to improve productivity, focus, and cognitive function; and their “Metabolic” blend using green coffee beans and cordyceps as means of increasing metabolism.
No matter which variety of mushroom coffee you select, be sure to read its ingredients closely. Some mushroom products contain FODMAPs that may exacerbate digestive conditions in those living with IBS; additionally, some people have experienced allergic reactions due to mushrooms containing these components; therefore be careful if you have a history of them in your body or an allergy or sensitivity is suspected.
If you want to try mushroom coffee for the first time, brewed rather than powder mix options are best as this allows you to take full advantage of all its natural nutrients without experiencing the negative side effects of caffeine. Furthermore, mushroom and coffee consumption separately offers their own health benefits – there’s no need for both products combined together as part of one product!
Reduces Inflammation
Mushroom coffee is an intoxicating blend of ground coffee beans combined with functional mushrooms like reishi, cordyceps, turkey tail or chaga that boast various health benefits – not unlike those you might find on pizza! Notably low in caffeine content than traditional coffee varieties so as to prevent an energy crash after each sip!
According to registered dietitian Jenna Volpe, RDN, CLT, drinking mushroom coffee can be one of the best ways to boost immune function. She notes that its mushrooms help stimulate cytokine production – essential in reducing inflammation within the body.
Volpe notes that mushrooms contain antioxidants which can provide significant protection from oxidative stress and promote overall wellbeing. For maximum benefit, she advises choosing a mushroom coffee which does not include added sugar and contains only organic ingredients.
Potentially, mushroom coffee may help digestion. Unfortunately, however, scientific evidence on this point remains limited. Furthermore, certain mushrooms are considered high-FODMAP foods which may cause gas-forming issues for those suffering from digestive conditions like IBS. Therefore those with sensitivities or sensitive stomachs should consume mushroom coffee with caution or at the very least consume it sparingly.
While some studies have demonstrated the health benefits of mushroom coffee, more research needs to be conducted before definitive recommendations can be issued. That being said, it might still be worth giving this trend a try if you’re searching for healthier alternatives to your morning cup of joe.
mushroom coffee products often come in powder form and can be mixed with boiling water or brewed just like regular coffee, while you may also find varieties containing additional adaptogenic herbs or plant compounds, like L-theanine, to provide additional health benefits. Most mushroom coffee beverages tend to be quite costly – costing anywhere between $20-40 per bag compared with just the usual $5-8 range for traditional coffee; thus making this alternative option less suitable for those on a tight budget or those suffering from kidney stones or similar conditions that increase risk factors like oxalates which increases risks associated with certain forms of kidney stone development.
Increases Energy
Medicinal mushrooms can provide an energy boost and many mushroom coffee products boast this attribute. Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than traditional coffee products and some varieties are even caffeine-free entirely; so if you’re trying to lower your caffeine consumption, mushroom coffee might offer additional health benefits, like immune support and stress relief.
Mushrooms provide essential nutrients, making them an essential addition to any balanced diet. Packed with antioxidants and natural compounds that support wellness, they contain immuno-modulating compounds to boost immunity while beta glucans may enhance immune health as well. They’re an excellent source of B vitamins (riboflavin and niacin), zinc potassium and more!
Some mushroom coffees boast an earthy taste that may put some people off, while others boast milder, nutty or fruity notes. No matter your flavor preferences, there will surely be an option out there to suit your palate!
A high-quality mushroom coffee should provide a soothing, balanced flavor without any jitters or crashes, making it easy to digest without harmful substances such as chemicals or pesticides.
Most mushroom coffee products are created by mixing powdered medicinal mushrooms into hot or cold liquids to produce coffee-like drinks, including drip, espresso, French press or cold brew brews. You can add these mushroom coffee products into your brew of choice, whether that means drip coffee, espresso coffee, French press coffee or cold brew coffee brewing methods. Some products even feature milk as an ingredient and can even be added directly into tea soup or smoothie recipes!
While mushroom coffee is generally safe, if you have kidney or digestive issues it may be best to refrain from drinking it. Certain mushrooms such as chaga have higher oxalate concentrations that could increase risk for kidney stones. Also it would be prudent not to consume this beverage during pregnancy or breastfeeding periods.
Reduces Fatigue
Mushroom coffee offers an alternative energy boost without the jitters: its aim is to keep you focused throughout the day. Brands offering mushroom coffee often feature Hericium erinaceus mushrooms (lion’s mane mushroom), known for their cognitive-enhancing effects by increasing Nerve Growth Factor in the brain, according to one study; other brands also include Ashwagandha as an ancient medicinal plant that reduces stress while improving concentration and memory.
Adaptogenic mushrooms such as turkey tail and cordyceps may also be included in these blends to help regulate cortisol levels, which are frequently affected by chronic stress and inflammation. By keeping your cortisol balanced, keeping fatigue at bay may help you persevere through stressful situations while maintaining good sleeping patterns.
Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than its coffee counterpart, with some brands boasting half as much in a cup. Furthermore, mushrooms contain vitamins and other plant compounds which may help boost energy levels.
As with any food product, not all mushrooms are suitable for consumption in large amounts and some can even be toxic if consumed too frequently. When selecting a brand of mushrooms it’s also important to make sure it doesn’t contain “magic” mushrooms containing psilocybin – a hallucinogen which although harmless does not fall under United States laws regarding possession and distribution.
Those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome may wish to forego mushroom coffee due to the high content of FODMAPs in certain types of mushrooms that can trigger symptoms associated with IBS like abdominal pain and gas. Furthermore, some mushrooms included in mushroom coffee–namely lion’s mane and chaga–are known to interact negatively with certain medications; specifically chaga can lower blood sugar and slow clotting times while lion’s mane increases immune system activity possibly working against immunosuppressant treatments.
However, mushroom coffee deserves consideration due to its potential health benefits for almost everyone. Before making any dietary changes on your own, be sure to discuss it with your physician first as any changes could potentially have an effect on any medical conditions such as heart disease, liver problems or diabetes that require monitoring.