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Top 5 Mushroom Coffee Blends
No matter your coffee preference – French press-brewed or single-serving mushroom coffee pods – there is sure to be a mushroom coffee blend perfect for you! Look for mushroom coffee formulas designed specifically to offer the benefits you seek such as focus and clarity or immune-boosting support.
Chaga
Chaga mushroom, though seemingly unassuming in appearance, has long been one of the most highly prized foraged mushrooms in Northern Eurasia. Reminiscent of “birch cancer”, according to Russian author Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s description, Chaga is prized due to its protective immune-system benefits as well as cancer prevention abilities that make its high price tag more than worth its while.
Not only is chaga a delicious addition to coffee, its polyphenols have also been demonstrated to benefit liver and blood vessel health as well as strong antioxidant protection from oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, its beta-glucans may help stabilize mast cells and inhibit allergic reactions while its triterpenoid compounds (such as initidiol and betulinic acid) have demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-gastritis properties.
Chaga mushrooms’ antioxidant properties stem from their abundance of polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans. Studies have demonstrated that Chaga contains more immuno-regulating polysaccharides than other medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps.
Chaga beta-glucans have also been demonstrated to increase ATP production by supporting mitochondrial function, an essential step towards optimal health since this reduces oxidative stress that damages cells. Furthermore, studies have also found that Chaga can promote secretion of certain cytokines that regulate immune responses and help avoid chemically-induced overreactions.
Chaga can offer further health advantages by helping maintain balanced blood sugar levels. The beta-glucans present in chaga can help decrease insulin resistance and enhance glucose metabolism – two essential steps towards overall wellbeing.
Mushrooms have made waves in the wellness industry, and drinks containing mushroom extracts have become an emerging trend. Some health gurus claim that mushrooms will cure everything from depression to autoimmune disease; however, not much research exists to support such claims; those studies which do exist tend to be older or written in Russian – it’s best to maintain an open mind when considering claims pertaining to mushrooms as possible solutions.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms contain plant compounds called hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), both of which support neural regeneration following injury or disease and improve cognitive performance, while BDNF plays an integral part in plastic changes associated with memory and learning. Furthermore, Lion’s mane is an anti-inflammatory which may help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression while simultaneously decreasing triglyceride levels.
One study demonstrated how lion’s mane extract reduced symptoms of stomach ulcers among patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, this extract improved fat metabolism and decreased cholesterol in lab rats. Unfortunately, however, due to FDA oversight limitations with supplements they might not contain what they claim they do or may contain harmful dosages; before making your purchase it’s advisable to speak to a healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) first before making your choice.
In a previous study, researchers concluded that lion’s mane mushrooms helped people living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases to enhance cognition by encouraging new neurons to form connections within neural pathways, improving mental clarity, enhancing motivation levels and clearing away fog from their minds.
Lion’s mane is an ideal ingredient for mushroom coffee due to its ability to boost circulation throughout the body and into the brain, increasing oxygen delivery to increase focus and memory retention.
Lion’s mane is an excellent source of protein, similar to collagen, that helps strengthen and support healthy joints. Additionally, it’s full of B vitamins necessary for nervous system health – easily incorporate it into your daily diet by using finely diced mushrooms in place of meat in dishes such as Bolognese sauce to get similar texture and flavor without all the saturated fat and calories! You could even make tea from it or add it into smoothies!
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have long been used as part of Chinese medicine to support immunity and increase energy, with hundreds or even millennia’s worth of history behind their use in tea, capsules and tinctures. Reishi stands out as an especially well-known variety that is frequently featured.
Reishi is an antioxidant which protects cells from free radical damage, stimulating production of white blood cells such as natural killer cells and macrophages, which help combat viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, Reishi contains antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties as well as being abundant with beta-glucans which support healthy cell growth.
Reishi can provide more than immune boosting benefits; it has also been shown to be an effective stress reliever and sleep enhancer. Reishi is known to calm the mind, reduce anxiety levels, help combat depression and stress-related conditions like fibromyalgia.
Reishi can assist with cardiovascular health by lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing blood platelets from clumping together, lowering triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and increasing circulation. Studies have also indicated it to possess hepatoprotective properties to alleviate symptoms associated with liver disease, hepatitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Although further studies are required, some evidence indicates that Reishi may provide antitumor effects in animals and possibly humans as well. Polysaccharides in Reishi may be responsible for this. They enhance natural killer cell activity which kill tumors faster as well as inhibit their growth – potentially helping treat cancer more successfully.
Reishi Coco Dream can easily be integrated into smoothies, oatmeal or hot chocolate drinks using plant-based milk of your choice – our Reishi Coco Dream offers a delicious beverage packed with nutritious mushrooms and adaptogen ashwagandha, combined with Peruvian cacao for an irresistibly indulgent drink made of Reishi extract and organic ingredients that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and rejuvenated!
Cordyceps
Cordyceps has long been recognized as a superfood, touted to improve immune function, boost liver and kidney function, lower blood sugar levels and even boost libido. Often called the Himalayan Viagra due to its potential ability to treat erectile dysfunction and male infertility; many of its claimed benefits in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine have only been demonstrated in mice experiments or small-scale human studies.
Fungus that grows on caterpillar bodies has long been cultivated in China, Japan, and Korea for generations. Commonly seen as an ingredient in Japanese green tea or Chinese medicinal soup, but also sold as a supplement (available here in capsule or powder form). According to many reports it can help combat fatigue while improving endurance; some even attribute its benefits against aging as an added advantage.
Cordyceps sinensis (CSE), in particular, has shown significant promise as an aid for increasing longevity in mice. Research studies have demonstrated how its antioxidative actions improve significantly when administered to CSE mice with chronic conditions that cause peroxidative damage, such as glutathione peroxidase deficiency or monoamine oxidase deficiencies; additionally it improves brain function of those suffering d-galactose-induced senescence and improves sexual ability in castrated rats.
Cordyceps has also been reported to provide a balancing effect on inflammation in the body. According to studies, cordyceps has been found to block cancer cell proliferation while attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages. Furthermore, cordyceps has also been demonstrated to decrease airway inflammation among asthmatic patients while simultaneously blocking releases of proinflammatory factors that trigger allergic reactions.
At best, fungus can provide relief for erectile issues but is no solution for male infertility. Furthermore, some medications may interact negatively with it and therefore, prior to taking supplements it is wise to speak to your physician first and also ensure you drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet in order to maximize effectiveness of treatment.