Mushroom coffee has been touted as providing multiple health benefits, including improved immunity and more restful sleep. But is mushroom coffee truly worth all its hype or simply a passing trend? We consulted experts, such as dietitians, on its benefits as well as its safety profile to understand whether people should give this drink a try or not.

Mushroom coffee is a combination of mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane and turkey tail mixed with coffee that typically sold in powder form or as a brewed beverage. There are various brands and varieties of mushroom coffee on the market with different variations containing more or less of each ingredient – all designed to give a healthy caffeine fix while improving immunity at once.

This drink’s primary claim to fame is its ability to relieve stress, increase energy levels and enhance mood. These benefits are typically attributed to adaptogens found in mushrooms that help regulate cortisol (the hormone produced during times of stress) production while also increasing or decreasing energy depending on what your body requires.

There’s evidence to show that mushrooms in this kind of coffee can improve gut health by helping balance bacteria levels and promote good digestive functioning, as well as providing antioxidant protection against chronic disease caused by oxidative stress.

Though mushroom products make health claims, there is limited clinical research on them and some risks should be considered before taking them. One such concern is that many mushroom products on the market haven’t been tested on humans – this makes consulting your physician before trying any products particularly important if you have health conditions or take medications as certain mushrooms could interact negatively.

Reishi and chaga mushrooms found in mushroom coffee can contain oxalates that could hinder kidney function and increase risk for kidney stones; those with existing kidney conditions should avoid these drinks, while anyone experiencing gas or bloating symptoms should refrain from drinking mushroom coffee due to difficulty digesting.

Overall, dietists I consulted advised me that mushroom coffee can generally be enjoyed safely when taken in moderation; however, always consult your physician first if adding this into your routine. Furthermore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this supplement until more research has been completed as there has not been enough data confirming its safety for those groups. If you decide to give mushroom coffee a try anyway, start off slowly before increasing consumption as your body adjusts; remember whole mushrooms also provide similar health benefits – check out this article about which mushrooms provide optimal benefits versus which ones. For more details, refer to this article about which ones provide best and worst ones!