Mushroom coffee has gained in popularity among java lovers looking for something a bit different and health conscious alike, offering additional flavor while harnessing functional mushrooms’ potential wellness advantages. Mushroom brew, made by mixing traditional coffee grounds with extracts or powders from various types of mushroom extracts or powders, often contains less caffeine than its conventional counterpart and may include adaptogens that reduce stress while providing antioxidant support that boosts overall wellness.

What kinds of mushrooms make up mushroom coffee?

Most mushroom coffee blends combine ground mushrooms with an equal amount of traditional coffee grounds. As mushrooms do not contain caffeine, this method cuts caffeine consumption in half compared to standard coffee, providing an effective remedy for those experiencing side effects from caffeine like jitters or an upset stomach. Furthermore, mushroom coffee boasts many beneficial antioxidants including polysaccharides, ergothioneine glutathione and phenolic compounds which protect cells against free radical damage caused by free radicals.

Chaga mushrooms are often used to flavor mushroom coffee. These nutritious, hardy fungi grow on the bark of birch trees and have dark skin that resembles charcoal; their dark pigment provides antioxidant protection and might provide immune system benefits.

Cordyceps mushrooms are a staple ingredient in mushroom coffee. These fungi are known for boosting energy and endurance due to their content of an amino acid which mimics human growth hormone. While you can find these mushrooms naturally, they’re often grown in laboratories due to the expensive and laborious process of harvesting them through infecting insects with them (via Healthline).

Reishi mushrooms are another staple ingredient in mushroom coffee, and some proponents claim they can boost immunity and have anti-inflammatory properties. Reishi may also help manage stress by decreasing cortisol production (a steroid hormone produced when anxiety or illness arises) that the body releases into the system.

Turkey tail mushrooms are popularly included in mushroom coffee beverages. Their name refers to the colorful fan-like shapes they display as they grow, and these fungi are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, along with their ability to lower enzyme activity that promote inflammation in the body.

Other varieties of mushrooms can also be used for mushroom coffee, each variety providing specific health benefits and flavors. For instance, lion’s mane mushrooms contain essential vitamins and minerals while their antioxidant content could potentially improve mental alertness while simultaneously lowering blood sugar levels. Maitake mushrooms boast beta-glucans which may help manage stress as well as increase male libido. And finally shirotake mushrooms often sold as natural sleep aids may assist those suffering insomnia to restful sleep.