As with any new food or supplement, mushroom coffee should always be discussed with a doctor or registered dietician prior to consumption. This is especially important if you have preexisting health conditions or take medications as mushrooms can interact with medications (according to WebMD). Otherwise, mushroom coffee seems like no bad choice: this drink combines traditional coffee with various medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, lion’s mane cordyceps and turkey tail for anti-inflammatory benefits and heart health support as well as stress and fatigue relief compared to traditional coffee alone (via WebMD).

Most popular mushroom coffee brands come in either powder form, which is mixed with boiling water like instant coffee, or grounds that must be brewed separately. You can find it both online and in stores; though be prepared to pay more. A 30-serving bag from Ryze costs anywhere from $20-40.

Mushroom coffee is typically prepared using Eastern medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps and chaga, to balance out the earthy bitterness of coffee beans. Mushroom coffee also boasts half of the caffeine found in regular coffee – this makes it suitable for pregnant women, children or those suffering chronic heart conditions who must limit their caffeine consumption.

There has been relatively limited research conducted on the benefits of mushroom coffee; however, evidence points towards its health-promoting properties, including an immune boost and improved gut health benefits. Furthermore, mushroom coffee provides plenty of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds such as polyphenols and beta glucans which may further support overall wellbeing.

Underneath it all, mushroom coffee may cause side effects that include bloating and digestive discomfort due to its fibrous composition. Furthermore, certain species might overstimulate an individual’s immune system leading to symptoms like fatigue and fever. Two published case studies outline additional negative aspects such as high levels of oxalates found in some species of chaga mushroom which bind with minerals found in kidney tissue and impair its functioning – these risks should also be considered when drinking mushroom coffee.

Keep these factors in mind before trying mushroom coffee: its effectiveness for weight loss remains unclear, while the high cost may put some off. To save money while reaping similar health benefits from medicinal mushrooms used in its blend, add whole, organic mushrooms into your diet instead – these have long-established health advantages while being much cheaper than mushroom coffee!