Mushroom teas have quickly become the latest fad in the natural products industry. These beverages feature hot water infused with functional fungi such as reishi, lion’s mane and chaga to provide optimal wellness benefits.

But are the new offerings living up to their promise? Registered dietitians provide insight. Mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D (879 international units in one cup of white button mushrooms), an important nutrient required for bone health and immune support.

1. Vitamins and Minerals

As shoppers browse the health and wellness aisles, they’re barraged with pills, powders and elixirs promising to enhance energy, vitality and lifespan. But when it comes to providing essential vitamins and nutrients that keep us strong, whole foods often offer more than the multibillion-dollar supplement industry can.

Mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrition. A carton of white button mushrooms provides potassium, vitamin D (879 International Units per serving), five essential B vitamins and an antioxidant known as ergothioneine which protects cells against damage. Furthermore, mushroom teas can provide additional sources of these natural vitamins and minerals.

But if you’re considering switching up your morning cup of coffee for something mushroom-y, be sure to opt for a tea made with whole mushrooms rather than extracts of functional varieties like lion’s mane and reishi, which haven’t been specifically bred for flavor, as nutritionist and fungi enthusiast Madalena Viera Costa notes.

Odyssey Wellness LLC has emerged as an innovator of ready-to-drink organic mushroom elixirs, making a revolutionary step in mushroom beverage consumption with ready-to-drink organic mushroom elixirs for sale in both cold brew and hot drink varieties featuring reishi, turkey tail and lion’s mane to maintain healthy immune function and promote an equilibrium gut microbiome. Odyssey also uses other superfoods like cruciferous vegetables, herbs and whole plant sea vegetables in these blends that deliver complete nutrition in every bite – perfect for those sensitive to these foods who suffer with allergies! And unlike other mushroom beverages on offer from Odyssey Wellness LLC

2. Fiber

Mushrooms contain fiber, an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy weight. Furthermore, mushrooms contain glutamates – responsible for giving meat its unique umami taste – which mycelium products infused with mushrooms can emulate without the unhealthy ingredients such as saturated fats or cholesterol.

Mushroom tea can be enjoyed in various ways, with one of the easiest being simply sipping hot water infused with mushrooms. Some brands provide powdered versions that you mix directly into hot water – this makes sure that all the mushroom flavors get into your system; others require steeping processes which combine a combination of ingredients such as tea leaves, herbs and spices instead of directly inhaling mushrooms themselves.

These teas typically include ingredients known to help increase energy or calm the mind, like lemongrass or eleuthero root. Others contain adaptogens – naturally occurring substances which promote healthy stress levels – while many enjoy swapping out their morning cup of coffee with mushroom tea, as it tends to contain less caffeine while providing a gentler boost.

3. Antioxidants

Mushrooms, as heterotrophic organisms unable to perform photosynthesis, absorb complex organic molecules in their environment through their cell walls. Mushroom extracts contain enzymes which break down complex molecules into more manageable elements such as sugars, amino acids, lipids and proteins (22). Mushrooms act as effective antioxidants that protect cells against free radical damage while mushroom extracts also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by blocking NF-kB signaling pathways – key transcription factors responsible for controlling expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules (23)

Cordyceps and reishi mushrooms have been shown to act as adaptogens, or substances which help the body manage stress more effectively by supporting healthy cortisol levels.

Other types of mushrooms have also been shown to help boost immunity and possess antiviral properties, according to studies. Cordyceps in particular has been demonstrated as having the ability to destroy herpes simplex viruses in vitro while Ganoderma (reishi), Grifola, lentinula and schizophyllan can prevent Hepatitis C virus infections in mice.

Next year, expect to find more functional fungi popping up in teas and wellness drinks, coffee, chocolate, broths and beauty products – including beauty products! But for maximum effectiveness of these superfoods’ nutritional benefits, sipping tea containing them may be the way to go.

4. Anti-Inflammatory

Many varieties of mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory properties to help balance and soothe the body and relieve stress. Reishi is an outstanding example, providing essential substances that improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, aid weight loss and suppress inflammation. Shiitake, Cordyceps and Turkey Tail mushrooms are also recognized for their anti-inflammatory qualities.

Oft times, mushrooms are combined to achieve synergistic effects on both body and mind. For example, Chaga combined with Reishi can provide an energy boost while simultaneously improving mental focus and clarity. Blends may include Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps for memory health support or Cordyceps to promote relaxation and promote overall well-being while Reishi promotes relaxation and general sense of well-being.

Mushrooms possess unique myconutrients and bioactive compounds that have the power to boost immune health, such as polysaccharides and b-glucans which act as indirect probiotics by positively impacting gut microbiota. Furthermore, mushrooms also act as prebiotics by encouraging beneficial bacteria while also maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

Mushrooms contain compounds such as ergothioneine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), both of which possess anti-inflammatory properties that help inhibit certain enzymes that damage cells. They may even provide treatment for cancer, chronic fatigue and Alzheimer’s disease by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing oxidative stress levels and modulating immune systems.

Altering your morning cup of joe with mushroom-infused tea has become increasingly popular, yet these beverages should not replace nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains that should serve as the basis of any healthy diet. Mushrooms provide powerful benefits that cannot be found on typical nutrition labels; only when consumed as whole food will they deliver these powerful benefits.

5. Immune Support

Medicinal mushrooms offer an invaluable source of immune support. Packed full of beta glucans, antioxidants, and polysaccharides – including natural antibodies – they have the power to bind with proteins within the body and act as natural antibodies.

Mushrooms can be used in numerous tea recipes. Some of the more commonly encountered varieties include maitake, shiitake and reishi; Reishi is considered an adaptogen which has been proven to reduce stress while simultaneously improving cognitive function.

Chaga mushroom has powerful immune-enhancing effects. A primary adaptogen, it provides strength and resilience to help protect against stressors such as cancer. Commonly found brewing it regularly in Siberia, studies have demonstrated its positive benefits: drinking regular chaga tea reduces cancerous conditions as well as digestive illnesses significantly.

Whole Foods Market recently unveiled Odyssey Wellness LLC’s ready-to-drink organic mushroom elixirs as ready-to-drink organic mushroom teas available at select Whole Foods stores and online. Odyssey’s products aim to meet various needs such as focus, relaxation, and mood support. These organic mushroom extract teas contain organic mushroom extracts like lion’s mane, chaga and turkey tail as well as functional ingredients such as L-theanine, chamomile and ashwagandha for maximum relaxation. Available as single serve tea packets without tea bags or sachets. These teas include Think: an organic lemon black tea made of lion’s mane and l-theanine; Calm: a relaxing blend of chamomile, mint and lavender made up from reishi, ashwagandha, chamomile and lavender; and Protect: an immunity boosting wild berry tea comprised of chaga, elderberry, acerola cherry and blueberry.