Mushroom Coffee: Legit Functional Beverage or Trend?
Mushrooms are having their moment in the sun. (Or should it be shade, where they like to grow?) With good reason: mushrooms contain an abundance of nutrients like essential minerals, vitamins, fiber, proteins, and beneficial bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and polyphenols. Recognized both as a culinary delight and a functional food, mushrooms have been steadily making their way into supplements and wellness trends. With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, mushrooms have a broad spectrum of health-promoting benefits, making it no surprise that medicinal mushrooms have made their way into the mainstream. Most recently, mushroom coffee has been trending as a superior alternative to traditional coffee while providing a rich, earthy flavor. Is it worth the hype, or just a fleeting fad? Let’s take a closer look at the science.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is made by blending powdered medicinal mushrooms with regular coffee grounds or by replacing coffee entirely with mushroom extracts. The most commonly used varieties include lion’s mane, cordyceps, reishi, and chaga. The mushrooms are dried, powdered, and their beneficial compounds extracted to a concentrate before being blended with coffee.
Is mushroom coffee better for you than traditional coffee?
In moderation, coffee is already a beneficial beverage that offers cognitive support, cardiovascular benefits, and neuroprotection. Coffee can enhance focus, memory, and reaction time, is inked to a lower risk of hypertension and heart disease, and may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s. Not to mention that it helps us feel less tired and sleepy all while tasting and smelling delicious!
Mushroom coffee claims to take these benefits a step further by enhancing immunity, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep and focus. Since most blends contain a 1:1 ratio of mushrooms to coffee, they naturally reduce caffeine intake, which may help those with caffeine sensitivity experience decreased anxiety and better sleep. But what specific benefits do these mushrooms provide? Let’s take a closer look.
Health Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms in Coffee
Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is well known for its cognitive benefits, with research indicating its potential in improving memory, focus, and overall brain function. It contains compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), potentially aiding in neuroprotection, and shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression in preliminary studies. Lion’s mane also supports gut health, and can influence brain function via the gut-brain axis.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a powerful adaptogen known for its ability to enhance energy, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. It has been shown to have neuroprotective, anti-aging, and antimicrobial properties, as well as benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Additionally, cordycepin, a bioactive compound in cordyceps, has demonstrated potential antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2, the virusresponsible for COVID-19. Cordyceps also serves as an excellent source of essential minerals such as magnesium, copper, sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a popular immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory mushroom that is high in antioxidants. It may support liver function and cellular health, and contains betulinic acid, which has been studied for its possible anticancer effects. The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is known as the “mushroom of immortality” for its adaptogenic and stress-reducing properties. Reishi also helps to promote relaxation and better sleep, and may support immune function, help lower cholesterol levels, and support overall longevity.
Coffee + Mushrooms: Dynamic Duo?
Some studies suggests that there is a synergistic effect when combining coffee with mushrooms, meaning the individual health benefits of each are enhanced. Additionally, the polyphenols and antioxidants in both coffee and mushrooms may work together to support cognitive and immune function. However, while research on medicinal mushrooms is growing, studies specifically on mushroom coffee are still limited.
It should also be noted that mushroom coffee isn’t for everyone. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it due to limited safety data, as well as individuals with allergies or hypertension. Mushroom coffee may also worsen symptoms in individuals with histamine metabolism disorders, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), or SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth syndrome). Mushroom coffee may also interact with some medications, such as those that are taken for autoimmune disease. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional about possible interactions or any concerns.
The verdict?
While the benefits of mushroom coffee look promising, it’s important to keep in mind that scientific evidence is still emerging. If you like the taste, it’s a great way to lower your caffeine intake while gaining some additional nutrients, so continue to drink it in moderation. But if you don’t love it, there’s no need to force it. Eating a varied and balanced diet remains the best way to provide your body with the nutrients it needs for optimal functioning.