Buzz
Mushroom coffee has gained a lot of attention on social media. While a traditional cup of coffee is known for clearing the morning fog and energizing your start to the day, the question remains: does mushroom coffee live up to the hype?
With over 38 million views on TikTok, we decided to explore this wellness trend further. So, what exactly is mushroom coffee? Does it actually contain coffee, can it energize you, and is it truly better for your health than regular coffee? Here's what you need to understand.
What Exactly Is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a functional beverage made from dried, ground, and sometimes extracted (for enhanced nutritional benefits) functional mushrooms. While it often contains actual coffee, the primary ingredient is functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, and king trumpet.
Some brands incorporate coffee into their mushroom blends, while others omit it, claiming that their beverage mimics the flavor and effects of coffee without the caffeine crash. Additionally, some mushroom coffee blends may contain other adaptogenic or herbal ingredients, such as ashwagandha, burdock root, chicory, dandelion, maca, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and rhodiola.
What Are Adaptogens?
Mushroom Coffee Benefits
Functional mushrooms are not the hallucinogenic varieties; rather, they are mushrooms with additional health benefits beyond their nutritional value, along with adaptogenic properties. Out of more than 70 naturally occurring adaptogens known today, functional mushrooms are among the most commonly used.
The beneficial adaptogens found in functional mushrooms have shown promise in improving a variety of health issues, such as bodily inflammation, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cognitive decline. Each type of functional mushroom offers distinct health advantages, with growing evidence to support these claims. Below are some key benefits of mushrooms commonly used in mushroom coffee.
Reishi Mushrooms Combat Diseases
Reishi mushrooms are a staple in many mushroom coffee blends. Research indicates that they may offer therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, heart conditions, liver disease, mood disorders, and metabolic issues, though further studies are necessary to fully grasp these mechanisms.
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Boost Cognitive Function
Lion’s mane mushrooms are a popular addition to mushroom coffee, especially because they contain neurotrophic factors—proteins that promote the growth and development of nerve cells in the brain. This, combined with its ability to reduce brain inflammation, makes it a great choice for starting your day with improved mental clarity and focus.
Lion's mane has been found to support gut, metabolic, heart, and sleep health, while also helping alleviate symptoms of brain-related issues such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Cordyceps Mushrooms Boost Respiratory Health
Cordyceps mushrooms are commonly used in coffee blends to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. In addition to this benefit, these distinct mushrooms are known for enhancing respiratory health and even providing protection against certain cancers. They've also shown effectiveness in fighting viruses and reducing exercise fatigue, making them a great choice for a post-workout mushroom coffee.
Chaga Mushrooms Support Metabolic Health
Chaga mushrooms, which often appear in popular mushroom coffee blends, grow on tree trunks and resemble bark. These mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits, such as supporting heart, gut, brain, and metabolic health. They've also demonstrated effectiveness in fighting viruses and combating cancer.
A word of caution regarding chaga: be careful with its use due to its high oxalate levels, a compound plants use for defense. When consumed in large quantities over extended periods, oxalates can negatively affect kidney health. Therefore, it's essential to choose trustworthy mushroom coffee brands that are aware of chaga’s full impact and use it in limited amounts within their products.
To reduce the risk of oxalate-related issues, it is best to limit the daily intake of these ground mushrooms to a maximum of 2 grams (roughly one tablespoon).
Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Reduce Inflammation
Moving on to turkey tail mushrooms, renowned for their wide-ranging anti-inflammatory effects. They support the immune system and may offer potential benefits in combating diseases like melanoma. However, further studies are needed to verify these potential benefits.
All Mushroom Coffee Varieties Provide an Energy Boost
These functional fungi contribute to your morning cup with essential doses of fiber to support gut health, plant compounds that boost the immune system, and B vitamins to help you maintain sustained energy levels throughout the day.
In addition to providing energy, mental clarity, and focus, drinking mushroom-infused coffee can help you cut back on caffeine in the morning, as some coffee grounds are substituted with adaptogens. If you're searching for a way to refresh yourself without the jittery feeling, sleepless nights, or a mid-afternoon slump, this might just be the solution you're looking for—offering steadier, calmer, and longer-lasting energy.
How Reliable Are the Functional Health Claims of These Mushrooms?
It's worth noting that the research on these mushrooms—and consequently the products containing them, such as mushroom coffee—is still ongoing. A significant portion of available research is animal-based.
However, these mushrooms are generally recognized as safe and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutritious macronutrients like fiber. Therefore, they offer nutritional benefits, even if the claims about their additional adaptogenic superpowers are still being investigated and haven't been fully validated yet.
Varieties and Brands of Mushroom Coffee
If you're interested in trying mushroom coffee, there are plenty of options available. One choice is to make your own by purchasing dried mushrooms, grinding them up, and mixing them into your regular coffee. The more common approach, however, is to buy pre-ground mushroom blends like Naturealm’s Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder and stir it directly into your coffee.
Another way to go is by choosing a pre-blended mushroom and coffee mix, with numerous varieties on the market. Some of these options include mushroom coffee that contains real coffee, such as Rasa, Four Sigmatic, Ryze, Om Mushroom Superfood, and Laird Superfood.
You can also find mushroom coffee alternatives that contain no coffee at all. These may provide caffeine from tea, or be completely caffeine-free, yet all are intended to give you a similar energy boost to coffee. Brands offering these options include MUD/WTR, some variations of Rasa, Wooden Spoon Herbs, and Velty (which contains decaf coffee).
All of these brands are transparent about their sourcing practices and the quality of ingredients they use, which is clearly communicated on their websites. While they might cost more than your typical dark roast due to the inclusion of adaptogens, the convenience they provide with ready-to-brew grounds, individual serving packets, or even pods is hard to beat.
Edalin/Getty ImagesRisks and Potential Side Effects
Mushrooms can worsen existing digestive issues, especially for individuals with kidney conditions. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, contain high levels of oxalates, naturally occurring acids found in some foods that can interfere with nutrient absorption. Oxalates may contribute to kidney stones, putting those with kidney problems at a heightened risk.
Regular coffee can be hard on the digestive system, and mushroom coffee may have similar effects. If you are susceptible to digestive issues or have a condition like irritable bowel syndrome, it's advisable to avoid mushroom coffee. Mushrooms draw water into the gut, which can worsen IBS and other intestinal disorders.
Furthermore, the FDA has not approved adaptogens for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so if you're pregnant or nursing, it's wise to avoid mushroom coffee for your safety. As with any new supplement, consulting your doctor before trying mushroom coffee is recommended. It’s also a good idea to begin with small amounts to ensure no adverse reactions.
