John Miller
Mushrooms are having a moment. From coffee to face masks, jerky to butter, chocolate to protein bars, and even cocktails, mushrooms are everywhere and it looks like they're here to stay. In addition to their culinary uses, mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine for their reputed health benefits. Now, they're being touted as the next big thing in beverages, with adaptogenic mushrooms in particular gaining popularity for their immunity-boosting and stress-relieving properties. The legal status of psychedelic mushrooms is also evolving, with Denver and Oakland decriminalizing them and research underway into their potential to treat mental health conditions. With their versatility, health benefits, and therapeutic potential, mushrooms are definitely the next big thing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms | Chaga, Reishi, Lion's Mane |
| Therapeutic potential | Treatment of depression, PTSD, anxiety, addiction to alcohol |
| Therapeutic use | Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy |
| Demand | Increasing due to interest in natural and holistic health remedies |
| Mushroom market | Estimated to reach $3.5bn in the US by 2027 |
| Mushroom-based products | Coffee, face masks, jerky, butter, chocolate, protein bars, powders, capsules |
| Mushroom coffee | UpCup Koffee |
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What You'll Learn
Medicinal mushrooms in beverages
The idea of consuming mushrooms in beverages is not new. In fact, mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years for their nutritional and health benefits. During World War II, mushrooms were even used as a coffee substitute in Finland when coffee beans were scarce. Today, mushroom coffee is gaining popularity as a functional food product that combines the taste of coffee with the purported health benefits of medicinal mushrooms.
Medicinal mushroom coffee blends typically use medicinal mushroom extracts rather than culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello. Common varieties used in mushroom coffee include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail, which are chosen for their real or perceived health benefits. The mushrooms are harvested, dried, and processed into a fine powder that is then mixed with ground coffee beans in a typical 1-to-1 ratio. The resulting brew is said to have a nutty or earthy taste, or some may not notice any flavour difference at all.
Proponents of mushroom coffee claim that it offers various health benefits, including improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, reduced inflammation, and more restful sleep. The compounds extracted from medicinal mushrooms are called adaptogens, which are said to improve the body's response to stress by reducing the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. Additionally, mushrooms contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which can bolster the immune system and help slow down the ageing process.
However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific research on the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms for humans. While studies conducted in test tubes or on animals show compelling health benefits, these results may not directly apply to human consumption. Additionally, there is a lack of well-designed clinical trials on the effects of mushroom coffee specifically, so the purported health benefits may not be fully retained after the mushrooms are processed and blended into coffee drinks.
Despite the limited scientific evidence, the growing demand for mushroom coffee can be attributed to the increasing interest in natural and holistic health remedies. Many consumers are turning to natural supplements and functional foods to support their health and wellness. As a result, mushroom coffee has gained traction, especially among those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional coffee with reduced caffeine content and potential added health benefits.
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Therapeutic potential for mental health
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and they are now being recognized for their therapeutic potential in mental health. Psilocybin, the primary psychoactive ingredient in "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of a growing body of research over the past two decades, indicating its potential in treating mental and behavioral health disorders.
Psilocybin has been found to interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, triggering various psychedelic effects. When administered in controlled settings with supportive therapy, psilocybin has shown promising results in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Research suggests that psilocybin works differently from conventional antidepressants, increasing brain connectivity and making the brain more flexible and fluid. This increased brain connectivity was observed not only during treatment but also up to three weeks afterward, indicating long-lasting effects.
In addition to its potential in treating depression, psilocybin has shown positive results in smoking cessation and anorexia nervosa treatment studies. When taken under supported conditions, psilocybin can induce self-described "spiritual" experiences, leading to positive changes in attitude, mood, and behavior. It appears to elevate a personality trait known as "openness," which includes sensitivity, imagination, and an appreciation for the perspectives of others.
While the therapeutic potential of psilocybin is promising, it is important to note that it should only be used in controlled settings with proper support and monitoring. The risks associated with psilocybin use can be effectively mitigated in controlled environments, and further clinical trials are needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and determine its therapeutic applications.
As states like Colorado and Oregon have legalized therapeutic psilocybin use, and with increasing research and awareness, mushrooms may indeed be the next big thing in mental health treatment, offering a unique and effective approach to a range of mental health disorders.
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Plant-based meat alternative
Mushrooms are increasingly being recognised as a plant-based meat alternative. Shroomeats, for example, is a mushroom-based vegan meat product made from shiitake mushrooms. It offers a meaty, umami-packed flavour and is lower in fat than beef. Shroomeats products include mushroom patties, mushroom shreds, and mushroom balls.
Another similar product is MushrooMeat, which can be used as a substitute for ground meat in dishes such as tacos, lasagna, meatballs, and chilli. MushrooMeat is made from soybean protein, wild mushrooms, rice flour, cornstarch, nutritional yeast, and various spices.
Meati is another company that offers mycelium-based vegan meats. Mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi, which gives Meati products a meaty texture.
Mushrooms are also gaining popularity as a health supplement, with mushroom coffee being one of the fastest-growing supplements in the health and fitness industry. Mushroom coffee combines the taste of coffee with the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
With the growing popularity of plant-based diets and natural health remedies, it is likely that mushrooms will continue to gain traction as a plant-based meat alternative.
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Ancient cultures touting benefits
Mushrooms have been used as food, medicine, and spiritual aids for centuries by various cultures around the world. While there is a lack of written evidence detailing the history of this relationship, it is known that mushrooms have been a popular ingredient in many cuisines. European cultures, for instance, have enjoyed wild mushrooms such as porcinis, chanterelles, and oyster mushrooms, while the huitlacoche fungus, which grows on corn, has been consumed in Mexico since Aztec times. Beech mushrooms, shiitakes, and enokis are commonly used in Asian cuisine to add umami.
The ancient Greeks also recognized the medicinal properties of mushrooms. The Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. The alchemist Tao Hongjing from the 5th century described several medicinal mushrooms, including ling zhi and zhu ling, some of which had been reportedly used by Shennong many centuries earlier. Ancient Egyptians considered mushrooms to be immortality plants, given to mankind by the god Osiris.
In addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, certain hallucinogenic mushroom species have been used by various cultures for spiritual ceremonies, divine inspiration, and recreation. For example, Vikings and Siberian shamans may have ingested Amanita muscoria mushrooms during religious ceremonies in the Middle Ages, while Mayan leaders are believed to have used similar mushrooms for making important decisions.
Today, mushrooms are increasingly being recognized for their health benefits, with some species being studied for their potential mental health benefits and anti-cancer properties. The surge in interest in mushrooms is not only related to their deep cultural history but also to modern methods for tissue culture and testing the activity of individual constituents.
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Magic mushrooms in skincare
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are now becoming increasingly popular in the beauty industry. Scientific studies have highlighted the rich bioactive compounds found in mushrooms, including beta-glucans, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. These compounds are known to promote skin health, offering hydration and protection against oxidative stress and UV damage.
Mushrooms are being incorporated into cosmetic formulations as a natural, sustainable, and effective skincare alternative. They have been shown to possess anti-aging properties, inhibiting key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and collagenase, which play vital roles in skin aging and pigmentation. Additionally, mushrooms have antimicrobial activities, making them effective against skin infections and inflammation.
One of the most popular mushrooms used in skincare is the Reishi mushroom, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to inhibit melanin production, helping to prevent discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Other commonly used mushrooms include Shiitake, which has skin-lightening properties, and Cordyceps, which enhances skin vitality by improving hydration levels and supporting collagen synthesis.
Good Flower Farm offers a range of magic mushroom skincare products, including a moisture face cream, toner, and face serum. Their products are formulated with cordyceps and maitake mushrooms, along with natural ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, to provide a soothing and moisturizing experience for the skin.
Shikohin also offers a 5 Mushroom Moisturizer that combines reishi, chaga, maitake, wood ear, and snow mushrooms with hemp-derived cannabinoids. This blend provides natural radiance and multiple skin benefits, including improved skin elasticity and enhanced protection against environmental damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are the next big thing. They are popping up in everything from coffee to face masks. People are turning to natural supplements and foods to support their health and wellness, and mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine for their health benefits.
Mushrooms are known to reduce stress, support energy levels, and even slow the aging process. They are also being studied for their therapeutic potential in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and addiction.
Mushroom-based products include mushroom coffee, mushroom lattes, mushroom jerky, butter, chocolate, protein bars, powders, capsules, and energy shots.
The growing demand for natural and holistic health remedies is one of the reasons for the increasing popularity of mushrooms. Additionally, the younger generation's willingness to try new functional, non-alcoholic beverages is also contributing to the growth of the mushroom market.
