John Miller
Mushroom coffee has recently gained popularity for its potential health benefits, with some claiming it can improve sleep, boost energy, enhance focus, and reduce inflammation. With the rise in interest around menopause and women's health, many are wondering if this fungi-infused brew can help alleviate menopause symptoms. While there is some evidence that functional mushrooms may aid in improving menopause symptoms, there is limited research on the specific impact of mushroom coffee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential Benefits | Improved sleep, more energy, improved focus, immune-boosting, reduced inflammation, improved mental and physical performance, improved memory, reduced fatigue, reduced mood swings, reduced brain fog, improved nerve cell growth |
| Types of Mushrooms | Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, King Trumpet, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake |
| Products | MUD/WTR, Four Sigmatic Instant Coffee Mix, Real Mushrooms Lion's Mane, Optygen, Rasa |
| Other Information | There is limited research on the effects of mushroom coffee on menopause. |
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What You'll Learn
Lion's Mane mushrooms may improve sleep, mood, memory, and energy
Menopause wellness sites have claimed that functional mushrooms can help lessen the symptoms of hormonal fluctuations and declines. Lion's Mane is one of the most popular functional mushrooms, often found in mushroom coffee drinks and supplements.
Research has shown that Lion's Mane mushrooms may improve sleep, mood, memory, and energy. One study found that menopausal women who consumed Lion's Mane mushroom cookies daily for a month reported reduced feelings of irritation and anxiety. Another study found that participants who took 1g of Lion's Mane mushroom in their coffee each morning were able to fall asleep within minutes of closing their eyes, and no longer experienced insomnia.
Lion's Mane mushrooms have been found to have neuroprotective properties, which may explain their ability to improve cognitive function, mood, and memory. One small trial found that participants who took 10g of Lion's Mane extract did not show any improvement in cognition tests. However, another study of people with mild Alzheimer's disease found that supplementation with 1g of Lion's Mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared to a placebo. Animal studies have also found that Lion's Mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice.
Lion's Mane mushrooms are also adaptogens, which can help the body manage stress and regulate neuroendocrine systems. They contain bioactive compounds, including hericenones, which stimulate nerve growth factors. These growth factors help neurons survive, resist damage, and repair themselves, which may improve brain function and sleep quality.
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Reishi mushrooms may improve sleep, mood, memory, and energy
Menopause can bring about a range of symptoms, including mood swings, brain fog, and fatigue. While synthetic hormone treatments are often the go-to solution, medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps offer a natural, research-backed way to ease these symptoms.
Reishi mushrooms, in particular, have been linked to improved sleep, mood, memory, and energy. Several animal studies have shown that Reishi can significantly increase total sleep time. One study found that after only three days of taking Reishi, mice experienced longer sleep. Another study indicated that increased sleep time for animals given Reishi was related to positive changes in the gut microbiome. By giving mice Reishi extract, researchers observed an increase in certain beneficial bacteria in their guts.
Lion's Mane, which is commonly found in mushroom coffee drinks and supplements, has been shown to have neurotrophic properties, meaning it is nourishing to nerve cells. Regular consumption of Lion's Mane may promote nerve and brain health. A 2013 study on Lion's Mane reported that it could help with anxiety and depression.
Cordyceps, another functional mushroom, has been shown to help supply the energy needed for various tasks, including exercise. It contains mycochemicals that help the body produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), resulting in increased energy for physical activity. Research shows that Cordyceps may improve exercise performance. For example, one study found that supplementing with Cordyceps extract for just one week improved high-intensity exercise performance.
While the research on the benefits of medicinal mushrooms is limited, primarily conducted in test tubes or animals, and lacking in well-designed clinical trials on humans, they have been used medicinally for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices.
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Cordyceps mushrooms may improve energy and exercise performance
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years and are currently experiencing a surge in popularity in the wellness sphere. One such mushroom, Cordyceps, is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues.
Cordyceps mushrooms are a natural choice for athletes, helping to improve endurance, boost energy, and aid post-exercise recovery. They include bioactive substances such as cordycepin and adenosine, which have demonstrated potential effects on energy production, oxygen utilization, and general stamina. Research suggests that Cordyceps can increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency in the body. ATP is essential for all cellular functions, especially during exercise, when muscles demand more energy.
In a 2024 study, 14 young adults were given either a placebo or 1 gram (g) of Cordyceps before a high-intensity interval exercise session. The researchers found that those who took Cordyceps had less muscle damage and faster cell repair, allowing for quicker recovery. Another study found that elderly persons who took Cordyceps saw a 30% boost in endurance.
Cordyceps mushrooms can also assist with the challenges of high-intensity or endurance sports, such as weariness, muscle exhaustion, and a loss of energy reserves. They improve the body's resistance to tiredness due to their adaptogenic qualities. Adaptogens, such as Cordyceps, assist the body in balancing its stress reactions. When engaging in continuous physical activity, the body undergoes physical and mental stress, which can lead to a decline in performance. Cordyceps supports the adrenal glands and improves stress hormone management, helping athletes maintain high energy and mental clarity during rigorous exercises.
While Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to have potential benefits for energy and exercise performance, more human research is needed to confirm these effects and determine the proper dosage and safety of Cordyceps supplements.
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Medicinal mushrooms may slow down the ageing process
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, and they are currently experiencing a surge in popularity in the wellness sphere. Functional mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, and chaga are expected to grow in demand in the food and beverage industry. These mushrooms are being incorporated into coffee blends and marketed as providing immunity and alertness without the negative side effects of caffeine, such as jitters or a caffeine crash.
Medicinal mushrooms may also slow down the ageing process. Ageing is a complex biological process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Unhealthy dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle can accelerate ageing by causing molecular and cellular damage. Caloric restriction (CR), on the other hand, has been shown to slow down the rate of ageing and extend health span. CR involves reducing total energy intake by 20-40% while ensuring optimal nutrition. This approach has been demonstrated to extend lifespan and health span in various experimental models.
The active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin, has been found to have anti-ageing properties. A study by Emory University researchers found that psilocin, a byproduct of consuming psilocybin, extended the cellular lifespan of human skin and lung cells by more than 50%. In a long-term study on aged mice, those that received psilocybin had a 30% increase in survival compared to those that didn't. These mice also displayed healthier physical features, such as improved fur quality, fewer white hairs, and hair regrowth.
Psilocybin may impact multiple hallmarks of ageing by reducing oxidative stress, improving DNA repair responses, and preserving telomeres. While most of the research on psilocybin has focused on its mental health benefits and hallucinogenic properties, this new study suggests that it could have broader systemic impacts on the body. However, more research is needed to understand its mechanisms of action and optimise dosing protocols before it can be used clinically as an anti-ageing agent.
In addition to the potential anti-ageing benefits of psilocybin, other medicinal mushrooms have been found to provide support for various menopause symptoms. Lion's mane mushrooms, for example, have been shown to have neurotrophic properties, and regular consumption may promote nerve and brain health. Research has also indicated that lion's mane can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Other mushrooms, such as cordyceps, reishi, and maitake, offer natural, research-backed support for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and insomnia.
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Mushroom coffee may improve physical and mental performance
While there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee for humans, it is believed that it may improve physical and mental performance. Mushroom coffee is typically made from functional mushrooms such as Chaga, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail. These mushrooms are chosen for their real or perceived health benefits.
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, and companies like MUD\WTR and Four Sigmatic are now encouraging consumers to switch their regular coffee for adaptogenic mushroom blends. These blends are said to provide immunity and alertness without the negative side effects of caffeine, such as jitters or a caffeine crash.
Mushroom coffee brands claim that their product can improve mental and physical performance, enhance immunity, and promote better sleep. Some brands even claim that mushroom coffee may help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning.
Cordyceps, for example, is a mushroom that has been shown to help supply the energy needed for our cells to function. Research shows that Cordyceps may improve exercise performance. Lion's Mane is another mushroom that contains erinacine A and hericenones C, mycochemicals that researchers think may support nerve cell growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is claimed to have several health benefits, including improved sleep, more energy, better focus, improved immunity, reduced inflammation, and improved physical and mental performance. However, there is limited research on the effects of mushroom coffee on humans.
Yes, functional mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps are said to contain mycochemicals that may help fight menopause symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and memory problems.
While mushroom coffee is likely safe to consume, it may not retain all the health benefits of the mushrooms after processing and blending. Additionally, the taste may not be appealing to everyone.
Yes, you can try other mushroom supplements or include more mushrooms in your diet. Mushrooms like Shiitake and Oyster are known to enhance cardiovascular and immune health. You can also try adaptogen blends that include mushrooms or other functional foods.
You can purchase mushroom coffee and supplements online or from specialty stores. However, be cautious of the supplement industry's lack of regulation and always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
