Emma Wilson
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans, often with added cacao, tea blends, or other flavourings. It has gained popularity due to its purported health benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammation. However, despite the presence of medicinal mushrooms, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. While mushrooms have proven health benefits, there is no guarantee that these are retained after processing and blending with coffee. Nevertheless, mushroom coffee may be a good option for those sensitive to caffeine, as it typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Nutty or earthy |
| Preparation | Dried mushrooms are ground into a powder and mixed with ground coffee beans |
| Caffeine content | Half the caffeine of regular coffee |
| Health benefits | Improved sleep, reduced stress, reduced inflammation, improved immune system, improved memory, increased energy levels, relaxed sore muscles, improved metabolism, weight loss, reduced risk of depression |
| Scientific evidence | Lack of research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee specifically |
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What You'll Learn
The health benefits of mushroom coffee
While the idea of mushroom coffee may seem unusual, it has gained popularity as a beverage with potential health benefits. Here are some of the claimed health advantages of drinking mushroom coffee:
Improved Sleep and Reduced Stress: The reduced caffeine content of mushroom coffee, which is typically half that of regular coffee, can help improve sleep quality. Additionally, adaptogens found in medicinal mushrooms may lower cortisol levels, reducing the impact of stress on the body.
Immune System Support: Mushrooms contain beneficial compounds with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols and β-glucans. These antioxidants in mushroom coffee are believed to support and strengthen the immune system.
Increased Energy and Focus: While the energizing effects are largely attributed to the caffeine in coffee, some believe that the medicinal mushrooms in the blend may also enhance energy levels and improve focus.
Metabolism and Weight Loss: Some proponents of mushroom coffee suggest that it can boost metabolism and promote fat burning, leading to potential weight loss benefits.
However, it is important to note that while mushrooms have recognized health benefits, the specific advantages of consuming them in coffee form are not yet fully substantiated. The processing and brewing of mushrooms in coffee may impact their nutritional properties, and there is limited research on the direct health impacts of mushroom coffee. Furthermore, the potential drawbacks, such as digestive issues and kidney stone risks, should be considered.
While mushroom coffee may offer a unique and trendy way to incorporate mushrooms into your routine, it is generally recommended to include whole mushrooms in your diet to maximize their health benefits.
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The taste of mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is said to taste similar to regular coffee, with a slightly nuttier or earthier flavour. The mushrooms are dried, ground, and blended with coffee beans, so you won't have mushroom pieces floating in your cup. The taste is still surprisingly similar to a traditional cup of coffee, and some people may not even realise there are mushrooms in their brew.
The mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are typically medicinal mushrooms, rather than culinary mushrooms. Common varieties include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail, chosen for their health benefits. The mushrooms are dried, ground, and blended with coffee beans, cacao, or tea blends like matcha or chai.
While the taste of mushroom coffee may be similar to regular coffee, it is important to note that the texture may be slightly different due to the presence of mushroom powder. Some people may find it to be a bit thicker or smoother than regular coffee. However, overall, the taste is generally well-liked by those who drink it, and the health benefits are an added bonus.
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The history of mushroom coffee
Chaga mushrooms, with their distinct blackened exterior and lava-coloured flesh, resemble molten tree bark. They are an alkaline-forming fungus with a range of purported health benefits. However, it is important to note that the process of making chaga coffee at home carries some risks, as highlighted by nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who warns that chaga is a blood thinner.
In the present day, mushroom coffee has experienced a resurgence in popularity, often being marketed as a superfood fad with a range of health benefits. Modern mushroom coffee blends typically combine ground coffee beans with powdered extracts of medicinal mushrooms such as lion's mane, Chagas, reishi, and cordyceps. These mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, and their addition to coffee is believed to enhance the drink's health benefits while reducing the caffeine content.
While the taste of mushroom coffee is often described as similar to regular coffee, with a rich and smooth mouthfeel, it is important to approach the purported health benefits with a degree of scepticism. There is limited research specifically on mushroom coffee, and the effectiveness of the drink depends on various factors, including the type and quantity of mushrooms used, as well as the extraction process.
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How to make mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a combination of regular coffee (arabica, robusta, or both) and functional mushrooms. The functional mushrooms used in mushroom coffee include lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake, and more. These mushrooms are believed to provide health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function, improved immunity, better digestion, reduced anxiety, and lower stress levels.
First, source your functional mushrooms. You can grow them yourself, buy them online, or forage for them. Opt for dried, powdered versions of these mushrooms, as they are easier to work with and blend into coffee. If you choose to make your own powder, ensure you purchase dried mushrooms from a reputable source.
Once you have your mushroom powder, combine it with ground coffee beans. The typical ratio is half mushroom powder and half ground coffee. If you are using whole bean coffee, store your beans and mushroom powder separately, and only mix them when you are ready to grind and brew.
You can use a percolator, a pour-over setup, or even a French press to brew your mushroom coffee. Use the same amount of ground coffee (mixed with your mushroom powder) as you would with normal coffee. The only extra step is adding the mushroom powder.
You can adjust the mix of mushrooms to achieve your desired flavor. Some mushrooms have a bitter taste that complements coffee, while others have a subtle, earthy, or nutty flavor. You can also add cream and sugar to taste.
It is important to note that while mushroom coffee is believed to have health benefits, many of these claims have not been scientifically proven. Additionally, the process of drying, extracting, and brewing mushrooms may impact the retention of their health benefits.
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The cost of mushroom coffee
For example, the Everyday Dose brand offers a 30-serving mushroom coffee starter kit, which likely includes a frother and additional supplements. The cost of this product is not immediately clear, but they offer a 40% discount on the starter kit.
Clevr Coffee SuperLatte is another brand that offers mushroom coffee at a fraction of the cost of other popular mushroom brands. Their product is an all-in-one blend of coffee, mushrooms, and a creamer that can be prepared instantly by adding hot water.
When considering the cost of mushroom coffee, it is important to evaluate the serving size and the mushroom dosage offered by different brands. Some higher-priced options may provide better value by including premium coffee beans or a higher concentration of mushrooms. Additionally, the intended use, such as improving focus, energy, immunity, or gut health, can also impact the cost of mushroom coffee.
While the health benefits of mushroom coffee are still being studied and may not be fully proven, the potential advantages, such as improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, and enhanced sleep quality, can make the investment in mushroom coffee worthwhile for some individuals. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new dietary supplements, including mushroom coffee, into your routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans, typically in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in a dark, smooth, nutty or earthy-flavoured drink.
Marketers of mushroom coffee claim that it has numerous health benefits, including reduced anxiety, improved immunity, better sleep, and increased energy levels. However, many of these claims are not backed by scientific studies.
The biggest downside is the cost, as mushroom coffee is typically twice as expensive as regular coffee. Additionally, there is limited research on the health effects of mushroom coffee, and it may not retain all the benefits of whole mushrooms.
Most people report that mushroom coffee tastes similar to regular coffee, with a nutty or earthy flavour. Some people may not notice any difference in taste at all.
You can order mushroom coffee online, and some health food stores may also carry it. However, it is generally more expensive than regular coffee.
