Sarah Brown
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans. It has gained popularity due to its purported health benefits, such as reduced anxiety, improved immunity, and better sleep. However, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. The drink is prepared by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial ingredients, and adding them to regular coffee, resulting in a nutty or earthy flavor. While it may be a healthier alternative to regular coffee, it is more expensive and has a lower caffeine content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Coffee with added mushroom extract |
| Taste | Similar to regular coffee, nutty or earthy |
| Caffeine content | Less than regular coffee |
| Cost | Twice as much as regular coffee |
| Health benefits | Reduced anxiety, improved sleep, better immunity, reduced inflammation, improved focus and concentration, more energy, improved physical performance |
| Downsides | Lack of human studies, potential digestive issues, not suitable for people with kidney problems or sensitivity to grains |
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What You'll Learn
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms, mushroom powder or mushroom extract, and coffee beans. The mushrooms are dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with coffee beans in a roughly 1-to-1 ratio. The resulting brew has about half the caffeine content of regular coffee.
Mushroom coffee has a similar taste to regular coffee, with a nutty or earthy flavour. It is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, with purported benefits including reduced anxiety, improved immunity, better sleep, more energy, improved focus, and reduced inflammation. However, there is limited scientific research to support these health claims.
The most common types of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail. These mushrooms are chosen for their perceived health benefits.
While mushroom coffee is probably safe for most people, it may be hard on digestion for those with kidney issues or digestive troubles. It is also more expensive than regular coffee, often costing twice as much.
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How is it made?
Mushroom coffee is made by blending ground coffee beans with powdered extracts from functional mushrooms. The mushrooms used are typically medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Turkey Tail, rather than the culinary mushrooms found in grocery stores.
To create the powdered extract, the fruiting bodies of the mushrooms are extracted and made into an organic powder through a dual extraction process. The mushrooms are dehydrated and ground into a fine powder before being mixed with ground coffee beans. This is usually done in a 1-to-1 ratio, resulting in a blend with half the caffeine content of regular coffee.
The process of making mushroom coffee ensures that the final product does not contain any mushroom pieces, creating a smooth and nutty flavour. The powder can be used to prepare various coffee drinks, such as mochas, lattes, or black coffee, using the same methods as regular coffee.
While the concept of adding mushrooms to drinks is not new, with ancient Chinese texts referring to Reishi as the "king of herbal medicines," the popularity of mushroom coffee as a trending, healthy alternative to regular coffee has led to its recent rise in the market.
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What are the health benefits?
Mushroom coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, with added health benefits. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee specifically. Most studies on medicinal mushrooms are based on animal or lab tests, and it is unclear whether the same benefits apply to humans or if they are retained after processing the mushrooms into coffee.
That being said, here are some potential health benefits associated with mushroom coffee:
Reduced Caffeine Intake
Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, which may help reduce jitters and improve sleep quality. This lower caffeine content can be beneficial for individuals sensitive to caffeine, as it provides a gentler energy lift without the "jitters and crash".
Improved Immunity
Mushrooms contain beneficial compounds, such as polysaccharides and antioxidants, which can support the immune system. Test-tube studies have shown that certain types of mushrooms, like Turkey Tail, have immune-boosting properties. Additionally, Chaga mushrooms have been found to suppress the activity of immune cells responsible for allergic responses to some foods.
Stress Relief
Mushrooms contain adaptogens, which are compounds that may help regulate cortisol, a stress hormone. By levelling out the amount of cortisol in the body, mushroom coffee could help reduce the effects of stress.
Reduced Inflammation
Mushrooms contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.
Better Sleep
The reduced caffeine content in mushroom coffee may help improve sleep quality. However, it is important to note that the coffee itself does not directly contribute to better sleep.
While mushroom coffee may provide these potential health benefits, it is important to remember that consuming whole mushrooms as part of a balanced diet is generally considered the best way to obtain their nutritional and health benefits. Additionally, mushroom coffee can be more expensive than regular coffee, and certain types of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee may contain high levels of oxalates, which could increase the risk of kidney stone development.
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Is it safe?
Mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people. However, there are some exceptions and potential side effects to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to note that mushroom coffee is not suitable for everyone, and certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether.
People with chronic health conditions, those taking prescription medications, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine should consult a doctor before consuming mushroom coffee. If you have a mushroom allergy, digestive issues, or kidney problems, it is generally recommended to avoid mushroom coffee. This is because some mushrooms used in these blends, such as chaga, are high in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stone formation and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, the fibre chitin found in mushrooms can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to bloating and discomfort.
While mushroom coffee is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, it is important to remember that it is still a supplement, and more research is needed to verify its health claims. The potential benefits of mushroom coffee, such as reduced anxiety, improved immunity, and better gut health, are largely unproven. Furthermore, the processing and brewing of mushrooms may impact the retention of their health benefits, and there is limited information regarding safe dosage and possible interactions with medications.
Although side effects from mushroom coffee are rare, some users have reported constipation or diarrhoea after consuming large quantities. The caffeine content in mushroom coffee can also vary, and while it is generally lower than regular coffee, it can still cause caffeine-related side effects in sensitive individuals, such as anxiety, muscle tension, and jitteriness. Therefore, it is advisable to start with a small amount to gauge your reaction.
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Is it worth the cost?
Mushroom coffee is typically made from a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans. The mushrooms are harvested, dried, and processed into a fine powder, which is then mixed with ground coffee beans in a 1-to-1 ratio. This results in a drink with about half the caffeine content of regular coffee.
The main proposed benefit of mushroom coffee is the addition of medicinal mushrooms, which have a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. The mushrooms are said to provide various health benefits, including improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, improved sleep, and reduced inflammation. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific research to support these claims, especially regarding the effectiveness of mushroom extracts.
The cost of mushroom coffee is often twice as much as regular coffee, which is a significant downside for many consumers. The higher price point is likely due to the use of medicinal mushrooms, which are typically grown in their natural habitats rather than commercially farmed.
While the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee may be appealing, it is essential to consider the lack of scientific evidence and the high cost. At twice the price of regular coffee, it may be more cost-effective to incorporate fresh mushrooms into your diet, as suggested by experts. Eating mushrooms can provide you with numerous nutrients and health benefits, and adding them to your meals is a more affordable way to harness their potential advantages.
However, if you are sensitive to caffeine or prefer the taste of mushroom coffee, it may be worth trying. Some consumers have reported improvements in energy levels, concentration, and overall productivity after making the switch. Ultimately, the decision to try mushroom coffee depends on your personal preferences, budget, and health goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms, mushroom extract, and coffee beans. It has a nutty, earthy flavour and is said to have health benefits.
Mushroom coffee has a nutty or earthy flavour, though some say it is similar to regular coffee. It can be blended with hot or cold water, or added to a smoothie.
There is little research to support the health claims of mushroom coffee. However, it does contain half the caffeine of regular coffee, which may improve sleep quality.
Mushroom coffee is often twice the price of regular coffee.
