Michael Davis
Mushroom coffee is a blend of coffee and medicinal mushrooms. It has gained popularity for its purported health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced immunity. However, there is limited scientific research supporting these claims. While mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people, it may cause digestive issues and negatively impact those with kidney problems or sensitivity to oxalates due to the presence of certain mushroom varieties. The high cost of mushroom coffee is also a consideration, as it typically costs twice as much as regular coffee. Before incorporating mushroom coffee into your routine, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Probably safe for most people, but not suitable for those with kidney problems, sensitivity to grains, or a high risk for kidney stones |
| Caffeine Content | Contains less caffeine than regular coffee |
| Sleep | Reduced caffeine intake may improve sleep quality |
| Stress | May reduce stress by regulating cortisol, a stress hormone |
| Inflammation | May reduce inflammation due to the presence of polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory substances in mushrooms |
| Digestion | May be hard on digestion for people with kidney issues or digestive troubles |
| Nutrients | Contains antioxidants and other nutrients, but the amount may be lower than that of whole mushrooms |
| Cost | Typically costs twice as much as regular coffee |
| Taste | Similar to regular coffee, with a slightly nutty or earthy flavor |
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Lack of research
There is a lack of research on the health effects of mushroom coffee, and it is unclear whether the purported benefits of mushroom coffee hold true. While some studies have shown potential benefits of chaga, and it is considered safe, more research is needed to fully understand how it works.
There is some evidence that the extracts used in mushroom coffee can be hard on digestion, and people with kidney issues or digestive troubles might be more vulnerable to these effects. Certain types of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as chaga, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
While mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people, there is limited research on the long-term effects of adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs present in the drink. More human research is needed to fully understand the effects of mushroom coffee, especially in people with different health conditions or those taking medications.
Although there are some studies that show promising results, such as a small study from 2023 that found improved cognitive performance and reduced stress levels in participants who consumed lion's mane mushroom, more research is needed to confirm these findings. The hype around mushroom coffee's health benefits is largely based on the assumption that the benefits of mushrooms remain intact when processed and brewed with coffee.
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Health benefits
Mushroom coffee is a powdered beverage made from medicinal mushrooms, commonly using coffee as a base. It is a combination of regular coffee and ground mushrooms. The final product combines the robust flavours of coffee, herbs and spices with the health benefits of mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms and other fungi commonly added to coffee, such as cordyceps, Chaga, Agaricus mushrooms, lion's mane, reishi, Turkey Tail, and king trumpet, are concentrated in compounds that have immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Mushrooms are also rich in essential nutrients, including B vitamins, potassium, selenium, copper, zinc, vitamin D, and fibre.
Mushroom coffee's health benefits include improved mental and physical performance, better immunity, and more restful sleep. It may also help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning. The lower caffeine content in mushroom coffee may appeal to those looking to reduce their caffeine intake, providing a gentler energy lift without the jitters and crash.
Studies have shown that lion's mane mushrooms, a common ingredient in mushroom coffee blends, have cognitive-enhancing properties. A 2023 study found that those supplemented with lion's mane experienced immediate and long-term cognitive benefits, improved performance on cognitive tests, and lower stress levels. Similarly, a 2024 review concluded that lion's mane may promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production, potentially improving focus and memory.
While mushroom coffee may provide these health benefits, it is important to note that most of the benefits are related to drinking coffee rather than mushroom coffee specifically. Additionally, there is limited research on the effects of mushroom coffee, and it may be more beneficial to add whole mushrooms to your diet instead.
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Safe for most people
Mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people. It contains less caffeine than regular coffee, which may help people who are sensitive to caffeine get better sleep and feel less jittery during the day.
Mushroom coffee is made by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial ingredients, and adding them to regular coffee. The most common types of mushrooms used for this purpose include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail. These mushrooms are chosen for their purported health benefits. For example, lion's mane contains compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which is essential for brain health. A small study from 2023 found that participants who took one dose of lion's mane completed a cognitive task faster, suggesting improved thinking abilities. After 28 days, participants also reported feeling less stressed, although the difference was not statistically significant.
However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the health benefits of mushroom coffee specifically. While mushrooms have been associated with various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system, it is unclear if these benefits are retained when the mushrooms are processed and brewed with coffee. Experts believe that consuming whole mushrooms is the best way to obtain their nutritional benefits.
Additionally, mushroom coffee may not be suitable for everyone. People with kidney problems, digestive issues, sensitivity to grains, or a high risk of kidney stones should avoid it. This is because certain mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as chaga, contain high levels of oxalates, which can contribute to the development of kidney stones.
Consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom coffee into your routine is advisable, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
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High cost
Mushroom coffee is a trending beverage with a premium price tag. It typically costs twice as much as regular coffee, even when made at home. This high cost is likely due to the use of medicinal mushrooms, which are often grown in their natural habitats and are not commercially farmed, making them harder to come by.
The process of harvesting, drying, and extracting mushroom ingredients also contributes to the higher price point. However, it is important to note that the health benefits of mushroom coffee are not yet proven. While some claims are valid, many have not been supported by scientific studies. There is a lack of meaningful research specifically on the health impacts of mushroom coffee, and it is unclear if the health benefits of mushrooms are retained after processing and blending with coffee.
Additionally, the extraction process removes the fiber found in whole-food mushrooms, so consumers may miss out on the high fiber content. Eating whole mushrooms may provide better value and more proven health benefits. For example, a 2022 study found that older adults who consumed mushrooms regularly scored higher on cognitive tests, suggesting improved brain function.
While mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people, it may cause digestive issues, especially for those with existing kidney problems or sensitivities to grains. Certain mushrooms used in these blends, such as chaga, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian before consuming mushroom coffee is advisable for those with kidney issues or digestive troubles.
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Digestive issues
While mushroom coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, especially if you have existing digestive issues.
Mushrooms are known to have health benefits, such as antioxidant power and anti-inflammatory properties, which vary depending on the type of mushroom. However, the studies that show these benefits are often not conducted on humans and do not always involve the mushrooms being brewed into coffee.
Some people have reported experiencing digestive issues after drinking mushroom coffee. This could be due to the chitin, a fiber found in many species of mushrooms, which can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort. In addition, certain types of mushrooms, such as chaga, contain high levels of compounds called oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones. If you already have kidney issues or digestive troubles, you may be more vulnerable to these effects.
It's important to note that the caffeine levels in mushroom coffee could also be a factor in causing digestive issues. While mushroom coffee generally contains less caffeine than regular coffee, it still has significantly more caffeine than decaffeinated coffee. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance, and some people may experience side effects such as an upset stomach, even with lower caffeine intakes.
However, it's worth mentioning that mushroom coffee may also have positive effects on digestion for some people. For example, certain mushrooms, such as reishi, chaga, and cordyceps, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help individuals with digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, some of the herbs added to mushroom coffee blends, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, and licorice root, are believed to have digestive benefits.
Overall, while mushroom coffee may offer potential digestive benefits, it's important to be cautious and aware of possible side effects, especially if you have existing digestive issues or kidney problems. It's recommended to start with small amounts to gauge your body's response and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people. However, there is limited research on its potential side effects. People with kidney issues, digestive problems, or a high risk of kidney stones should avoid it.
Supporters of mushroom coffee claim that it has various health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced stress, reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and increased energy. However, there is limited scientific research to support these claims.
Common varieties 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.
Mushroom coffee tastes similar to regular coffee, with a slightly nutty or earthy flavour. The mushrooms are dried, ground, and extracted, so they are barely noticeable in the drink.
