Emily Johnson
Mushroom coffee is a blend of coffee and ground mushrooms, typically made from medicinal mushrooms rather than culinary mushrooms. It has gained popularity due to its purported health benefits, including improved mental and physical performance, better sleep, enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammation. However, there is limited scientific research on the benefits of mushroom coffee specifically, and it is twice as expensive as regular coffee. While it is likely safe for most people, it may cause digestive issues and is not recommended for those with kidney problems or sensitivity to grains. Overall, while mushroom coffee might offer some potential health advantages, the evidence is inconclusive, and it may be more beneficial to incorporate whole mushrooms into your diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Similar to regular coffee, nutty or earthy |
| Caffeine content | Less caffeine than regular coffee |
| Health benefits | Improved sleep, more energy, better focus, improved immunity, reduced inflammation, weight loss, reduced stress |
| Side effects | May cause digestive issues, unsuitable for people with kidney problems, sensitivity to grains, or a high risk for kidney stones |
| Cost | Twice as expensive as regular coffee |
| Research | Limited studies on health benefits and side effects |
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What You'll Learn
Lack of research on health benefits
While there is some promising evidence available, most studies on the health benefits of mushroom coffee are conducted on animals or in test tubes, with few well-designed clinical trials including humans. This means that the results of these studies cannot be directly applied to humans or human diseases. Furthermore, these studies are not specific to mushroom coffee, and it is unclear whether the combination of mushrooms and coffee beans has positive or negative health effects.
The lack of human studies on the health effects of mushroom coffee means that information regarding safe dosage, who would benefit from it, who should avoid it, and possible interactions with medications is largely unknown, raising safety concerns. For example, mushrooms are known to cause digestive issues, especially for those with kidney problems or sensitivity to grains, and certain types of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as chaga, contain high levels of oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.
While the purported health benefits of mushroom coffee include reduced stress, reduced inflammation, improved immune system, and better sleep, these claims remain largely unverified due to the lack of research on human subjects. Therefore, while mushroom coffee may be safe for most people, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before consuming it, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medication.
Although the presence of mushrooms in the coffee adds potential health benefits, it is important to note that the processing and brewing of mushrooms with coffee may alter their nutritional properties. As such, consuming whole mushrooms or incorporating them into one's diet may be a better way to obtain their nutritional benefits.
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Reduced caffeine intake
Mushroom coffee blends are marketed as being lower in caffeine than regular coffee. Caffeine is a psychoactive substance naturally found in some foods and beverages, such as coffee beans, cocoa beans, and tea leaves. While drinking up to 400 mg of caffeine daily isn't associated with adverse effects, people with caffeine sensitivity may experience anxiety, rapid heart rate, an upset stomach, and other side effects even with lower caffeine intakes. Therefore, reduced caffeine intake through mushroom coffee can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Mushroom coffee typically contains about half the amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. This reduced caffeine content may be appealing to those looking to lower their caffeine intake while still enjoying a coffee-like experience. The lower caffeine content provides a gentler energy boost, offering "sustained mental clarity" over "jitters and crash". This reduction in caffeine can lead to improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety and stress levels.
The adaptogens found in medicinal mushrooms may also contribute to stress reduction by lowering cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can be elevated in individuals with depression, hypoglycemia, fever, trauma, and pain. While most studies on adaptogens have been conducted on animals or in laboratories, there is potential for stress-reducing effects in humans as well.
It is important to note that the benefits of mushroom coffee may not outweigh the downsides for everyone. Mushroom coffee is typically more expensive than regular coffee, costing about twice as much. Additionally, there is limited research on the health effects of mushroom coffee specifically, as most studies focus on the benefits of consuming whole mushrooms. While generally considered safe, mushroom coffee may cause digestive issues, especially for those with kidney problems or grain sensitivity.
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Adaptogens and stress reduction
While mushroom coffee is having its moment in the spotlight, with fans claiming it has numerous health benefits, there is little research to back up these claims. The purported health benefits of mushroom coffee are derived from the mushrooms it contains, which are typically medicinal mushrooms rather than culinary mushrooms. These medicinal mushrooms include varieties such as chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail.
One of the key benefits of mushroom coffee is its potential to reduce stress. This is due to the presence of adaptogens, which are plant-based compounds that help the body "adapt" and respond better to stressful situations. Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that adaptogens can reduce the amount of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the blood and saliva. By levelling out cortisol levels, mushroom coffee may help to reduce the impact of stress on the body.
In addition to stress reduction, adaptogens in mushroom coffee may also provide other health benefits. For example, the polyphenols and antioxidants in mushrooms can help reduce inflammation and bolster the immune system. However, it is unclear if these benefits translate to mushroom extracts used in coffee.
While mushroom coffee is likely safe for most people, it may not be suitable for those with kidney problems, digestive issues, or sensitivities to grains. Additionally, the extraction process may reduce the fibre and nutrient content of the mushrooms, so adding whole mushrooms to your diet may be a better way to reap their health benefits.
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Immune system benefits
Mushroom coffee is marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee, with proponents claiming that it can improve focus, boost energy, aid sleep, and reduce inflammation and stress. However, it's important to note that there is limited scientific research on the health effects of mushroom coffee, and most studies have been conducted on test tubes or animals rather than humans.
Mushrooms are known to contain beneficial compounds, including "super-antioxidants" like glutathione and ergothioneine, which have immune-boosting properties. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from their damaging effects and supporting overall health. Certain mushrooms, such as Chaga, have also shown evidence in test-tube studies of suppressing the activity of immune cells responsible for allergic responses to some foods.
The addition of mushrooms to coffee is thought to reduce the caffeine content, which may help lower stress levels and improve sleep quality, both of which can positively impact immune function. Additionally, the medicinal properties of mushrooms have been recognized in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years.
While the specific immune-boosting effects of mushroom coffee require further human studies for verification, the presence of mushrooms and their associated antioxidants in the beverage suggests potential immune system benefits. However, it's worth noting that consuming whole mushrooms may provide more significant health benefits than drinking mushroom coffee alone.
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Taste and cost
Taste
The idea of drinking mushroom coffee might not sound appealing, but according to registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, mushroom coffee "tastes pretty similar to regular coffee". This is because the mushrooms go through a drying and extraction process to pull out the beneficial compounds, which are then blended with regular coffee. Most people describe the taste as "nutty" or "earthy", or they don't notice any flavour difference at all.
Cost
Mushroom coffee costs about double the price of regular coffee, so deciding whether to try it is as much a financial decision as a nutritional one. The higher price point is likely due to the fact that medicinal mushrooms are grown in their natural habitats and are generally not commercially farmed, making them harder to come by.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom coffee is a beverage made by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial ingredients, and adding those to regular coffee. It contains less caffeine than regular coffee and is claimed to have several health benefits.
Supporters of mushroom coffee claim that it can improve mental and physical performance, boost immunity, aid weight loss, and promote better sleep. However, there is limited scientific research to support these claims.
Mushroom coffee is generally considered safe for most people. However, it may cause digestive issues in some individuals, especially those with existing kidney problems or sensitivities to grains. It may also not be suitable for people taking certain medications.
Mushroom coffee typically has a nutty or earthy flavour, although some people may not notice any difference in taste compared to regular coffee.
The decision to try mushroom coffee is a matter of personal preference. While it may offer potential health benefits, there is limited research to support these claims. Additionally, mushroom coffee tends to be more expensive than regular coffee.
