Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

 

summaries: 

Mushroom coffee is just that: coffee blended with pure mushroom extract. 

However, it does not taste like mushrooms. Instead, this drink exudes the rich 

coffee flavor that makes up the majority of the drink. Often sold in 

ready-to-mix instant coffee packets, mushroom coffee is quick and easy to make.  

Most people choose mushroom coffee as a health aid, touting a long list of 

benefits, including the fact that it has less caffeine than the average 

cup of coffee, which is sometimes true but not always. So. 

What is mushroom coffee? 

Mushroom coffee is not a new invention; it dates back to World War II 

when the Finns started making it as a substitute for coffee. At that time, 

there was a serious shortage of coffee throughout the world, something that 

many cultures faced by creating new and interesting drinks. Mushroom coffee 

was one of them, but instead of just replacing that heady caffeine-filled drink 

so many relied on it also offered a nutrient boost thanks to the addition of chaga 

mushrooms. This early mushroom coffee was made by soaking chaga in water 

overnight and squeezing out the liquid. 

That could be boiled on its own or mixed with real coffee bits for flavor.

Modern mushroom coffee uses mushroom extracts, including the

 aforementioned chaga, reishi, lion's mane, and cordyceps mushrooms. 

The mushroom coffee industry was revitalized in 2017 by entrepreneur 

Tero Isokauppila, who founded Four Stigmatic, a mushroom coffee company 

based in Finland. Since then, other companies have jumped on the mushroom 

coffee bandwagon, touting the health benefits of mushrooms, including 

supporting memory functions, aiding sleep, reducing inflammation, and 

supporting the immune system. When mixed with coffee, which is rich in 

antioxidants, mushroom extracts can create a healthier beverage.

 How is it done? 

Because mushroom coffee is generally promoted as a healthy beverage, 

it usually contains medicinal or functional mushrooms rather than culinary 

mushrooms, such as shiitake.

When making mushroom coffee, the fruiting bodies of functional 

(spore-containing) mushrooms are first removed. They are then ground to a 

fine powder and mixed with the coffee beans. Mushroom coffee typically has a 

1:1 ratio of coffee to mushroom. 

You can find this type of coffee in instant format, in pods or K-cups, and as 

ground coffee. 

Mushroom coffee is prepared like any other type of coffee. You can add milk, 

sugar, or whatever you normally add to your coffee. 

Health benefits of mushroom coffee: 

The health benefits found in mushroom coffee are the main reason this 

beverage is made and drunk today. Certain mushrooms have long been used in 

Chinese medicine. Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, and Chaga mushrooms in 

particular have been touted as having strong medicinal properties, and right 

now these are the main mushrooms found in mushroom coffee. Of course, 

there is also the coffee part, which is a source of vitamin B2 and antioxidants. 

Types of Coffee with Mushrooms: 

There are many different types of mushroom coffee, but the most popular 

varieties include mushrooms known for their medicinal properties. 

Each company makes their mushroom coffee a little differently, but the 

components are still standard. There's mushroom ground coffee, 

which is ground coffee beans mixed with mushroom extract. 

This is prepared as you would any normal pre-ground coffee in an 

automatic coffee maker or using the pour-over method. 

The other type of mushroom coffee is instant powder. 

This is mixed with boiling water and stirred until smooth. 

Some companies add other flavors and powdered milk to their mixes to 

create a coffee-style drink. These include:

1. Coffee with Lion's Mane Mushrooms: 

Lion's Mane Mushroom Coffee is one of the most popular varieties due to the 

benefits that lion's mane offers. 

Also known as yamabushitake or hou tou gu, lion's mane mushrooms are 

used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Research has shown that lion's 

mane can help reduce memory loss, promote nerve growth, and even protect 

against Alzheimer's disease. 

relieves mild anxiety and depression thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells. 

Prevent stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause 

ulcers (H. Pylori).

Control diabetes by blocking the activity of alpha-glucosidase. 

It can help prevent heart disease. 

Lion's mane mushroom coffee is a popular blend due to the potential benefits 

it offers, and is commonly combined with other mushrooms to maximize benefits. 

2. Reishi Coffee: 

The iconic Reishi mushrooms are known for their medicinal properties. 

These brown mushrooms are known to help: 

Boost the immune system 

promote heart health 

lower cholesterol and blood pressure 

Studies have also shown that regular consumption of Reishi can help reduce 

depression and anxiety. 

Reishi mushrooms are also known as adaptogens, which help the body better 

adapt and handle stress. 

3. Cordyceps Mushrooms: 

For the cordyceps fungus, it's supposed to help regulate blood sugar and give 

you energy, but not jittery energy like the caffeine in canned coffee. 

4. Chaga Coffee: 

The original mushroom, chaga, is known to support the immune system. 

Chaga mushroom coffee, like reishi, can help with blood sugar regulation 

and even reduce inflammation. Some evidence suggests that Chaga 

mushrooms may help fight cancer cells. Chaga has a neutral flavor 

that is not too overpowering. When they are mixed with coffee, 

you may not even taste them. 

5. Turkey Tail Coffee: 

Turkey Tail Mushroom Coffee has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor. 

The coffee beans help balance the flavor, but some people believe that it is 

still an acquired taste. 

Turkey tail has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to 

help improve immune function and reduce inflammation. 

These mushrooms also contain prebiotics that can help improve digestion 

and feed the good bacteria in your gut.

6. Cordyceps Coffee: 

Cordyceps are actually parasitic fungi, but they are known for their health 

benefits. When taken regularly, these mushrooms can help reduce inflammation. 

Increase your performance in the gym and improve your sexual cells.

Uses: 

Mushroom coffee is often used as a replacement for regular coffee, 

both to reduce caffeine intake and to reap the benefits of mushroom 

consumption. It can be drunk at any time of the day. Some caffeine is needed, 

especially in the morning and early afternoon. 

How to drink coffee with mushrooms:

Many mushroom coffees on the market are in powder form, so it's easy to 

mix with boiling water, whisk until smooth, and enjoy. Some mushroom coffee 

falls to the ground and looks like an average bag of regular coffee. 

This material can be made however the drinker likes to make their coffee, 

whether in an automatic coffee maker, a pour-over method, or a pressed method. 

Purchase and storage: 

Most mushroom coffee is found online, although some specialty grocery stores 

may carry it. Major brands include RYZE, Laird Superfood, Four Sigmatic, 

and Om Mushrooms. When buying mushroom coffee, make sure it's made 

with real coffee, as some companies have jumped on the trend but instead 

make a tea with the mushrooms and still sell it as mushroom coffee. 

To store mushroom coffee, store it in the bag or container it came in. 

These should be airtight and kept out of direct light. Make sure no moisture 

gets in. Mushroom coffee will not spoil, as both mushroom extracts and coffee 

beans have a long shelf life, but the flavor will fade after the first few months. 

Use it as soon as possible for the best flavor. 

Side effects:

Most people will not experience side effects from mushroom coffee unless they 

drink so much that they experience the negative effects of caffeine. People with 

kidney disease may want to check how many chaga mushrooms 

are in the coffee. This particular mushroom is high in oxalates, 

which can cause kidney stones for people who are sensitive to kidney problems. 

Not all brands of mushroom coffee use chaga, so it's best to check the 

ingredient list if it's something you personally should avoid. 

Mushroom Coffee vs. Chicory Coffee:

 Unlike mushroom coffee, chicory coffee doesn't have to contain actual 

coffee beans. Chicory is a caffeine-free root that can be roasted and brewed to 

make a roasted cup of brown liquid that mimics the flavors of coffee. 

It is often brewed with coffee to create a low-caffeine drink that is popular in 

New Orleans. Mushroom coffee, on the other hand, is made with mushroom 

extract to add health benefits to the coffee beans it is blended with. Both are 

niche beverages often consumed as a staple alternative to coffee and were 

developed when pure coffee was in short supply.

conclusion:

While mushroom coffee has many reported benefits, it's important to 

remember that more research is needed to back up these claims. 

You'll find plenty of anecdotal evidence of these benefits, but there's no 

guarantee you'll experience them yourself. With that said, mushroom coffee 

is worth trying and adding to your daily routine. It's a great way to switch up 

your morning routine while fueling your body with antioxidants and essential 

nutrients.