There are a lot of health trends popping up these days as people try to become mindful of their consumption. One of these trendy things is putting mushroom in coffee, as popularized by companies such as Four Sigmatic, Rasa Coffee, and MUD\\WTR.
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At first mention, you may be hesitant to believe in such a fact—especially is you don't like mushrooms. However, many people praise the taste and claim that there are significant health benefits. Some experts cite Chinese medicinal practices of using herbs and mushrooms for their positive properties and the ability to fight disease.
So, what's the truth? Should we all replace our morning cup of joe?
How To Make Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee is essentially regular coffee with blended in mushroom powder. The types of medicinal mushrooms that you'll typically find for the drink are: (1)
The mushrooms are dried and extracted before combined with coffee. Most often, you'll find instant coffee or ground coffee versions of the beverage. And, before you ask, it does not have the medicine taste you might expect. Apparently, it just tastes like an earthy coffee.
If you don't like coffee anyway, you can skip that part and buy mushroom extracts. The ingredients taste good in smoothies as well as soups.
What Are the Benefits of Coffee With Mushrooms?
Regular coffee on its own has tons of health benefits backed by research. Studies say that it has antioxidant properties and, as we know, the caffeine helps you stay alert by boosting your nervous system. (2)
However, coffee drinkers can potentially experience some negative effects on their well being. One side effect of coffee drinking is potential digestion problems. The stuff triggers your body to produce hydrochloric acid that your stomach needs to digest food.
Another potential downside is the amount of caffeine. While it increases energy levels, it can cause some people to feel jittery, nervous, or lose sleep. It can also be a problem for a person with a mental health issue such as anxiety.
Mushrooms may help to decrease these effects. Functional mushrooms, which are adaptogens, can:
Additionally, the average cup of coffee mixed with mushroom powder has half the amount of caffeine as a brewed black coffee. Just don't add a ton of sugar, of course.
Are There Side Effects?
According to Carrie Gabriel, a dietitian, "there still isn't much evidence-backed research on [mushroom coffee]. While there isn't too much information about the side effects of mushroom extract, some scientists suggest you may be better off eating mushrooms in their regular state.
On their own, mushrooms have minerals, vitamins, and fiber. You can get these benefits, including increased immune function and brain function, without seeking manufacturers of mushroom coffee. However, there have not been any reported negative effects from a dose of mushroom coffee.
FAQ
While it sounds like you're making coffee from mushrooms, mushroom coffee is actually regular coffee with a little fungi powder blended in. There is not a drastic difference in flavor, as the typical mushroom products in the blend are earthy ones such as Lion mane or Chaga. Believe me, the brew is nothing like drinking a portobello latte.
Mushroom coffee is a way to get a little energy and nutrients without the jitters. Some people use it to substitute their coffee intake, supposedly helping their stomachs and liver. No matter the reason, the adaptogen coffees are known for helping with inflammation, sleeplessness, and mood.
One of the most well-known American companies for mushroom drinks, superfoods, and a variety of supplements is Four Sigmatic. They showcase their compounds in the Shroom Room. You can buy something directly from the company website or in stores.
Their signature mushroom coffee mix comes in many flavors, and it's available at Whole Foods, Walmart, in Sprouts, on Amazon, and elsewhere. A bag of their mix can come with a combination of medicinal mushrooms or with a boost of prebiotics.
A cup of mushroom coffee has an average of 50 milligrams of caffeine. The content of the substance is less than regular coffee cups because the mushroom mixture dilutes the coffee's strength. It's perfect for anyone who wants to cut back but still get a morning boost.
You can find different brands of the drink almost anywhere. For example, get brews online on Amazon or directly from the brand site. You should also try your local grocery store or a market in your area. That way, you know the source of your drink and can have someone give you advice on how to prepare it.
If you want it already made, try a local cafe. The best plan to see if it lives up to the hype is to have a professional make it for you.
Final Thoughts - Drinking Mushrooms
No matter the type of coffee drinker you are, anything is worth a try at least once, right? Like drinking oat milk or basing your diet on plants, adding shrooms to drink is becoming part of a daily routine for some people.
Regardless of the reasons, the bottom line is you might as well give it a chance. Convince a friend or your coworkers to place an order with you. One of you may become an instant fan!
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References:
Hobbs, C. (2002). Medicinal mushrooms: an exploration of tradition, healing, and culture. Botanica Press.
Sajadi-Ernazarova, K. R., Anderson, J., Dhakal, A., & Hamilton, R. J. (2020). Caffeine withdrawal. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
