August 6, 2024 | Dr. Silvana Jakupovic, ND
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a relatively new concept in the world of coffee brewing, but it's quickly gaining popularity due to its unique flavour and the potential mushroom coffee benefits. The idea of adding mushrooms to coffee can be traced back to ancient civilizations and traditional Chinese medicine, where mushrooms were used for their medicinal properties.
The trend has recently re-emerged in the health and wellness community, with companies producing mushroom coffee brands specifically formulated to provide various health benefits. However, adding powdered functional mushroom extracts to your coffee is a simple and more cost-effective way to make your mushroom coffee. It also allows you to control the mushrooms you consume per cup!
This blog will discuss possible mushroom coffee ingredients and debate mushroom coffee vs. regular coffee.
What Does Mushroom Coffee Taste Like?
Mushroom coffee flavour can vary depending on the type of mushrooms used and the preparation method. However, mushroom coffee generally has a mild and earthy taste that is often described as similar to regular coffee but with a slightly nutty or woody flavour. That’s the mushroom coffee aroma. Mushroom coffee blends typically contain a mix of instant coffee and mushroom extracts, which can make the taste of mushroom coffee slightly bitter. However, some blends may include additional ingredients, such as cinnamon, to help balance the flavour.
If you use mushroom extracts or powders to make your mushroom coffee, the taste may be slightly different depending on the type of mushroom used. Overall, the taste of mushroom coffee can be acquired for some people, but many enjoy the unique and earthy flavour.
What are the Real Scientific and Medical Benefits of Coffee?
While consuming everything in moderation is key, coffee has hundreds of biologically active compounds that may benefit human health [1]. The consumption of coffee has been consistently inversely related to all-cause mortality across many research studies [1]. Specifically, correlations have been made with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and obesity [1].
Additionally, some clinical studies have found that coffee consumption may prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases and lower the risk of cancer onset [1]. However, it is essential to remember that most research is based on black coffee and that there is a vast difference in health outcomes between this and a 500-calorie Frappuccino from Starbucks.
Why is Mushroom Coffee Healthier than Regular Coffee?
The argument that mushroom coffee is healthier than regular coffee can be made because medicinal mushrooms may amplify the existing benefits of coffee while also providing additional therapeutic properties. Mushroom coffees may contain compounds that support immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve mental clarity.
For example, certain functional mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex polysaccharides that have been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Additionally, some mushrooms contain compounds that support cognitive function and memory while regulating blood sugar levels. Overall, the health benefits of mushroom coffee may be substantial.
What Types of Mushrooms Can You Add to Coffee?
Many types of mushrooms for coffee can be added to your daily brew. Some of the best mushrooms for coffee are Reishi and Lion’s Mane coffee because of their ability to improve cognitive functioning and regulate mood, making it the perfect way to start your day. Let’s look at some different mushrooms and evidence-based reasons you may want to add them to your coffee! This gives you many mushroom coffee varieties and limitless mushroom coffee blends.
The Oyster mushroom is rich in functional ingredients, and its consumption has led to improved health markers across the board; improved glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and even protection against cardiovascular disease have all been observed by its users [2].
A systematic review of 8 clinical trials researching this functional mushroom found that Oyster consumption reduced fasting and post-prandial glucose and reduced blood pressure, both cardiovascular risk factors [2].
Maitake is commonly used to improve lipid profiles but also has functions in treating or supporting diabetes, blood pressure, the immune system, and cancer. Maitake exhibited the ability to improve lipid profiles by inhibiting the accumulation of lipids in the liver and inhibiting the elevation of lipids in the blood [3].
Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements have long been praised for supporting mood and memory, eliminating brain fog, and preventing cognitive dysfunction. A randomized control trial studied the effects of Lion’s Mane compared to placebo on men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and found that the Lion’s Mane group consistently showed significant improvement in cognitive functioning compared to the placebo group [4].
Cordyceps is Mother Nature’s all-natural performance enhancer. Athletes commonly use Cordyceps mushroom capsules to boost energy, improve stamina, and increase endurance without caffeine or addictive chemical stimulants. Clinical trials have shown that Cordyceps results in many of these benefits because it upregulates energy-producing pathways in the body and increases ATP, which is an energy-carrying molecule found in our cells [5].
Reishi mushrooms have a wide variety of indications. Still, they are especially effective in their adaptogenic abilities and how they can provide support for stress, immune function, and mood disorders. Reishi has illustrated anxiolytic effects in research studies, mainly due to its constituents of phenols and flavonoids [6].
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly recognized as purely culinary, but their medicinal properties and nutrient content also classify them as powerful functional mushrooms. One study found that after 66 days of Shiitake use, the participants in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial illustrated an average 10% reduction in triglyceride levels and increased levels of reduced glutathione, the body's main endogenous antioxidant [7].
Chaga is a mushroom commonly known for its powerful antioxidant abilities. It has one of the planet's highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values! When free radicals overpower our antioxidant systems and cause oxidative stress, it may result in cellular damage and progress to a disease state. Compounds with high antioxidant activity, such as the compounds found in Chaga, can combat this oxidative stress, thus protecting us from the development of many diseases and premature aging and lessening the stress load on our bodies [8].
Tremella mushrooms have been used for skin health for thousands of years, especially in Eastern medicine. Although they can improve overall health, they are best known for boosting skin hydration and improving the skin’s appearance due to their hydrating and antioxidant abilities. Recent research has focused on Tremella’s actions of inflammatory modulation, promoting wound healing and antioxidation [9].
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides that may help boost immune system health. The most studied and biologically active compound in Turkey Tail is Polysaccharide K (PSK) [10]. The actions of PSK are why Japan has recognized this mushroom for strengthening the immune system and improving longevity in cancer patients [10]. However, the fungus has been shown to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses [11], meaning its use allows us to reinforce our body’s first and second lines of defence against pathogens.
How to use Functional Mushrooms in your Coffee?
Functional mushrooms can be used in coffee to add flavour and potential health benefits. Here are some ways to use functional mushrooms when making mushroom coffee:
Mushroom coffee blends → One of the easiest ways to add mushrooms to coffee is to purchase a pre-made blend, which usually contains instant coffee and mushroom extracts.
Mushroom extract capsules → Mushroom extracts are concentrated forms of mushroom compounds that can be added to coffee or other beverages. Open up the capsules and add them to your coffee.
Mushroom extract powders → Mushroom extract powders are often blends of multiple types of mushrooms that work synergistically together and are the easiest to add to your daily brew to make functional mushroom coffee.
What to Consider Before Adding Mushroom Coffee to Your Routine
Before adding mushroom coffee to your routine, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure it is safe and effective. Some of the key considerations include:
Allergies → If you have a history of allergies or intolerance to mushrooms, it is important to be cautious when consuming mushroom coffee, as it may trigger an allergic reaction.
Interactions with medications → Some types of mushrooms, such as Reishi, have the potential to interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants. If you take any medications, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before adding mushroom coffee to your routine.
Quality and purity of the product → When choosing a mushroom product, looking for one made from high-quality, pure mushrooms and tested for potency and purity is important.
Dosage → The recommended dose of mushroom coffee can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the desired health benefit. It is essential to follow the recommended dosing instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare provider before consuming mushroom coffee.
Personal preferences → Some people may not enjoy the flavour of mushroom coffee or prefer other functional mushroom forms, such as capsules or extracts. Choosing a product that is comfortable to consume and meets your health goals is essential.
By considering these factors, you can help ensure that adding mushroom coffee to your routine is safe and effective.
What is the Best Way to Enjoy Mushroom Coffee?
The best mushroom coffee is the one that makes you feel your best! While there are many variations of mushroom coffee, click here for a step-by-step explanation of how to make your own mushroom coffee at home.
Where Can You Buy Quality Mushroom Extracts?
Although the market for medicinal mushrooms is broad, it is important to be mindful of what is inside the products you are buying. Suppose you find the words “full spectrum,” “mycelial biomass,” or “extracellular compounds” on the label. In that case, the product is made from the grain substrate the mushrooms are grown on, and potentially the primordia and fruiting body, all combined and often not in extract form.
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