Is your cup of coffee about to get a health upgrade? We think so!
Mushroom coffee is a healthier alternative to your classic cup of joe by combining ground medicinal mushroom extracts and coffee beans into a delicious and delicate blend that will wake up you up in the best way.
The mushrooms that are used for mushroom coffee generally include chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail. Though these are often combined together sometimes they are singled out for specific uses as each mushroom has its own particular functions and benefits.
Mushrooms are nothing new to the health scene as they have been used therapeutically in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, but combining them with coffee has become a rising trend.
But does it taste like mushrooms? Rest assured mushroom coffee doesn't actually taste like mushrooms!
Your morning cup of coffee can be just as pleasurable and with added health benefits. Though mushroom coffee's taste isn't significantly different from regular coffee it is sometimes described as more of a nutty or earthy flavour. What may seem like a bizarre combination actually creates a smooth blend that provides synergistic health benefits and flavours that complement each other.
Benefits of mushroom coffee
Coffee by itself already provides numerous beneficial nutritional effects and now you get to receive even more impressive health benefits.
Mushroom coffee blends are generally lower in caffeine compared to regular coffee and the addition of mushroom extracts deliver a more sustainable, balanced, and gentle energy release in the body.
Typically a cup of mushroom coffee provides half the caffeine that a cup of regular coffee contains however each brand will differ slightly.
This is especially beneficial to those who are more sensitive to caffeine or prone to anxiety. Mushroom coffee has been reported to be less likely to leave you feeling jittery, on edge, or encounter sleep problems like coffee by itself can.
Opting for mushroom coffee can help to minimize some of the unwanted side effects of caffeine and even help you to cut back on caffeine or stimulants by providing a more sustainable release of energy.
There are many ways that medicinal mushrooms can benefit health which we will explore today:
Boost immunity
One of the most well known benefits of medicinal mushrooms are their immune boosting effects, which have been associated with a variety of different types of mushrooms.
Chaga provides a multitude of different compounds that fight inflammation as well as harmful bacteria and viruses by stimulating white blood cell production (1)(2).
Maitake can strongly stimulate immune defense reactions by enhancing the activity of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells of our immune system (3)(4).
A study found that 8 weeks of supplementation with cordyceps extract resulted in an increase in activity of natural killer immune cells and improved immune regulation compared to controls (5).
Turkey tail contains some rather impressive immune-boosting compounds, krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), that activate certain immune cells while suppressing inflammation (6)(7).
Overall medicinal mushrooms can naturally build your immune system's resiliency to fight off infections and may even help to prevent getting sick in the first place.
Anticancer effects
Medicinal mushrooms have shown potential in the treatment of cancers but also in the prevention of cancer development and its progression (8).
Certain medicinal mushrooms have been shown to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells by exerting anti-tumor and anticancer effects (9)(10).
Though it is said that there are over 100 types of mushrooms that can be used to treat cancer, the more common ones include reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, and maitake (11).
Mushrooms are receiving more recognition and interest in the medical field in terms of using them as conjunctive treatments and preventative therapies for conditions such as cancer (12).
Energy support
Medicinal mushrooms are a great pairing with coffee because they can support sustainable energy levels. Though excess caffeine can promote spikes and crashes in energy, these mushrooms support whole body balance while being kind to the adrenals helping to reduce fatigue during the day.
Cordyceps in particular is well known for its ability to improve endurance, energy, and vitality by promoting oxygen delivery and ATP synthesis in the body (13).
Medicinal mushrooms are rejuvenating and revitalizing in many ways such as balancing cortisol levels in the body, regulating the stress response, reducing inflammation, and supporting quality sleep. Every mushroom has a part to play and does affect overall energy in one way or another.
Reduce stress
Medicinal mushrooms are also known as adaptogens; herbs that increase resiliency to stress and support homeostasis, or overall balance in the body (14).
Though most medicinal mushrooms may provide adaptogenic properties, reishi is often recommended specifically for those experiencing anxiety, high levels of stress, or challenges with sleep. Reishi mushroom is considered a calming herb, helping us to unwind and experience more restorative sleep which is an essential part of managing stress.
Mushroom powders are also rich in B vitamins, what are known as the anti-stress nutrients that support the nervous system and adrenal glands during times of stress.
Boost brain function
Another complementary effect that medicinal mushrooms can provide alongside coffee is increased cognitive function. The addition of these adaptogenic medicinal mushrooms can boost your focus without the jittery side effects that often come with coffee consumption.
Lion's mane is a medicinal mushroom that is particularly effective at improving brain health as it promotes the growth of brain cells while protecting nerve cells (15)(16).
One study that found those who took lion's mane in supplement form for 12 weeks experienced significantly better cognitive function and reduced short-term memory loss than the control group (17).
Not only can it improve cognitive function but lion's mane has also been used to slow and prevent cognitive decline (18)(19).
Antioxidant support
Medicinal mushrooms are one of the richest sources of antioxidants, in fact they contain higher amounts of antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables (20)(21). Antioxidants are anti-inflammatory compounds that help to protect the body's cells and tissues from free radical damage and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is hard on the body, contributes to accelerated aging, and can lead to the development of chronic diseases over time.
Including antioxidants in the diet can help to counteract and minimize the effects of free radicals on the body. Mushroom powders are potent sources of antioxidants which can help to reduce inflammation and preserve good health.
Our favourite mushroom brands at Vitasave
Four Sigmatic
Four Sigmatic was born in Finland, where the concept of mushroom coffee initially originated from, and fuses traditional herbal medicine with current day science.
Conveniently available in instant coffee packets, Four Sigmatic is a delicious alternative to your classic regular cup of coffee that you can bring with you anywhere!
You can shop from a variety of mushroom coffee formulas from Four Sigmatic depending on your needs and goals.
NeonMind
NeonMind marries ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science, merging two powerful sources of information to bring you unique mushroom blends that help to elevate your daily routine naturally, while delivering high quality formulations that put your health and wellness at the forefront with every sip.
These superfood mushroom blends give you an instant boost of energy in convenient packets that fit right into your purse or pocket!