14-05-2025
Mushroom coffee benefits: What science says about this trending brew
'Mushroom coffee' refers to a blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushroom extracts like lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. Potential health benefits include increased energy, mental focus, and stress reduction.
Several brands of mushroom coffee have gained popularity for their claimed health benefits. Mushroom coffee uses certain medicinal mushrooms known for their adaptogenic properties.
'Adaptogenic' refers to a natural substance—usually an herb, mushroom, or plant—that helps the body adapt to stress without overstimulating or disrupting normal function.
Adaptogens are believed to: increase resistance to physical, emotional, or environmental stress
support energy and stamina
help regulate cortisol and other stress hormones
promote overall well-being and resilience
Mushroom coffee often contains less caffeine than regular coffee, potentially reducing jitters and improving sleep quality.
This article discusses the claimed and potential benefits of mushroom coffee and whether there is evidence to support them. Valeriia Sviridova/500px/Stocksy
Mushroom coffee often contains a mushroom called lion's mane ( Hericium erinaceus ). Lion's mane contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for brain health.
A small study from 2023 looked at whether lion's mane could help with thinking and mood in 41 healthy adults between 18 and 45 years of age.
After taking one dose, participants completed a cognitive task faster, which means lion's mane may have increased their thinking abilities.
After 28 days, participants also reported feeling less stressed, although the difference wasn't strong enough to be significant. The study was small, so more research is needed, but the results are promising.
A 2024 analysis also found that lion's mane helped boost cognition and energy in older adults.
Cordyceps mushrooms may enhance people's oxygen usage and increase cellular energy (ATP production), potentially improving energy levels and reducing fatigue. This may also aid endurance and recovery in exercise.
A 2021 study published in Frontiers found that cordyceps were effective in combating fatigue and weakness. However, the researchers stated that they need to study cordyceps more to identify the most effective components, understand how they work together, and confirm their safety.
Chaga mushrooms ( Inonotus obliquus ) are rich in beta-glucans, compounds known to support the immune system. These compounds activate immune cells, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms.
A 2023 review found that chaga has multiple benefits for the immune system and systemic health, including potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects.
Although studies have shown potential benefits of chaga, and it is considered safe, researchers need to perform more studies to fully understand how it works.
Reishi mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress. Adaptogens may regulate cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, promoting relaxation and emotional balance.
Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe, but researchers need to study their use more to understand potential side effects.
Many of the mushrooms included in mushroom coffee contain antioxidants like polyphenols and beta-glucans, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane.
Manufacturers of mushroom coffee often include another adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha, which has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha contains compounds called withanolides, which have been associated with these effects.
Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, which may benefit individuals sensitive to caffeine and improve sleep quality.
Additionally, the adaptogenic properties of certain mushrooms may promote relaxation. In particular, reishi may help reduce stress and prepare the body for better sleep.
Research has also shown that ashwagandha may be effective for insomnia.
There are a few things to consider before trying mushroom coffee for its potential health benefits.
Limited studies have been conducted into the long-term effects of the adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs present in mushroom coffee, and researchers do not know how they interact with each other.
More research is also needed to understand how they may react with other medications and in people with different health conditions.
It is advisable to consult a doctor before trying mushroom coffee, as some of its ingredients and properties may interfere with pre-existing health conditions or medications.
For example, chaga mushrooms contain high levels of oxalates, which can be problematic for individuals with kidney conditions.
Mushroom coffee offers a unique blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushrooms, potentially providing cognitive, immune, and energy benefits.
While preliminary studies are promising, more human research is needed to fully understand its effects. As with any supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom coffee into a routine.
Nutrition / Diet
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Adaptogens (2024).
Ashwagandha. (2023).
Cha S, et al. (2024). A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan.
Das G, et al. (2021). Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials.
Docherty S, et al. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of lion's mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study.
Fordjour E, et al. (2023). Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential.
Lee S, et al. (2020). Development of endstage renal disease after long-term ingestion of chaga mushroom: Case report and review of literature.
Li K, et al. (2024). The anti-fatigue and sleep-aiding effects vary significantly among different recipes containing Ganoderma lucidum extracts.
Tóth-Mészáros A, et al. (2023). The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
