Latest news with #medicinalmushrooms
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ballot initiative to decriminalize psychedelics in Alaska cleared for signature-gathering
Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. Alaska voters will be able to weigh in on an initative decriminalizing certain psychadelics, if the measure's sponsors gather enough petition signatures. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) A group seeking to decriminalize Alaskans' use of certain medicinal mushrooms and other psychedelics can start collecting signatures to try to put the question before voters. Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who oversees the Alaska Division of Elections, said Thursday she has certified a statewide initiative application that proposes legal but regulated use of certain natural medicines for therapeutic and traditional purposes. The sponsors may now start gathering the petition signatures they need to place their initiative on a statewide ballot. The proposed initiative, titled the Alaska Natural Medicine Act, is modeled after an initiative in Colorado that voters in that state passed in 2022. Sponsors of the initiative are with Natural Alaska Medicine Inc., a nonprofit organization 'dedicated to fostering charitable, educational, and social welfare initiatives that promote the safe and responsible use of natural medicines,' according to its website. The president of Natural Alaska Medicine Inc. and other team members are Indigenous Alaskans. The proposed ballot initiative includes provisions for Alaska Native traditional healers. While the initiative would decriminalize adults' personal use or home cultivation of psychedelic mushrooms and other psychedelics, it also proposes a regulatory system. It would establish a Natural Medicine Control Board in the state Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. And it would establish an advisory Traditional Use Council. Certain psychedelics are excluded and their use would not be allowed, under the initiative's wording. To qualify the initiative for the ballot, the petition sponsors must gather signatures equal in number to 10% of the voters in the state's last general election, according to the Alaska Constitution. Additionally, signatures must come from at least 30 of the state's 40 legislative House districts. Sponsors have a year in which to gather those signatures. In her announcement Thursday, Dahlstrom did not indicate a position on the proposed initiative. 'This certification reflects the constitutional and statutory requirements for citizen-led initiatives in Alaska,' she said in a statement. 'While voters will ultimately decide the merits of the proposal, the application meets all legal criteria for form and content.' This article was first published by Alaska Beacon, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: info@ Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
26-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
What Are The Health Benefits Of Mushroom Coffee?
Do you love mushrooms so much you toss handfuls into sauce, stew and soup recipes? Or do the umbrella-shaped fungi make you gag? Whether you find mushrooms delightful or avoid them at all costs, mushroom supplements like mushroom coffee are popular among those looking for a nutritional edge. Even if you don't love the taste of mushrooms, you may find the beverage an enjoyable alternative to your daily cup of joe —especially for its added health benefits. Mushroom coffee contains medicinal mushrooms, different from those you chop up to sauté in butter or sprinkle on a salad. The final coffee product combines the robust flavors of coffee, herbs and spices with the health benefits of mushrooms. But because it's made from mushroom extract, it doesn't taste much like mushrooms at all. While research is still evolving, the potential benefits—from enhanced immune support to improved focus—make it a popular choice among health enthusiasts. Discover the fascinating science behind this nutty, earthy brew and how it can benefit your health. Mushroom coffee is a powdered beverage made from medicinal mushrooms, commonly using coffee as a base. 'These aren't your standard button mushrooms—they're adaptogenic fungi used in traditional medicine to support the brain and immune system and help the body adapt to stress response,' says Phoenix-based Samantha Peterson, registered dietitian and a holistic health expert at Simply Wellness, a health coaching company. Adaptogens are natural substances found in plants and fungi that are believed to enhance well-being and help your body adapt to stress. Common medicinal mushrooms included in mushroom coffee blends include: Chaga Cordyceps Lion's mane King trumpet Turkey tail Reishi Shiitake How Is Mushroom Coffee Made? To make mushroom coffee, medicinal mushrooms are dried and ground into a powder so they can be combined with ground coffee or other ingredients, such as cacao or turmeric. Mushroom coffee blends are brewed like traditional coffee, such as drip brewing, pour-over or French press. 'The result is a balanced drink that combines the familiarity of coffee with the therapeutic properties of mushrooms,' says Lindsay Malone, a registered dietitian and nutrition instructor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The use of medicinal mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine dates back 3,000 years. While evidence supporting the benefits of mushroom coffee is still emerging, additional research is needed to confirm therapeutic benefits and determine dosage, long-term effects and safety. Enhanced Immune System A 2023 review indicated that certain mushrooms, including reishi, chaga, cordyceps and turkey tail, can enhance our immune system. They contain polysaccharides, bioactive compounds that increase the production of important signaling proteins called cytokines. Cytokines act as messengers, coordinating the immune system's response to threats, such as infections and harmful substances. More research is needed to understand exactly how mushrooms elicit these effects and their potential applications for immune system support . Improved Cognition Lion's mane mushrooms, a common ingredient in mushroom coffee blends, are often marketed for their cognitive-enhancing properties. A 2024 review concluded that lion's mane may promote nerve growth factor (NGF) production (essential for the growth and maintenance of neurons), potentially improving focus and memory. However, findings were mixed, necessitating further investigation to confirm these effects. Reduced Anxiety Mushrooms like reishi are classified as adaptogens, natural substances that help the body adapt to stress. A 2024 study examined the effects of reishi in individuals with cancer. Results indicated that reishi may help reduce anxiety and depression. While more research is needed, reishi shows promise as a potential tool for stress management . Support Your Overall Health Recharge your body and mind with delicious drink made with all-natural and antioxidant-rich adaptogens and superfoods that promotes relaxation, supports joint health and improves sleep quality. Shop Now On Live it Up's Website Ryze is an earthy, creamy blend with six mushroom extracts (lion's mane, cordyceps, king trumpet, turkey tail, reishi and shiitake) and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powder, says Malone. 'It contains less caffeine than a traditional cup, which is perfect if you're cutting back but still want a lift,' she says. The blend is 100% organic and contains mushrooms grown in the United States. is an earthy, creamy blend with six mushroom extracts (lion's mane, cordyceps, king trumpet, turkey tail, reishi and shiitake) and powder, says Malone. 'It contains less caffeine than a traditional cup, which is perfect if you're cutting back but still want a lift,' she says. The blend is 100% organic and contains mushrooms grown in the United States. Four Sigmatic's original blend is certified organic and contains lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail. 'Four Sigmatic was my intro to mushroom coffee,' says Malone. She says their blends are well-formulated, lab-tested and have a smooth taste. original blend is certified organic and contains lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail. 'Four Sigmatic was my intro to mushroom coffee,' says Malone. She says their blends are well-formulated, lab-tested and have a smooth taste. MUD\WTR does not contain coffee; rather, it consists of a blend of mushrooms (lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi), cacao, turmeric, cinnamon and other spices. 'It's a favorite among those looking to ease off caffeine without sacrificing their morning ritual,' says Peterson. does not contain coffee; rather, it consists of a blend of mushrooms (lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi), cacao, turmeric, cinnamon and other spices. 'It's a favorite among those looking to ease off caffeine without sacrificing their morning ritual,' says Peterson. Om is third-party lab-tested and contains extracts of lion's mane and cordyceps. 'Om offers convenient single-serve options and organic powders that integrate easily into your daily routine,' says Peterson. She says the non-GMO brand is a great option for anyone looking to customize their coffee ritual. Yes, but mushroom coffee generally has less caffeine than regular coffee , says Peterson. This lower caffeine content may appeal to anyone looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying a coffee-like experience. 'It offers a gentler energy lift—think 'sustained mental clarity' over 'jitters and crash,'' she says. Caffeine Comparison Chart* *For reference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a maximum caffeine intake of 400 milligrams per day in healthy individuals. 'While generally well-tolerated, mushroom coffee may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals,' says Peterson. Side effects of common mushrooms included in popular mushroom coffee blends may include: Dizziness Dry mouth Itching Nausea Stomach upset Diarrhea Rash Darkened stools Darkened nail pigmentation If you have any health conditions, are taking any medications, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a health care provider before incorporating mushroom coffee into your diet. Peterson describes mushroom coffee as 'earthy, smooth and slightly nutty.' Depending on the brand, the flavor profile can range from 'bold and black' to 'creamy chai vibes,' she says. There is no definitive evidence that mushroom coffee directly leads to weight loss. Individuals with mushroom allergies, pregnant or breastfeeding women and anyone taking medications should consult with a health care professional before trying mushroom coffee.
Vogue
30-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Does Mushroom Coffee Have Any Benefits? Experts Weigh In
Mushroom coffee is pretty much everywhere by now—from the beverage aisle of the grocery store to your favorite healthy cafe. Its recent popularity has led to a global market for mushroom coffee that's projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2031. It's safe to say that the mushroom coffee phenomenon is real—but are there any real benefits to actually drinking fungi-infused beverages? Here, experts weigh in on the benefits of mushroom coffee. What is mushroom coffee? Mushroom coffee is made with medicinal mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, chaga, shiitake, or maitake—all of which have been used for millennia for their various supposed health properties. 'Mushroom coffee is made by combining coffee with dried mushroom powders to offer the ancient benefits of these mushrooms in a convenient format with a flavor that's practically imperceptible—although some describe it as slightly earthy or nutty,' says nutritionist Marta Marcè. 'It promises everything from greater concentration to a strengthened immune system.' The benefits of mushroom coffee Among the benefits attributed to this concoction are better mental and physical performance, a stronger immune system, an improved sense of calm, and a boosted metabolism—depending on the types of mushrooms in the coffee, of course. Sounds great, but there isn't yet a ton of evidence to back up all the claims. 'The idea behind mushroom coffee is simple: to harness the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms in a convenient and (hopefully) tasty coffee drink,' writes Lindsay Warner of Harvard Health. 'There is very little research on medicinal mushrooms involving humans. Therefore, while test tube or animal studies show some compelling health benefits, the same may not apply to people.' Is mushroom coffee worth a try? The big question is whether the active ingredients in the medicinal mushroom powders can be properly absorbed by the body. 'If the powder is simply dried and ground mushroom (not extracted), absorption is very limited,' says Marcè. 'The rigid cell wall of mushrooms—known as the chitin—may hinder the release of the active compounds during digestion and, in that case, the body hardly accesses the attributed immunological or cognitive benefits. Moreover, many brands do not specify whether they have used the fruiting body of the mushroom (the visible part) rich in active principles, or the mycelium (root system), which is usually much less potent,' she says. Another important consideration? 'Most mushroom coffees on the market include between 250 mg and 500 mg of extract per cup, an amount well below the doses used in scientific studies that have observed real benefits,' Marcè points out. Should you drink mushroom coffee? It is undeniable that mushrooms have many proven health benefits. However, both Warner and Marcè point out that there hasn't been any research done on the benefits of mushroom coffee specifically—so, there is no guarantee that the medicinal properties of mushrooms are preserved when processed and mixed with coffee. There just isn't any demonstrable proof of the clear benefits.
