Latest news with #mushroomcoffee
Vogue
3 days ago
- 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.
Medical News Today
14-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
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.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Coffee, hold the beans. The new wave of brews are made with mushrooms, date pits and more. Are they worth trying?
While you don't need to give up your morning cup of joe if you don't want to, coffee alternatives do offer some benefits. (Getty Creative) For people obsessed with all things coffee, an iced latte made by their favorite barista or a hot cup at home in the morning can make all the difference in their day. But while many people have a passion for coffee, some are trying to scale back, whether that's because it's affecting their sleep, upsetting their stomach or giving them the jitters. These days, you don't have to look too far for coffee alternatives: There are oodles of beverage brands, such as Atomo, that tout themselves as healthy alternatives to java, which has so-called upcycled ingredients and mimics the taste of coffee. Another popular alternative is mushroom coffee, made by brands such as Four Sigmatic and Ryze. There's also functional coffee, such as MUD\WTR's adaptogenic drink and Rasa's herbal mix with ashwagandha and chicory. Then there's Everyday Doze's functional coffee, which is infused with nootropics and superfoods in addition to Arabian coffee beans. Should you try these new beverages, or even replace your regular cup of coffee with them? Here's what to know. Do coffee alternatives contain caffeine? Many coffee alternatives are low in caffeine or don't contain caffeine at all. Instead, their claims of boosting energy come from other ingredients, such as adaptogens. This could benefit people who want to scale back on caffeine in general. The caffeine in coffee (about 95 mg per cup) may cause uncomfortable side effects, says Davis, especially for those who suffer from anxiety. Intolerance to caffeine, which varies greatly from person to person, may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, sweating and even shortness of breath. Drinking caffeine too late in the day can disrupt sleep, which, over time, can lead to poor health outcomes like high blood pressure and weight gain. Those who are especially sensitive to caffeine can also experience other side effects like jitters, headaches and gut issues — and the more caffeine you drink, the more likely you'll experience them. Some studies show a risk to drinking too much caffeine — a 2024 study found that drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (a little more than four cups of coffee) could increase the likelihood of developing heart disease, for example — but a major reason people may consider scaling back is the risk of developing a dependence. When your body gets used to a regular caffeine fix, skipping it can trigger withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability and fatigue. Are there health benefits to drinking coffee alternatives? Many coffee alternatives boast ingredients like adaptogens, which are natural substances believed to help the body manage stress, or nootropics, which are compounds thought to enhance cognitive function — things you won't get in your average cup of coffee. Dietitian Amy Davis tells Yahoo Life she's a big fan of mushroom coffee. 'With functional mushrooms, the more you take them on a daily basis, the more you feel the benefits of them,' Davis says. 'Lion's mane, for example, is the OG brain booster mushroom — it's going to support cognitive function and focus, which is one of the main reasons why people drink coffee.' Davis also points to other ingredients common in these coffees, such as chaga, a type of mushroom that she says is 'great for immunity,' while another mushroom, cordyceps, may help provide energy. However, more research is needed to assess the actual benefits of these substances. Other coffee alternatives promise similar benefits to java but promise fewer side effects. Atomo, for example, claims that their upcycled coffee is 'high in antioxidants' — similar to regular coffee, which is also rich in antioxidants — but with 'a clean caffeine experience giving consumers a superfood-based approach to your caffeine ritual that is easier on your stomach.' Davis says that date pits found in Atomo are a healthy coffee alternative because you'll get a 'really concentrated source of the nutrients that are found in dates,' such as potassium. Are coffee alternatives more environmentally friendly? One environmental problem connected to the coffee industry is deforestation: the demand for coffee, and specifically sun-grown coffee, means trees must be cleared out to build large plantations. Since this sun-grown method also leads to a loss of nutrients in the soil, coffee farmers must keep finding new land once they are unable to grow in that particular area. Plus, growing coffee requires a lot of water — around 140 liters are needed for a single cup. These issues led Atomo to create a coffee-like beverage that is not only more sustainable than coffee production, but also uses parts of plants that would otherwise become garbage. It's made from so-called upcycled ingredients like chicory root, grapeskin, date pits, sunflower and lemon and mimics the taste of coffee. The bottom line Matthew Badgett, an internal medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, doesn't think choosing a coffee alternative in lieu of a cup of joe will do much to improve your health. 'Maybe a coffee alternative provides benefits that are equally valuable, but we don't know,' Badgett tells Yahoo Life, referencing the lack of studies on these alternatives. 'But we know that coffee is good for you.' So you don't necessarily need to give up coffee if you enjoy it. Coffee is rich in polyphenols, which help fight inflammation and protect against cell damage, and several studies show people who drink coffee regularly have lower rates of cancer and chronic disease. Davis says that whether you opt for a coffee alternative comes down to how you feel about your coffee habit. 'If you're someone who is prone to feeling anxious or jittery after having coffee, this is going to be a good fit for you,' she explains. While Davis says that coffee alternatives like mushroom coffee provide energy and help improve cognitive function, so does the caffeine found in coffee. Love coffee, but are sensitive to caffeine? Badgett says you can always go for decaf, which has similar health benefits but significantly less caffeine.
