Mushroom coffee: sip your way to health and brain power with this trendy brew

Mushroom coffee is currently trending among health enthusiasts and coffee drinkers, leaving many curious about this unique blend of coffee and fungi.

Before you picture mushrooms floating at the top of your cuppa, it's simply a refined powder. 

According to a study on chemistry, nutrition and health-promoting properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) mushroom fruiting bodies and mycelia and their bioactive compounds, mushrooms were used as a coffee substitute in Finland during World War II, when coffee beans weren’t available.

There’s also an extensive history of culinary and medicinal use of mushrooms in Asian countries, specifically for Chinese medicine, for their nutritional and health benefits.

Advocates are claiming a variety of health benefits associated with mushroom coffee, including improved sleep and enhanced energy, but is there more to it than just a trendy label?

Let's dive in. 

What is mushroom coffee?

According to "Harvard Health Publishing", mushroom coffee is crafted from a delicate mix of ground mushrooms and traditional coffee beans, producing a dark, smooth and intriguingly nutty brew.

The fruits of various mushrooms, extracted and processed into organic powder, form the base of this drink.

The mushrooms are dehydrated, ground into a fine powder, and typically combined with the ground coffee beans in a 1-to-1 ratio.

This unique concoction can come in various forms, including instant coffee packets, ready-made coffee pods and ground coffee blends.

One attractive aspect of mushroom coffee is its reduced caffeine content. By combining mushroom powder, which is naturally caffeine-free, with regular coffee, the overall caffeine levels can be halved.

This could be beneficial for those sensitive to caffeine's side effects, such as anxiety, rapid heart rate and stomach upset.

Potential health benefits

The allure of mushroom coffee extends beyond just caffeine reduction. Fans are boasting a range of health advantages:

• Stress management: Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi help the body cope with daily stressors.
• Immune support: Varieties such as Turkey Tail and Reishi may bolster immune system resilience.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Many mushrooms, including Chaga, are reputed to mitigate inflammation.
• Enhanced Focus: Some mushrooms, notably Lion's Mane, are linked to cognitive support and improved concentration.

While these benefits sound promising, it's important to note that much of the research surrounding these mushrooms has been conducted in laboratories or with animals.

Well-structured clinical trials involving human participants are sorely lacking, begging the question: Can we truly attribute these health claims to mushroom coffee?

Price tag

Despite its growing popularity, mushroom coffee tends to come with a higher price tag, often costing double that of standard coffee.

The bottom line

Mushroom coffee might just be the next big thing in an ever-evolving health and wellness landscape. While the mushrooms themselves boast health benefits in isolation, the actual efficacy of mushroom coffee remains largely unverified.

For those wanting to explore this trendy brew, stepping aside from caffeine-heavy options to something more earthy may be worth a try, but balancing expectations with research is key.

Also, it may be perfectly safe for most individuals, however, it’s advisable to discuss it with a healthcare provider, especially for those who are pregnant, lactating or have pre-existing health issues.