One of the latest hot trends in the wellness space is mushroom coffee, and it's exactly what it sounds like. Mushroom coffee involves blending traditional coffee with medicinal mushroom extracts. The Mushroom Coffee Market was valued at 2.6 billion USD in 2022 and is expected to be worth 4.3 billion USD by 2032.
This combination soared in popularity as health claims of improved concentration, enhanced immune function, stress reduction, and decreased inflammation surfaced. Combining mushrooms with coffee typically creates a lower caffeine content than traditional coffee alone and is rich in antioxidants.
Evaluating health claims with scientific evidence is essential to ensuring consumers receive accurate information to make informed decisions. This article will explore these health claims and the scientific evidence of mushroom coffee.
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What is Mushroom Coffee?
In mushroom coffee, mushroom extracts are ground into regular coffee grounds. Medical mushroom types include lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga. Each has distinct health benefits.
After harvesting, mushrooms are dried to preserve their nutrients and undergo an extraction process that involves drawing out beneficial compounds such as polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, which will be discussed in further detail later in this article.
After extraction, the mushrooms are dried and ground into a fine powder. The mushroom extract powder is then blended with ground coffee. Mushroom coffee may be brewed using various methods, such as coffee makers, French presses, or espresso machines.
You can make mushroom coffee at home by blending 1 cup of brewed coffee with 1 teaspoon of mushroom powder extract. Depending on personal preferences, milk or sweeteners may be added.
Health Claims of Mushroom Coffee
Health benefit claims of medicinal mushrooms include:
- Improved immune system function.
- Anti-inflammatory effects.
- Increased energy and stamina.
- Anti-aging effects.
- Improved well-being.
- Enhancement of cognitive function.
Like other coffee alternatives, mushroom coffee has its pros and cons. Along with the potential benefits listed previously, the cons of mushroom coffee include a higher price tag than traditional coffee, and the distinguished taste may not be everyone's preference.
Other alternatives include golden milk, matcha, chicory coffee, dandelion coffee, and yerba mate.
Health claims associated with mushroom coffee make it highly appealing to customers interested in naturally elevating their health and wellness.
Scientific Evidence on Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in the areas of cognitive function, stress reduction, and immune system support. Below is an overview of the scientific evidence behind these claims.
Cognitive Function and Brain Health
One of the most common health claims about mushroom coffee is its potential cognitive benefits. Certain medicinal mushrooms, such as lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), are known for their nootropic or cognitive-enhancing properties.
Lion's mane contains compounds that may protect brain cells from damage, promote neural health, and enhance brain plasticity. One study showed that the oral intake of Hericium erinaceusis can improve cognitive function and is safe and convenient for dementia prevention.
Lion's mane may stimulate the production of nerve growth factor. This protein can increase the length of nerve cell processes, potentially enhancing cognitive functions such as focus, memory, and concentration.
A study conducted on Japanese men and women aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment found participants who consumed lion's mane for 16 weeks showed significant improvements in cognitive function. The benefits diminished after the intake stopped, indicating the need for continuous consumption for sustained benefits.
Another study on post-menopausal women assessed the effects of lion's mane on anxiety and depression, finding a reduction in symptoms.
Stress Reduction and Adaptogenic Properties
Medicinal mushrooms are known to be rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat stress, which negatively impacts cognitive health. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is commonly known for its adaptogenic properties. These can indirectly support cognitive function by reducing anxiety and improving focus. Reishi is also used in modern medicine as a powerful antioxidant and adjunct to cancer therapy.
Research on reishi mushrooms has explored various potential health benefits. However, more clinical studies are needed to firmly establish the effects. Many studies have been performed in animals or in vitro (outside living organisms); thus, high-quality clinical trials in humans are needed to substantiate these effects.
Cordyceps is associated with increased energy and stamina. This review explains how cordyceps stimulate mitochondrial ATP production, which is the source of energy and storage on the cellular level. Improved physical health can lead to improved mental clarity.
Cordyceps has also been found to have antidepressant effects. In Asia, Cordyceps militaris has been traditionally used in treating neurological disorders, including anxiety and epilepsy.
Immune System Support
Mushrooms act as prebiotics, stimulating the growth of gut microbiota and acting as immunomodulatory agents. Prebiotics have been associated with weakening disease states of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. With 70% of immune cells in the gut, understanding the gut-brain connection and addressing gut health is essential in whole-body optimization.
Short-term use of natural immunomodulating agents from shiitake and maitake mushrooms strongly stimulates immune defense reactions.
Emerging evidence shows that mushrooms may reverse myelosuppression, a side effect of chemotherapy in which bone marrow activity is decreased, as seen in cancer-treated patients. Further studies on the dosing of specific mushroom preparations in integrative oncology are needed.
Nutritional Profile and Bioactive Compounds
The nutritional content of mushrooms used in mushroom coffee can vary depending on the type of mushroom used.
- Reishi Mushroom: High in fiber and protein, some minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Known for its potential immunity-boosting benefits.
- Lion's Mane Mushroom: High in fiber, carbohydrates, and some protein. Known for its potential cognitive benefits.
- Chaga Mushroom: High in fiber, carbohydrates, and small amounts of minerals. Known for its potential antioxidant properties and immune support.
- Cordyceps Mushroom: Protein, carbohydrates, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.Known for its potential energy-boosting and physical performance-enhancing properties.
Bioactive Compounds
The benefits of mushrooms are attributed to the bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants.
Polysaccharides, or complex sugars, are the main active ingredients in mushrooms. They are carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of smaller monosaccharides, or simple sugars, linked by glycosidic bonds. They may be used in combination with medicinal drugs to help prevent and protect against, at low cost, the adverse effects of some major diseases.
Mushrooms have alpha- and beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide known for their metabolic and immune-boosting effects. Beta-glucans can help activate the immune system and inflammatory processes.
This systematic review shows that beta-glucans strengthen the immune defense system in respiratory infections and improve allergy symptoms. Improvements in mood states and well-being were also found, along with potential added benefits with incorporation into cancer treatments.
Another one of the most bioactive compounds in mushrooms is triterpenoids. Triterpenoids are not water-soluble and must be extracted from mushrooms through alcohol extraction, which is more time-consuming. Triterpenoids have been found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, protect the liver, and have anti-allergic effects.
One hundred sixty-six triterpenes have been discovered and analyzed for their anticancer, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties and effectiveness in countering neurodegenerative diseases.
Safety and Side Effects
The safety profiles of common mushrooms in mushroom coffee include the quality of mushrooms and processing methods used, as well as if any additional ingredients are added.
It is essential to ensure that the mushrooms used are sourced from reputable suppliers. Mushrooms are considered safe for most people; however, it is a good idea to start with small amounts, as some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction.
Due to their potential antiplatelet effects, mushrooms may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Thus, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Consumer Considerations
The benefits of mushroom coffee may vary from person to person. Individual health, mushroom type, and overall diet and lifestyle can influence outcomes.
The medicinal properties of mushrooms will vary depending on the type, the geographical area, growing conditions, the part of the mushroom used, and the stage at the processing time.
Supplement quality and concentrations can vary. It's vital to choose high-quality products from reputable brands. Overall, products from reputable brands that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) will likely be safer.
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Key Takeaways
- In recent years, research into medicinal mushrooms has progressed; however, much more is needed.
- While evidence suggests the health benefits of certain medicinal mushrooms in mushroom coffee, such as lion's mane, and improving cognitive function, more research is required to understand their effects and establish clear recommendations fully.
- Evidence-based approaches are crucial in dietary trends because they prioritize safety and efficacy and provide reliable guidance for people to make informed choices about their health.
- Consumers interested in mushroom coffee's cognitive benefits may find including it in their diet helpful.
- However, patients should remain realistic with their expectations and consider a broader and more integrative approach to overall health, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good-quality sleep.
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