Medicinal mushrooms are known to have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. So, naturally, some entrepreneurial companies have combined the fungi with coffee, dubbed mushroom coffee.

But, despite its newfound gbmushrooms.net, the evidence supporting claims of this beverage’s benefits is thin. While the blends of lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and reishi that are commonly used in mushroom coffee are often used as medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, it’s unclear whether those effects are replicated when consumed in the form of a pre-mixed mug of coffee.

Proponents of mushroom coffee claim that the drink can improve mental clarity, boost the immune system, reduce stress, and lead to better sleep. There’s some scientific backing for the latter, as certain mushrooms — specifically reishi and lion’s mane — are believed to be adaptogens that may help regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, depression, and more.

Mushroom Coffee and Its Impact on Brain Health

But it’s important to note that a cup of mushroom coffee still contains caffeine, a stimulant that can have side effects such as anxiety, headache, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat in some people. Also, anyone with a mushroom allergy or digestive or kidney issues should steer clear. For the most part, the mushroom coffees on the market taste just like regular instant coffee. They’re earthy, nutty, and smooth, but not as bitter or syrupy as some conventional coffees can be. In a world where many coffee options seem to be saturated with sugar, mushroom coffee offers a welcome alternative.