What is mushroom coffee?
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years due to their diverse and adaptable health benefits. With the mainstreaming of functional medicine and holistic nutrition in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in these wonderful superfoods.
During World War II, when coffee beans were unavailable, mushrooms were used as a coffee substitute in Finland, according to a study on the Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium Erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. Mushrooms have a long history of culinary and medicinal use in Asian countries, particularly in Chinese medicine, for their nutritional and health benefits. Mushroom coffee is made and enjoyed in the same way as regular coffee — brew it in a drip coffee machine, Chemex, French Press, or even as tea.
What are the health benefits of mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee contains little to no caffeine. This means that if regular coffee gives you the jitters or disrupts your sleep, mushroom coffee may be a good substitute. Also, if you’re trying to break up with coffee but are struggling to do so, mushroom coffee can be used as a transitional beverage.
Mushroom coffee can assist with stress management. Adaptogenic mushrooms, by definition, aid the body in dealing with stress – or adapting to it. Adaptogenic herbs and superfoods bring the body back into balance by increasing or decreasing chemical reactions, helping it self-regulate.
Mushroom coffee supports the immune system. It is well-known for its ability to improve immunity as a result of the mushrooms’ bio-compounds, which help reduce inflammation.
Mushroom coffee may aid in the prevention of chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms are beneficial for more than just immune health. They may also help protect against chronic diseases, which are caused by high, chronic levels of inflammation.
Mushroom coffee can improve concentration and brain function. One of the reasons mushroom coffee is so popular is that it assists in focus and concentration. This benefit will especially be felt if your mushroom coffee contains Lion’s Mane. Instead of culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello, mushroom coffee uses medicinal mushroom extracts.
Some additional health benefits of mushroom coffee:
- Provides immune support.
- Full of antioxidants.
- Supports a healthy inflammatory response.
- Helps to balance blood sugar.
- Supports brain health and cognition.
- Supports the nervous system.
- Increases energy and stamina.
The following medicinal mushrooms are commonly used to make this trendy mushroom coffee:
- Chaga
- Turkey’s tail
- Lion’s mane
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
Numerous medicinal mushrooms have highly adaptogenic properties that can help you adjust to a variety of stressors in your life by naturally and gently supporting your body’s adrenal system, which maintains the body’s hormonal response to stress and anxiety.
Discover more superfoods, their health benefits and how to consume them for the best results in this post.