Mushroom coffee combines the stimulating power of coffee with the functional, adaptogenic power of medicinal mushrooms.
Mushroom coffee is revered for its ability to provide sustainable energy throughout the day, boost immune function, improve cognitive health, aid digestion, and more.
In this article, we weigh the pros and cons of mushroom coffee and consider who should try it and who should avoid it…
Shop Cafely Mushroom Coffees: Made with a blend of high-grade coffee, functional mushroom blends (reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, chaga), and adaptogenic herbs (rhodiola, ashwgandha, L-theanine, and more). Contans less than 1 gram of sugar per serving!
Top 5 Benefits (Pros) of Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee boasts a range of benefits to physical health, mental health, and productivity. These “pros” are what attract most people to mushroom coffee.
1. Boosts the Immune System
Mushroom coffee may boost immune function. Certain mushrooms, such as reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga, are capable of improving immune function and reducing inflammation [1].
Beta-glucans and triterpenoids in many of the mushrooms present in mushroom coffee enhance immune function by stimulating the activity of NK (natural killer) white blood cells. These blood cells play a crucial role in fighting off infections and tumors.
Polysaccharides are also present in mushrooms such as chaga, turkey tail, and reishi. These compounds have been shown to enhance immune function through the stimulation of white blood cells [8].
The immune-boosting benefits of these mushrooms contribute to overall well-being, disease prevention, reduced fatigue, and faster healing.
2. Antioxidant Protection (Enhanced Longevity)
Several functional mushrooms used to make mushroom coffee contain antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells) and antioxidants in the body.
Chaga, reishi, and cordyceps mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative stress, essentially detoxifying the body by ridding it of free radicals [2].
3. Improves Stress Resilience
Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and respond to anxiety, as well as fatigue. They help the body restore "balance" after stressful situations.
Mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps are known adaptogens. Reishi helps modulate the body’s stress response, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Reishi contains a large variety of natural sedative compounds known as triterpenoids, which induce relaxation and a sense of calm [4].
Cordyceps mushrooms can improve physical performance and reduce fatigue by enhancing the body’s utilization of oxygen. They support the adrenal glands in the liver, which are crucial for managing muscle fatigue and the body’s stress response [5].
4. Boosts Cognitive Output (Focus, Attention, Problem-Solving)
Nootropics are substances that can enhance cognitive function. Some medicinal mushrooms are nootropics — lion’s mane is a prime example of this. It’s capable of supporting cognitive function by promoting the growth and repair of neurons [3].
Lion’s mane mushrooms promote neurogenesis and improve memory, focus, and mental clarity [6]. Some studies suggest that this species may even protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, help restore damaged neural pathways, and support overall brain health [7].
Most mushroom coffee blends contain lion’s mane mushrooms. This makes it a good option for those looking to boost their cognitive abilities, maintain mental sharpness, and perhaps prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Fewer Side Effects Than Regular Coffee
Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee. This reduction in caffeine can minimize some of the negative effects that are often experienced with high-caffeine coffee, such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
The lower caffeine content of mushroom coffee also makes it a more suitable option for people who are more sensitive to caffeine or those looking to reduce their overall caffeine intake.
Cons of Mushroom Coffee
As with any supplement, there are also negative points and potential side effects to mushroom coffee. For most, the “pros” definitely outweigh the “cons.” However, it's important to weigh up both before implementing this functional brew into your routine.
Here are the cons of consuming mushroom coffee:
1. Unappealing Taste (to Some)
Mushroom coffee has a peculiar taste. The mushrooms can leave cheesy and earthy notes, even when brewed with a dark roast coffee.
When brewed with high-quality coffee, mushroom coffee can be pleasant. The dark, nutty notes of robusta and the sweet, chocolatey notes of arabica can mask the cheesy notes and enhance the earthy tones of the mushroom blend. However, the complex flavor profile isn't for everyone.
If this brew isn't for you, there are a few ways to improve the taste of mushroom coffee.
2. More Complex Brewing Process
Mushroom coffee is a little more complicated to brew and get right. Two elements are required — the mushroom blend and coffee grounds. These two elements must be combined at a 1:1 ratio and brewed carefully using a French press.
With that said, it depends on how you brew regular coffee — for example, making an espresso from whole beans is more time-consuming and complex than brewing up mushroom coffee with an instant blend. Although mushroom coffee is a little more intensive to make compared to instant or pre-ground coffee, it's not too much hassle.
3. More Expensive Than Regular Coffee
Mushroom coffee is generally more expensive than regular coffee. You'll need to purchase a mushroom blend and a high-quality coffee to pair with it. This essentially doubles the cost of the brew.
If you want to consume mushroom coffee but money is an issue, we recommend limiting yourself to a cup per day. It’s best to avoid cheap mushroom coffee blends — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. May Contain Allergens
Mushroom coffee can contain allergens. If you're allergic to mushrooms, this brew can cause some unpleasant side effects.
If you have a mushroom allergy, it's best to avoid mushroom coffee. If you have other allergies and are unsure of whether the ingredients in mushroom coffee will affect you negatively, speak to a healthcare professional. When trying it for the first time, it's best to start with a small quantity before waiting several hours to see how your body reacts.
Who Should Try Mushroom Coffee?
If you're someone who prioritizes health and wellness and enjoys “biohacking,” mushroom coffee can make a great addition to your routine. The blend of functional mushrooms in mushroom coffee offers a variety of benefits, from boosting immunity with chaga and reishi to enhancing cognitive function with lion's mane.
You may want to try mushroom coffee if you:
1. You Struggle to Maintain Focus
For those in mentally demanding professions or academic fields, the nootropic benefits of mushroom coffee can be particularly appealing. Lion’s mane is known for its nootropic qualities. It can help stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), help improve memory, improve focus and mental clarity, and provide long-lasting energy.
2. You Suffer From Stress & Anxiety
If you struggle with stress or anxiety, incorporating mushroom coffee into your daily routine may help you manage these conditions more effectively. Adaptogenic mushrooms such as reishi and chaga help the body adapt to stress and promote relaxation. Consuming mushroom coffee in moderation could lower stress levels, make you more relaxed, and help reduce anxiety.
3. You Feel Tired & Low Energy
One of the core benefits of mushroom coffee is its ability to boost energy levels. Unlike regular coffee, which provides a rapid boost of energy followed by a crash, mushroom coffee provides clean and steady all-day energy. Functional mushrooms like cordyceps are especially beneficial as the effects gradually build up over time. The more often you drink mushroom coffee, the higher your day-to-day energy levels become. Peak results are usually reported after 2 weeks of daily mushroom coffee consumption.
4. You Want to Improve Digestive Health
If you suffer from digestive issues or poor gut health, you may want to implement mushroom coffee into your routine. Mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, and cordyceps can improve digestive power, reduce gut inflammation, and support the gut microbiome.
Who Should Avoid Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom Coffee is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are a few people who should avoid it.
You should avoid mushroom coffee if you:
1. You Have an Allergy to Other Mushrooms
Allergic reactions to mushrooms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. If you have a mushroom allergy, avoid mushroom coffee. If you believe you have an allergy that may be triggered by one or some of the ingredients in a mushroom coffee blend, consult a healthcare professional before consuming mushroom coffee.
2. You Have an Autoimmune Condition
People with autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis may want to avoid mushroom coffee. Mushrooms such as reishi and chaga have immune-boosting properties. They may exacerbate symptoms or interfere with medications. If you have an autoimmune disease, speak to a healthcare professional before considering mushroom coffee.
3. You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding
The effects of medicinal mushrooms on pregnant or breastfeeding women aren’t well-studied. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid consuming mushroom coffee.
4. You Take Certain Prescription Medications
If you take medication for blood pressure, blood sugar, or the immune system, it’s best to avoid mushroom coffee. Mushrooms such as reishi affect blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and immune function, which could interfere with medications for these conditions.
Mushroom Coffee 101
Mushroom coffee is a hot drink that contains a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms and coffee. The brew boasts the benefits of coffee (fast-acting energy and increased focus) and the mushrooms in the blend (improved cognitive function, metabolic function, and digestion).
This beverage offers the familiar taste and stimulating effects of coffee alongside the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms. Replacing your morning brew with mushroom coffee could be a better way to start the day…
Which Mushrooms Included in Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee can contain a variety of different medicinal mushrooms. If you make the blend yourself, the options are only limited to your imagination. However, it's best to limit the blend to less than eight different species to ensure the concentration of each is high enough to prove effective.
Most pre-made mushroom coffee blends contain four to six different mushroom species. Some also include adaptogens and potentiators such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola.
The most commonly used species in mushroom coffee are:
- Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
- Poria (Poria cocos)
FAQs: Mushroom Coffee
Head over to our blog if you want to learn more about mushrooms, coffee, and other beneficial beverages.
If you have a question you'd like answered, read through the FAQs below or contact us here.
1. How Much Mushroom Coffee Should I Drink?
One to two cups of mushroom coffee per day made at the strength recommended by the manufacturer is usually enough to notice the benefits. However, the amount of mushroom coffee you'll need to notice effects depends on a variety of factors. The exact mushrooms used in the blend, individual tolerance, and the strength of the coffee used all affect how much you'll need to consume to see results.
Although you can't overdose on mushroom coffee, you should follow the consumption guidelines on the mushroom coffee packaging.
2. What's the Best Coffee for Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee blends must be combined at a 50:50 ratio with “regular” coffee. Drinking a brew made from the mushroom powder alone will be unpleasant. You can make mushroom coffee with any type of coffee bean. However, strong dark roasts are best because the rich, dark flavors help mask the cheesy notes of the mushrooms.
We recommend a dark to medium roast Robusta coffee such as our HaNoi Blend. Alternatively, you can opt for an Arabica and Robusta blend such as our DaNang Blend if you prefer a sweeter, more complex coffee.
3. How Many Different Medicinal Mushrooms Exist?
2000 known edible mushroom species exist on planet Earth. They all have medicinal value to some degree because mushrooms are highly nutritious. However, 200 are considered truly medicinal, containing compounds beneficial to human health outside of the mushroom's nutritional value.
References:
- Wachtel-Galor, S., Yuen, J., Buswell, J. A., & Benzie, I. F. (2012). Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): a medicinal mushroom.
- Shashkina, M. Y., Shashkin, P. N., & Sergeev, A. V. (2006). Chemical and medicobiological properties of chaga. Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal, 40(10), 560-568.
- Mori, K., Obara, Y., Hirota, M., Azumi, Y., Kinugasa, S., Inatomi, S., & Nakahata, N. (2008). Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 31(9), 1727-1732.
- Ma, B., Ren, W., Zhou, Y., Ma, J., Ruan, Y., & Wen, C. N. (2011). Triterpenoids from the spores of Ganoderma lucidum. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(11), 495.
- Chen, S., Li, Z., Krochmal, R., Abrazado, M., Kim, W., & Cooper, C. B. (2010). Effect of Cs-4®(Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 16(5), 585-590.
- Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., ... & Malek, S. N. A. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International Journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6).
- Brandalise, F., Roda, E., Ratto, D., Goppa, L., Gargano, M. L., Cirlincione, F., ... & Rossi, P. (2023). Hericium erinaceus in neurodegenerative diseases: From bench to bedside and beyond, how far from the shoreline? Journal of Fungi, 9(5), 551.
- Murphy, E. J., Fehrenbach, G. W., Abidin, I. Z., Buckley, C., Montgomery, T., Pogue, R., ... & Rezoagli, E. (2023). Polysaccharides—Naturally occurring immune modulators. Polymers, 15(10), 2373.
