Mushroom coffee sounds like an oxymoron, but this trendy beverage is gaining traction among consumers who want to boost their health and avoid caffeine. Mushroom coffee blends combine medicinal mushrooms with coffee beans and typically undergo an extraction process that isolates the beneficial ingredients. The resulting blend is then mixed with regular coffee and can be consumed as you would your usual cup of joe.
While some of the ingredients found in best mushroom coffee purport to offer wellness benefits, more clinical research including human subjects is needed to support these claims. Until then, registered dietitians recommend taking a wait-and-see approach to mushroom coffee.
If you do decide to try it, look for one that contains a blend of adaptogenic mushrooms (such as lion’s mane, chaga and turkey tail) in addition to Arabica instant coffee. Then check for any potential dietary restrictions, such as caffeine sensitivities and digestive issues, before drinking it.
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For example, chaga mushrooms can be high in oxalates, which may affect the kidneys. Also, reishi mushrooms can cause nausea and diarrhea in some people.
The good news is that many of the ingredients in mushroom coffee have not been shown to negatively impact digestion and are generally considered safe by the FDA. And some of the more promising ones, such as chaga, reishi and turkey tail, may help promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol. However, there is no magic bullet when it comes to improving your health; the best way to do so is to eat a colorful plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant proteins.