While some of the claims made by mushroom coffee with adaptogens may be true, more research is needed to prove that combining mushrooms like lion’s mane and cordyceps with caffeine has any health benefits. It’s also unclear whether the process of drying, grinding and brewing mushrooms for this kind of blend preserves their healthful compounds. In addition, it’s important to consider other factors such as the presence of added sugar and other ingredients in the drink.
The Power of Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane for Brain Health
One of the biggest claims about mushroom coffee is that it has stress-reducing adaptogens, which are plant-based compounds that help regulate how much cortisol (a stress hormone) your body releases in response to anxiety and other life events. Proponents say the adaptogens in this type of coffee reduce the amount of caffeine you ingest, which can make you less jittery and improve your sleep quality.
However, it’s important to remember that there are a number of other ways to get the benefits of adaptogens without drinking mushroom coffee: taking ashwagandha supplements, consuming tea with reishi and chaga mushrooms, or eating a balanced diet. In addition, some people with digestive or kidney issues should avoid mushrooms in any form because they can be high in oxalates, which can cause mineral imbalances and other health problems.
Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail and chaga have immune-boosting properties. They contain antioxidants and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, and some research suggests that certain mushrooms, such as reishi and cordyceps, can help improve heart health by decreasing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Other studies suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms and Chaga have potential cancer-fighting properties, while research indicates that chaga can ease chemotherapy side effects like nausea.