
Benefits of Mushroom Coffee (& Quality Standards That Matter)
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Time to read 13 min
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Time to read 13 min
Mushroom coffee, as popular as it's becoming, is still a bit of an ambiguity right now. Are we putting mushrooms in our regular morning cup? Or is the brew made entirely of coffee-esque mushrooms? Most importantly–why? What are the benefits of mushroom coffee that make it worth giving this shroomy cup a shot?
The answer is basically this–mushrooms are magical. (And no, we don't mean magical like you'll take a trip to Wonderland. But magically beneficial for supporting energy, immunity, cognitive clarity, and more–if "magical" means "scientifically significant.")
Okay, so the answer is a little more complex than "magic"–but intriguing nonetheless.
We'll break down everything you need to know about mushroom coffee benefits (and how the quality of a formula impacts its overall benefits) down below:
Table of Contents
The benefits of mushroom coffee include boosting immunity, cognition, and more.
Different mushroom coffee formulas have different benefits, but the quality of a mushroom preparation heavily impacts the potential benefits it may offer.
Mushroom extract formulas made from 100% fruiting bodies may be the most beneficial.
We'd love to clear the confusion on what mushroom coffee really is, but that's a hard thing to do. Truthfully, "mushroom coffee" can refer to any number of concoctions containing mushrooms, some that do contain actual coffee, and some that don't.
The coffee content of mushroom coffee has everything to do with its caffeine content. Some contain large doses of caffeine, while others balance on a lower dose and offer other energy sources.
The benefits of mushroom coffee are difficult to pinpoint because there are so many medicinal mushrooms with unique benefits, but research usually centers around the most popular and well-researched medicinal and nootropic mushrooms, These may include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Tremella, Maitake, or Chaga.
Different mushrooms have different benefits (and we'll break down some of these individual benefits below), but many medicinal mushrooms have a few things in common, and you can expect those same benefits from any well-made mushroom coffee formula.
Before we can discuss the benefits of mushroom coffee, let's talk about the benefits of the actual mushrooms.
We mentioned that many mushrooms have been medicinally significant for thousands of years. In fact, one of the oldest accounts of medicinal mushrooms dates back to 450 BCE when the Greek physician Hippocrates, classified the amadou mushroom as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds.
Modern research has uncovered even more about many of these mushrooms, and we now know that most of the health benefits related to mushrooms come from bioactive compounds called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that have been linked to various healing and immunostimulating benefits.
All mushrooms contain a different array of beta-glucans, but many of them overlap, lending many mushrooms a few overlapping benefits. For instance, most beta-glucans increase immune defense by activating natural “killer cells.” Some research suggests that this even includes defense against tumor cells.
One study titled “Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life” published in the International Journal of Microbiology (2015) states:
“Many nutraceutical properties are described in mushrooms, such as prevention or treatment of Parkinson, Alzheimer, hypertension, and high risk of stroke. They are also utilized to reduce the likelihood of cancer invasion and metastasis due to antitumoral attributes. Mushrooms act as antibacterial, immune system enhancer and cholesterol lowering agents; additionally, they are important sources of bioactive compounds. As a result of these properties, some mushroom extracts are used to promote human health and are found as dietary supplements.”
There are many types of medicinal mushrooms in the world, some with medicinal uses dating back to the B.C. era. However, there are a handful that are most commonly used in supplemental formulations, both based on the research available and the availability of the mushroom itself.
For now, we are going to focus on the four mushrooms used in our Lucid Mushroom+Nootropic Coffee. (If you noticed the “+Nootropics” part and want to know more, read “Why We Chose Our Ingredients: What’s in a Lucid Stack?”
Here’s a rundown of our mushroom mix and the standout benefits for each one:
Lion’s Mane is known as the “mind mushroom” thanks to its benefits surrounding cognition and neuroprotection.
Learn more about Lion's Mane by reading "Lion's Mane Cognition Benefits" and "Where to Buy Lion's Mane Mushroom".
Tremella, the “beauty mushroom” helps protect tissues and promote hydration inside and out.
Cordyceps is known as the “athlete's mushroom,” but it can provide energy and stamina support for everyday life. This mushroom is known for its ability to stimulate oxygen flow throughout the body which may be linked to an array of physical benefits.
Learn more about Cordyceps by reading "Cordyceps Benefits" and "Cordyceps Dosage."
The Maitake mushroom is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it may "adapt" to the body's needs in order to resolve imbalances that cause various mental and physical challenges. It’s most well-known for its immune-regulating benefits.
For mushroom coffees that contain coffee, there are a few other benefits to consider. On fact, coffee is well known for a myriad of potential health benefits (when used in moderation), including:
There are so many types of mushroom coffees on the market that it’s dangerous to assume that they all offer the same benefits. You’ll need to choose between more than just different flavor varieties and caffeine contents–you should also pay close attention to the way that the mushroom portion of the formula is made.
Here are some things to consider to help you reap the maximum benefits of mushroom coffee:
When considering any mushroom formula, you should consider whether you’re purchasing a whole mushroom formula or a mushroom extract. Many people may argue that a whole mushroom formula is better or “more natural” because it contains all of the fiber, nutrients, and other beneficial compounds found in the whole mushroom.
However, the beta-glucan content of a mushroom is locked inside chitin–the same polymer that makes up an insect’s exoskeleton. For the human digestive system, that’s a problem. In order to “unlock” these beta-glucans from the chitin layers, you need to “extract” them. This can be done with regular hot water extraction, like when making tea.
A mushroom extract, like the one used in Lucid Coffee, is already biologically active, leading to the enhanced benefits of mushroom coffee.
The extraction process is superior to what you can do in your own kitchen at home. When mushrooms are properly extracted, they are introduced to hot water at the perfect temperature to melt away chitin while keeping the beta-glucans intact, and the entire process is done in a pressurized atmosphere so that no beneficial compounds are lost to steam.
Mushroom supplements can be made from either the mycelium or the mushroom’s fruiting body (or sometimes a combination of both). The fruiting body is the stem and cap portion that most people associate with mushrooms. The mycelium is the underground network of cell-signaling “roots” that help the mushroom sustain life.
There’s some argument surrounding which is best, but the science is clear–fruiting bodies contain a beta-glucan content of around 30 to 40 %, while the beta-glucan content of the mycelium is much lower–around 5-7 %.
Plus, mycelium is grown in grain blocks, and the entire block is ground up with the mycelium during manufacturing. That means that mycelial products contain a large portion of grain and are severely degraded compared to fruiting body supplements.
To reap the full benefits of mushroom coffee, you want to choose a formula made from fruiting bodies with bountiful beta glucans.
Our Lucid Coffee uses a fruiting body mushroom formula that is much more pure and potent than mycelial supplements.
Finally, consider whether the product you choose actually contains coffee. Some mushroom coffee supplements are designed to be a “coffee substitute,” meaning they only replicate the flavor of coffee, but don’t actually contain any coffee.
If you want the benefits of mushroom coffee you need a formula that contains real coffee. Lucid Mushroom+Nootropic Coffee is made with 100% organic coffee grown, roasted and imported from Colombia.
Now that you can see the clear benefits of mushroom coffee, we implore you to consider a step further–a mushroom coffee that also contains brain-boosting nootropics.
Our Lucid stack contains all of this–four powerful mushrooms plus nootropics like BCAA’s, L-Theanine, L-Tyrosine, Ginkgo Biloba, and more. This functional formula can help boost your performance, improve immunity, support healing, and more–a slew of benefits that most energy drinks and coffee blends just don’t provide.
When it’s all said and done, this nootropic + mushroom super blend adds up to offer these benefits of mushroom coffee and more:
Want to learn more? Read more about our Ingredients and Quality, or check out one of our three delicious formulas:
Mushroom coffee offers a range of benefits due to its unique blend of mushrooms and coffee. The benefits of mushroom coffee include enhanced cognitive function, increased energy levels, and improved immune support. Additionally, many people find that the benefits of mushroom coffee include reduced stress and better overall wellness.
While mushroom coffee has many benefits, it can also have some downsides. The taste might not appeal to everyone, and it can be more expensive than regular coffee. Additionally, the benefits of mushroom coffee might not be noticeable for everyone, and individual responses can vary.
The benefits of mushroom coffee include potential detoxification effects due to the presence of mushrooms like chaga and reishi, which are known for their antioxidant properties. However, while mushroom coffee can support overall health, it is not a magic detox solution and should be part of a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Yes, the benefits of mushroom coffee can be quite significant. Mushroom coffee can support brain health, improve energy, and boost the immune system. However, the effectiveness of mushroom coffee can vary depending on the quality and type of mushrooms used.
There is no direct evidence to suggest that the benefits of mushroom coffee include specific fat reduction, such as belly fat. However, mushroom coffee can support overall wellness and metabolism, which may indirectly aid in weight management.
While mushroom coffee can support metabolic health and provide a healthier alternative to regular coffee, the benefits of mushroom coffee for weight loss are not substantial on their own. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for effective weight management.
One of the benefits of mushroom coffee is its potential to enhance cognitive function. Certain mushrooms used in mushroom coffee, such as Lion’s Mane, are known for their nootropic effects, which can help improve mental clarity and focus.
The benefits of mushroom coffee compared to regular coffee include reduced caffeine content and added health benefits from the mushrooms. Mushroom coffee often has less acidity and can be easier on the digestive system while offering additional adaptogenic properties.
The benefits of mushroom coffee generally outweigh the side effects, but some individuals may experience digestive issues or an allergic reaction. It's important to start with a small amount and observe how your body responds to the benefits of mushroom coffee.
To experience the benefits of mushroom coffee, it’s recommended to drink it regularly as part of a balanced diet. Consistency is key to noticing the health benefits, such as improved energy and immune support, from mushroom coffee.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive look at the benefits of mushroom coffee, its potential downsides, and its overall impact on health.