
Instant Mushroom Coffee: What are the Benefits?
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Time to read 9 min
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Time to read 9 min
Instant mushroom coffee is becoming as much of an icon as functional mushrooms themselves. Gone are the days when brewing a cup of mushroom coffee meant buying expensive ground mushroom coffee and waiting for it to steep.
Now, instant mushroom coffee options (like Lucid Super Coffee) make it as easy as stirring up a quick mix. With instant mushroom coffee, you can enjoy a fast, convenient cup of coffee rich in mushroom coffee benefits, especially those related to a high polysaccharide (beta glucan) content.
Let's dig into the benefits:
Table of Contents
Instant mushroom coffee is usually made with mushroom extract.
Extract has more beta-glucans, so instant mushroom coffee may be superior to other forms of mushroom coffee.
Different mushroom coffee blends contain different medicinal mushrooms and therefore have different effects.
Instant mushroom coffee combines the rich flavor of coffee with the added health benefits of medicinal mushrooms, creating a convenient, nutrient-packed beverage.
Here’s a quick breakdown of its top benefits:
Boosts Focus and Energy : Many types of mushroom instant coffee contain adaptogens like Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps, known to support mental clarity and sustained energy without the jittery effects of regular coffee.
Supports Immune Health : Mushroom coffee often includes super beta-glucans, compounds found in mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga, which have immune-boosting properties, making it a beneficial addition to your daily routine.
Gut-Friendly and Easier on Digestion: Instant mushroom coffee tends to be less acidic than traditional coffee, reducing the risk of digestive discomfort. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can support gut health and overall wellness.
With the benefits of mushroom coffee, this instant blend offers a unique way to enjoy the traditional coffee experience while tapping into the health potential of medicinal mushrooms.
Instant mushroom coffee is a newer innovation in the world of shroomy coffee beverages, and it’s got a new spin that you won’t find with most traditional mushroom coffee products (the kind that needs to be brewed in a pot).
Instant mushroom coffee, since it’s made to be instantly mixed up with water or milk of varying temperatures, is usually made with mushroom extract. On the other hand, a traditional mushroom coffee blend may be made with whole mushroom powder.
Here’s the difference:
When whole mushroom powder is made, the entire mushroom is dehydrated and ground up. This form of mushroom supplement contains more of the mushroom’s nutritional components, like fibers, vitamins, and minerals, but it isn't as biologically active.
That’s because the beta-glucan content (the biologically active components responsible for many health benefits) is locked inside the mushroom’s 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 form the chitin layers, you need to “extract” them. This can be done with a regular hot water extraction, like when making tea.
But that water has to be pretty hot to melt away the chitin effectively, but not too hot or it will degrade the beta-glucan content altogether. It can be kind of tricky to get it right–and the beta-glucan content is still pretty limited in order to make room for the rest of the mushroom materials (like the fiber and vitamins and minerals we mentioned earlier.
On the other hand, mushroom extract is a biologically active solution composed of the mushroom’s beta-glucans and triterpenes–the compounds responsible for all of the health benefits associated with mushroom coffee.
When mushroom extract is made, the mushrooms are introduced to 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.
When you use an instant mushroom coffee made with mushroom extract, no steeping is needed–you simply mix this up however you like and consume it, and you’re getting a concentrated dose of medicinal mushrooms.
Instant mushroom coffee can be made with a variety of different medicinal mushrooms, each with their own uses and effects. Here are some examples of the most popular mushrooms used in coffee and their potential benefits:
Lion’s Mane is known as the “mind mushroom” thanks to its benefits surrounding cognition and neuroprotection. According to limited evidence, lion’s mane may improve cognition, promote the growth of nerve cells, and support a healthy mood, potentially in a way that helps to manage depressive disorders.
Tremella, the “beauty mushroom” helps protect tissues and promote hydration inside and out. Studies have found it to have potential anti-aging properties and neuroprotective effects, though more evidence is needed to understand how these benefits may be applied.
Cordyceps is known as the “athletes 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, like increased endurance and improved physical performance.
Cordyceps also contains cordycepin, which, according to a review published in 2020, may have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging compounds, among other benefits.
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.
Maitake contains D-fraction, a beta-glucan known to have a strong effect on the immune system by boosting the production of lymphokines and interleukins that improve your overall immune response. One study confirms that both Maitake and Shiitake stimulate the immune system defense response.
Instant mushroom coffee also contains coffee, and the benefits of this addition cannot be overlooked. In general, moderated doses of coffee may be linked to the following benefits:
As you shop around for mushroom coffee, you’ll quickly see how many different variations there are. There are several different formulas and flavors around, each varying in quality, which can definitely affect the overall benefits you’ll experience.
Here are some things to consider:
Some mushroom coffee formulas and other mushroom supplements may be made with mushroom mycelium, the underground web of “roots” that help support the mushroom’s 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 %.
Our Lucid Coffee uses a fruiting body mushroom formula that is much more pure and potent than mycelial supplements. Learn more about the difference by reading “Mycelium vs Fruiting Body.”
In order to ensure that the instant mushroom coffee you choose has the beta-glucans necessary to provide full therapeutic support, check for a verified beta-glucan content on the label.
Keep in mind that manufacturers do not have to list the beta-glucan content. If it isn’t listed, however, that means that the product contains little to no beta-glucans and likely has no medicinal value.
A good mushroom supplement should be manufactured in a cGMP compliant facility and should be third-party tested to ensure label accuracy.
Now that you can see the clear benefits of a high-quality mushroom formula, 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 and more:
Want to learn more? Read more about our Ingredients and Quality, or check out one of our three delicious formulas:
Yes, mushroom instant coffee can be beneficial due to the adaptogenic properties of medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. These mushrooms are known for supporting immune health, enhancing focus, and providing a steady energy boost without the jitters often associated with regular coffee. Mushroom coffee benefits include improved mental clarity and reduced acidity, which can be easier on the stomach.
While mushroom coffee offers numerous benefits, it may have some downsides. Some people find the taste of mushroom coffee to be slightly earthy compared to regular coffee. Additionally, since the caffeine content is often lower than traditional coffee, it may not deliver the same strong kick for those used to higher doses. Certain mushroom coffee side effects, like mild digestive discomfort, can also occur, especially if you’re sensitive to new adaptogens or ingredients.
The best mushroom coffee depends on your personal goals and preferences. Opt for organic and sustainably sourced brands to ensure you’re getting the full benefits of mushroom coffee without unwanted additives.
While mushroom coffee alone won’t specifically target belly fat, it may support weight management efforts. Some mushrooms, like Chaga and Reishi, contain compounds that can promote metabolism and support balanced blood sugar levels, which may indirectly help in maintaining a healthy weight when combined with a balanced diet and active lifestyle.
Doctors and nutrition experts often view mushroom coffee as a potentially beneficial addition to a wellness routine. Many approve of its lower acidity compared to traditional coffee and its adaptogenic properties. Medicinal mushrooms have been studied for their immune-boosting and cognitive benefits, but doctors usually recommend choosing high-quality, reputable brands for safety and efficacy.
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