Reishi mushroom is an effective medicinal mushroom used to strengthen immunity, aid sleep and fight cancer. With centuries of use in traditional Eastern medicine, Reishi is thought to promote longevity and an equilibrium state of mind – now available as nutritional powder, supplements or tea. If you take medication or have health conditions it’s wise to consult your physician first when adding mushrooms into your diet.

Mushroom coffees are created by replacing or diluting traditional coffee with ground functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga and reishi which have been found to help improve sleep and relieve stress. Also known as Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms, they possess adaptogenic properties which allow the body to better adapt against stressors; according to research they may even decrease cortisol production which suppresses melatonin production leading to insomnia, as Mulvihill points out.

Fungi are also packed with beta-glucans that activate the immune system and help manage blood sugar levels, and have antioxidant properties which protect against free radical damage that increases heart disease risk and cancer risk, according to Mulvihill.

Although more research must be completed to confirm these claims, mushroom coffees may provide a safe and efficient way to meet daily mushroom intake needs. When selecting one of these products, make sure it has been third-party certified so you know it contains as promised and is free from contaminants. Whole reishi mushrooms may also be purchased at specialty or online grocery stores to be mixed into beverages–just follow manufacturer guidelines when doing so for best results.