Medicinal mushrooms have been part of traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Now, medicinal mushrooms are making headlines as purported adaptogenic superfoods in the Western market. Mushroom coffees on sale claim to enhance cognition, immunity, and sleep and often combine regular coffee with extracts from medicinal mushrooms like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi or turkey tail; many health claims, however, remain unverifiable through scientific research – not to mention how drying, extracting, and brewing alters their natural properties – leaving many health claims unproved.

Mushroom coffee generally contains less caffeine than its coffee equivalent and may provide a more subtle energy boost without the associated jitters and crashes. Furthermore, mushroom coffee may help those sensitive to stimulants reduce their caffeine intake without impacting health negatively; in certain instances it could even serve as an ideal replacement as its typically lower calorie consumption is another advantage.

A typical cup of mushroom coffee contains anywhere between 25 to 150 milligrams of caffeine, depending on how much of the drink is consumed and whether or not it is decaf or full-caffeinated. While that amount might not cause immediate negative side effects for everyone, for those sensitive to psychoactive compounds it could potentially cause upset stomach, high heart rate or anxiety; children, pregnant women or those with existing health conditions are at greater risk and should limit their mushroom coffee consumption within recommended levels.

Mushroom coffee is generally well tolerated and may provide several health benefits, including cognitive support, immune system health and improved sleep. Before taking any type of mushroom supplement however, always consult your primary care physician first – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation, specific supplements including reishi, cordyceps turkey tail and chaga should not be combined together as these could interact with some conventional medications and cause an overdose.

mushroom coffee may provide stress-relief and sleep-inducing qualities, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits from compounds like beta-glucans and ergothioneine. Furthermore, its dietary fiber may help facilitate digestion by relieving symptoms of constipation. Mushroom coffee may offer numerous health advantages, and its distinctive flavor has been described as smooth, nutty and earthy – one of the five basic tastes alongside salty, sweet, bitter and sour. Mushroom coffee may also be beneficial to those who can’t tolerate regular coffee due to digestive issues or have an intolerance for caffeine, though be sure to follow the recommended dosage and speak to a healthcare provider first about how much mushroom coffee can safely be consumed each day. As with anything, consistent consumption may take six weeks before any noticeable positive results emerge. Whole mushrooms remain an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin D, selenium and potassium – make sure to include them in soups, stir fries, chili and salads!