Have you seen mushroom coffee touted for its many health benefits? While these claims might sound impressive, take them with a grain of salt as it’s unclear whether drying, extracting and brewing actually maintain any medicinal properties found within mushrooms, let alone help you feel less anxious or sleep better. There hasn’t been much research conducted to support any claims that all those mushrooms might actually help.

Mushroom coffees are typically composed of functional mushrooms blended with regular coffee grounds that have been ground into a fine, dark powder. Once mixed with water or milk, this blend can then be brewed like your regular cup of joe – yielding a cup that boasts earthy and mushroom-y notes while offering various health benefits for both mind and body.

Mushroom coffee has long been touted for its ability to help alleviate stress and anxiety. This is due to the use of adaptogens such as mushrooms as natural substances that help your body cope with stress more easily – specifically they reduce cortisol levels, balance blood sugar, and help you remain focused even during stressful moments.

Mushroom coffee typically features cordyceps, chaga and lion’s mane mushrooms as the source for its various beneficial qualities, which can aid with stress relief by increasing energy or relaxing you. As mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than its coffee counterparts, this beverage could also be an appropriate choice for those sensitive to stimulants like caffeine.

Mushroom coffee typically contains between 20 and 200 milligrams of caffeine per cup, significantly lower than the maximum daily recommended dosage for adults. Though considered generally safe for most healthy individuals, caffeine may cause symptoms such as stomach upset, headache, rapid heart rate or anxiety for some.

Considering mushroom coffee for its supposed stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing effects? Consult with your physician first, so he or she can make recommendations based on your current health conditions, diet and caffeine tolerance levels.

If you are expecting, it is wise to avoid mushroom coffee and herbal supplements due to limited research into their safety during gestation. Caffeine intake has been associated with miscarriage or low birth weight risk; so try switching over to decaf or herbal tea alternatives as much as possible during your gestation period.