Mushroom coffee has grown increasingly popular, yet has not undergone extensive scientific scrutiny. Although many benefits of mushroom coffee seem promising – including immune system enhancement, anti-aging effects and liver wellness benefits – more research needs to be conducted before conclusive evidence can be offered as supporting evidence.

Coffee-like drinks made with mushrooms typically include dried, extracted and ground mushrooms that have undergone drying, extraction and grinding processes before being mixed with ground coffee beans to form the beverage. Common examples include chaga, lion’s mane, reishi cordyceps or turkey tail, which have medicinal benefits.

Mushrooms have long been studied for their medicinal benefits, though most research is limited and/or animal based. Therefore it can be challenging to apply this information to mushroom coffee drinks that tend to be more costly but contain fewer calories.

Proponents of mushrooms maintain that their adaptogenic properties help with digestion, immunity and sleep – among other benefits. Furthermore, mushroom coffee contains half the caffeine of traditional coffee and therefore may reduce anxiety risks while potentially alleviating them in certain circumstances, according to Ouldibbat.

Brew can cause digestive issues for some individuals, especially those who have kidney conditions or allergies to grains. Furthermore, it may contain high concentrations of oxalates known to increase risk for kidney stones in some people and possibly have higher caloric values than regular coffee depending on its blend if milk or other ingredients are included in it.

Mushroom coffee may lead to bloating, which can worsen in those suffering from digestive disorders. Furthermore, mushrooms have been shown to increase blood sugar and triglyceride levels among those diagnosed with diabetes; those living with the condition should therefore exercise caution when adding these mushrooms into their diets.

People suffering from asthma should also exercise caution when drinking mushroom coffee, as doing so could exacerbate symptoms. Reishi mushroom has been found to suppress mast cells activation which is essential in allergic reactions while cordyceps has proven its anti-inflammatory capabilities and could help individuals living with respiratory conditions.

While some have reported feeling healthier after drinking mushroom coffee, others were left disappointed with its effects. These drinks likely won’t cure illnesses and may simply waste money – particularly as their price can double that of traditional coffee! Czerwony advises that to optimize health benefits from mushrooms, it’s best to incorporate whole mushrooms into your diet rather than taking supplements in powder or extract form. Still, if you’re curious to try the beverage for yourself, she suggests consulting your physician first and starting off slowly with one type of mushroom to gauge your body’s response before making necessary modifications as necessary. She suggests adding reishi to your diet if you have an intolerance to caffeine or are looking to enhance mental clarity and immune function, while mushroom coffee should only come from organic, non-GMO brands, in order to limit exposure to chemicals.