Mushrooms seem to be enjoying an upswing both locally and on social media, as mushroom-infused coffee has quickly become one of the fastest-growing wellness beverages available today.

Mushroom coffee blends typically combine adaptogen mushrooms such as chaga, reishi and cordyceps with low-acid coffee as an adaptogenic tonic to balance caffeine intake and provide nourishment to the body.

Chaga

Chaga is a parasitic fungus found on the trunks of birch trees and features a hard exterior similar to burnt wood, popularly used as an herbal remedy to strengthen immune systems and combat cancer, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce heart disease risk.

Chaga contains an abundance of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. Additionally, its composition includes triterpenes and mycophenolic acids which may provide anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects; melanins provide its dark color while possibly offering additional protective benefits; plus it’s an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and zinc.

Many people take chaga supplements in the form of whole dried pieces of the mushroom, tea, capsules or tinctures based on personal preference and dosage needs. You can buy it in many health food stores or online. Some individuals even harvest their own chaga using foraging techniques; this should only be attempted by those with experience in correctly identifying its mushroom properties as misidentified species can be toxic and even harmful to humans.

Chaga tea boasts powerful antioxidant properties. It can reduce inflammation and slow the aging process while lowering oxidative stress and strengthening immunity – plus increasing white blood cell production to fight infections and viruses!

Chaga may possess antioxidant properties which account for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and may even stimulate apoptosis – the body’s natural way of eliminating damaged or unhealthy cells – potentially making it beneficial to those suffering from cancer and chemotherapy treatments.

In order to investigate the chemical composition of chaga, a sample from Normandy Forest in France was collected and analysed for betulin, betulinic acid, and inotodiol – three key molecules characteristic of fungal metabolism found in France as well as Ukrainian and Canadian samples – which contained these molecules to equal concentrations. Furthermore, Normandy Chaga exhibited cytotoxic activity against normal transformed BEAS-2B cells but not cancerous lung cancer cells.

Reishi

Mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts alike praise Reishi as “the queen of the mushroom kingdom” or the “mushroom of immortality,” due to its immune-enhancing and nootropic benefits. Containing polysaccharides and amino acids known to improve cognitive performance, promote immune health, reduce stress levels and help detoxification processes while supporting liver detoxification as well as anti-inflammatory effects; when mixed into coffee beverages it gives it a smoother, more balanced flavor while still offering nutritional benefits.

Reishi mushroom is an effective natural antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic remedy as well as being a potent antioxidant. Research has demonstrated its efficacy by stimulating natural killer cell and white blood cell production which are necessary to combat infections like cancer as well as prevent new ones from appearing in the first place. Furthermore, Reishi has been demonstrated to help the body cope better with stress as well as being an invaluable aid when used by those suffering from high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

Reishi may not be a cure for these conditions, but studies have demonstrated its efficacy by helping lower triglyceride levels and improve insulin sensitivity, and by decreasing oxidative stress while increasing antioxidant production such as glutathione production.

Reishi can help the body respond more efficiently to stress and anxiety, studies having demonstrated its ability to decrease cortisol release when under stress while improving mood and sleep quality.

Reishi tea has also been found to have anti-carcinogenic properties, helping the body protect itself against cancer by killing harmful bacteria and protecting liver function, while stimulating healthy gut bacteria growth.

Functional mushrooms in coffee is an indicator of wellness trends and an increasing desire for health-promoting drinks that can be enjoyed quickly on the go, particularly among Gen Zers who prioritize mental and physical wellbeing above anything else. A recent McKinsey report reported that Gen Z is outspending older generations when it comes to spending on mindfulness-related wellness products.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps contains numerous species used as medicinal mushrooms for centuries. Cultivations began in China during the 14th century, and their in vitro and in vivo biological activities have been extensively researched and documented since that time. Cordyceps offers many therapeutic advantages, including anti-fatigue, antitumor and tuberculosis protection as well as rejuvenating sexual function. Some active compounds found in Cordyceps include b-glucan, cordycepin and D-beta-D-glucopyranoside. These compounds help to inhibit activation of proinflammatory pathways in the brain that is the source of many chronic diseases. Cordyceps is composed of many secondary metabolites with ethnomedicinal and pharmacological significance; such as nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, and cyclic peptides.

Cordyceps is well known for its ergogenic benefits. This includes increasing maximum oxygen uptake and helping the body preserve glycogen reserves for improved endurance and quicker recovery times. Furthermore, its production of corticosteroids increases stress resistance and resilience overall.

Cordyceps’ b-glucan helps reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage, while simultaneously having a beneficial impact on respiratory systems and increasing blood flow – this may prove especially useful for athletes suffering from chronic respiratory conditions like asthma which make exercise more challenging.

Studies have also demonstrated the beneficial properties of b-glucan in terms of increasing immunity, improving cardiovascular health and promoting normal metabolism and energy levels, while even protecting against diabetes and other metabolic disorders while helping prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar.

This study investigated the effects of adding powdered Cordyceps militaris, an adaptogenic and immunostimulant mushroom species, to different kinds of coffee. Traditional brewed coffee proved most effective for increasing bioactive compounds while decreasing chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid content while simultaneously increasing other organic compounds.

Cordyceps as an additive in coffee provides another distinct advantage – it is not banned substances list of National Anti-Doping Agency NADA and therefore makes an ideal supplement for athletes looking to achieve peak performance.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms are an innovative functional mushroom that may support mental and immune health, as well as being an appealing alternative to coffee. Lion’s mane can easily be made at home for daily enjoyment; morning is recommended to gain the most benefits; however it should be enjoyed throughout the day without late-night consumption, as this could interfere with sleep patterns.

Lion’s mane can create an irresistibly creamy coffee beverage when used to brew. For optimal results, use a small whisk or frother to ensure uniform texture, breaking up any clumps with ease and creating an intoxicatingly delicious beverage. Alternatively, pour it over ice for a refreshingly iced beverage!

Lion’s mane coffee can easily be found at specialty health food stores and online retailers. When searching, look for brands sourced their mushrooms from Australian farmers that undergo third-party testing to ensure quality, as well as organic options to avoid potential pesticides or contaminants in their ingredients.

Lion’s mane may help delay the natural aging process by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF). A nootropic, it has also been proven to increase brain function and support cognitive health – one study published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated this fact when older adults took daily doses of this herb for cognitive tests than those who didn’t use the supplement.

Lion’s mane is known to possess neuroprotective and antioxidant benefits, in addition to anti-inflammatory benefits that may ease symptoms associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis.

Lion’s mane mushrooms have become increasingly popular as ingredients in supplements, foods, and beverages. You can purchase fresh mushrooms directly or purchase powdered forms that you can add directly into smoothies, tea, or hot cocoa beverages. They’re also becoming an increasingly popular choice among consumer packaged goods manufacturers looking for premium mushroom ingredients that differentiate their products. They boast mild seafood-like taste which makes it perfect for vegetarian crab cakes or cubing for soups, salads, stews, pasta dishes – or sauteing until crispy!