Mushrooms are known for adding rich umami flavors to savory dishes while being packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all qualities which have made them a nutritional powerhouse. Now mushroom coffee has gained widespread popularity as a functional beverage with fans touting benefits including increased energy, mental focus, stress relief and immune-boosting properties. But is this popular drink actually healthy, or simply trendy?

Mushroom coffee is a blend of traditional coffee with medicinal mushroom extracts like lion’s mane, chaga, reishi and cordyceps that possess adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress without overstimulating or disrupting normal function. Mushrooms may provide natural caffeine boost without as many jitter-inducing effects of regular coffee while simultaneously improving sleep quality and immune health.

Though mushroom coffee has quickly become a trendy beverage trend, experts remain divided about whether it is safe and effective. Consumption of mushrooms instead of whole foods could result in deficiencies of key vitamins like Vitamin D, Selenium and Potassium as well as digestive issues in people with kidney conditions or sensitivities to grains; additionally some mushrooms (Chaga in particular) contain high concentrations of Oxalates that increase risk for kidney stones.

Further, while mushroom coffee may offer some potential health advantages, many of its claims are based on animal studies or limited human research. If the mushrooms do have positive impacts, including them into your diet should only be done gradually and carefully.

If you are new to trying this beverage, start slowly. Gradually increase the quantity until reaching one full cup and drink plenty of water afterwards as this beverage does have diuretic properties which could result in more frequent urination and dehydration.

However, it should also be remembered that mushroom coffee usually contains caffeine, which could pose some risks to those sensitive to stimulants or with existing health conditions. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and may cause symptoms such as jitters, heart palpitations, anxiety and headaches in some individuals. Although you shouldn’t need to avoid drinking mushroom coffee if none of this applies to you personally, most experts advise limiting daily doses to no more than 400 milligrams for maximum safety.