Mushroom coffee, an increasingly popular alternative to regular coffee, is created by mixing ground coffee beans with powdered mushrooms in powder form. Marketed as having various health benefits – including stress reduction and immune support – mushroom coffee may seem worth its hype; however, most claims about its benefits have yet to be proven in scientific studies and it may not provide as many nutrients as whole mushrooms which contain polysaccharides and beta glucans, antioxidants and phytochemical compounds.

Mushroom coffee mixes often include a range of varieties of mushrooms such as chaga, cordyceps and reishi; all are known for containing high amounts of beta-glucans – plant compounds which help lower LDL cholesterol and improve blood flow; some studies also indicate they could support immune functions; however further investigation in this area may be required.

Mushroom coffee may help alleviate stress. According to Mulvihill, this effect should be proven through human research studies. However, more human research must be completed.

Mushroom coffee blends typically contain half the caffeine found in regular coffee, which may be beneficial for people sensitive to or looking to reduce their caffeine consumption. But be sure to read and follow product label instructions as certain products may still contain small amounts of caffeine; also remember that eating whole foods such as mushrooms, whole grains and vegetables is the best way to ensure you’re receiving all of the vitamins and minerals your body requires.

If you decide to give mushroom coffee a try, Czerwony advises drinking it on an ongoing basis and reading labels carefully, especially if you suffer from allergies or intolerances. Also consult with your primary care physician prior to adding new supplements into your diet that have not been widely studied.

To avoid digestive issues, begin by slowly increasing your mushroom coffee consumption – starting from one teaspoon or less daily and working up to two or more cups by gradually brewing over six weeks, as recommended by experts.

Caroline Kee is a health reporter for TODAY in New York City. She covers a broad array of medical, consumer and wellness topics. Follow Caroline on Twitter at @carolinekee

Nutritionists and dietitians agree that it is best not to rely solely on supplements as a source of nourishment, instead opting for a well-rounded diet consisting of fruits, veggies, whole grains and plant proteins as your source.

This article was initially published in December 2017 and has since been revised and updated. For more on the science behind this topic, visit TODAY’s Medicine & Health page. This content is produced independently of CBS News.