Gen Zers are becoming more open to mushroom coffee and kombucha as healthier alternatives to alcohol, energy drinks and coffee. These products blend caffeine with medicinal mushrooms and fungi for maximum potency.

These medicinal mushrooms, including chaga, cordyceps, reishi and turkey tail varieties, may possess immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects; however, human studies on medicinal mushrooms remain limited and it remains uncertain whether mushroom coffee extracts contain enough active constituents to have any significant beneficial health impacts.

Boosts Immune System

Cordyceps, chaga, reishi turkey tail and lion’s mane mushrooms commonly used to make mushroom coffee contain compounds that boost immune system function while providing anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Yet human research on these mushrooms remains scarce and it remains unknown if drinking coffee with these supplements offers any advantages beyond those provided by drinking regular coffee alone. Furthermore, many products on the market contain proprietary mushroom blends without providing details regarding individual ingredient amounts per serving – making it impossible to tell whether their dose has enough impactful benefits to positively influence health benefits.

Boosts Mood

Mushroom coffee alternatives provide an energy boost without the jitters or energy crashes associated with traditional caffeine consumption. Rasa provides an adaptogenic mushroom blend and cordyceps extract designed to increase mood-boosting and focus-boosting benefits – perfect for helping individuals reduce or completely remove caffeine consumption from their lifestyle.

Mushroom coffees typically contain lower levels of caffeine than traditional coffee, yet still include it; and little peer-reviewed research exists regarding functional mushroom supplement use in coffee-like drinks at regular doses. While isolated mushroom extract studies have yielded positive results, more research must be conducted into their effectiveness when consumed as part of an intoxicating coffee-like beverage. Le says more study must also explore this potential avenue.

As mushroom coffee combines functional mushrooms with caffeine, Gervacio advises beginning with half of a serving to see how your body responds. Keep in mind that some people may be allergic to mushrooms; pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking them unless recommended otherwise.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail and lion’s mane fungi, as well as the agaricus mushroom are popular supplements because of the antioxidants they provide that promote brain health and immune function. Cognition-enhancing compounds found in mushrooms have also been shown to aid memory, reduce stress levels and promote sleep quality; however, most human studies on this matter have involved using single-ingredient mushroom products instead of those containing multiple medicinal mushroom blends at undisclosed ratios. If you are considering trying mushroom coffee, it is advisable to first consult a dietitian to ensure you are receiving enough medicinal mushrooms in your daily regimen. Furthermore, no scientific studies have demonstrated any additional health or performance benefits than regular coffee does.

Before further studies are completed, it may be wise to stay with what is familiar: Your favorite cup of joe for now!

Reduces Inflammation

Coffee alternatives may be appealing for various reasons, from relieving jitters or raising blood pressure, to upsetting stomachs. Or perhaps you simply dislike its taste; whatever it may be, there are several beverages which make great alternatives that offer similar mood-enhancing, focus-enhancing or energy-boosting properties; such as mushroom coffee and matcha tea.

Mushroom coffee is a combination of functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane, chaga or reishi with traditional coffee beans, used to replace or reduce caffeine content and provide antioxidants which support immune function. Manufacturers claim mushroom coffee can reduce stress, fatigue and improve sleep quality; however evidence to back these claims remains scarce.

If you’re thinking about trying mushroom coffee for the first time, speak to your physician first and start slowly, watching out for any symptoms such as digestive discomfort that may indicate that this blend may not be right for you, according to registered dietitian Laura Wargo. If this occurs it could be an indicator that this particular blend might not suit your individual needs.

Many of the health claims made about mushroom coffee are also supported by research on medicinal mushroom supplements. Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are often touted as adaptogenic remedies that help the body cope with stressors and promote restful sleep, while cordyceps fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) has long been touted as performance enhancers that increase stamina and enhance ATP production.

Nutritionists agree that eating whole, non-caffeinated foods is the best way to increase your consumption of functional mushrooms and their benefits. Maitake and shiitake mushrooms contain immune-enhancing beta-glucans while turkey tail and chaga mushrooms contain antimicrobial compounds with the potential to lower cholesterol. Add them into stir fries, omelets or soups and reap their advantages without caffeine!