Blog
Mushroom Tea Diet – How to Incorporate Mushrooms Into Your Diet
Mushrooms are low in energy and sodium content, and are rich in fiber, riboflavin, niacin and selenium – they’re one of the few foods which naturally contain Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Although mushroom tea offers health advantages, more research needs to be conducted before drawing definitive conclusions. Until that happens, opt for your favorite coffee beverage instead to build immunity while experiencing its stimulating properties without experiencing jitters!
Boosts Immune System
Mushrooms contain numerous immune-enhancing nutrients, proven to strengthen immunity and improve overall health. You can increase your intake by drinking mushroom tea or including them in meals and snacks. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional prior to including mushrooms as part of your routine diet – this step ensures there will be no interference with medications you are currently taking or any unwanted side effects from its consumption.
Medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides known as beta-glucans that have been shown to suppress inflammation, increase cell immunity, and hinder cancer cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, beta-glucans stimulate your immune system by activating macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and neutrophils – this serves as your body’s immediate innate response that occurs much more quickly than when your humoral adaptive immune system comes into play.
Cordyceps sinensis has proven itself effective at strengthening immune systems and treating diseases related to respiratory tract diseases, with one study finding it could reduce airway inflammation, inhibit cytokine storms, normalize tolerance for low oxygen levels and inhibit viral enzymes that destroy cells. Other edible mushrooms like Shiitake, Chaga and Maitake mushrooms have also been proven beneficial against flu; in fact some types may even possess antiviral properties.
If you want to enhance your immunity with a cup of tea, why not try making homemade mushroom tea? Simply steep medicinal mushroom powder in boiling water for 8-10 minutes before straining out and flavoring with coconut milk, cacao powder and honey as desired.
Consider including these immune-enhancing foods in your diet: berries, oranges and other citrus fruits, peppers and kiwis. Berries contain high concentrations of Vitamin C which acts as an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cell damage; plus they’re great sources of potassium, dietary fiber and manganese!
Shiitake bacon, an easy and meat-free alternative made of mushrooms and shiitake extract, makes an impressive sandwich addition. Use it in soups and pasta dishes too for an authentic experience!
Enhances Gut Health
Medicinal mushrooms contain prebiotics that stimulate gut microbiota and aid digestive balance, helping the immune system and reducing inflammation. As such, mushroom tea has quickly become a trendy health drink; made by steeping dried mushrooms such as shiitake or reishi in hot water for steeping. This beverage offers similar health benefits as coffee while simultaneously supporting digestive health.
Mushroom tea differs from traditional Camellia sinensis-made tea in that it uses herbs and natural ingredients instead to produce its flavorful brew. Enjoyed either warm or cold, it offers potential health benefits that should not be disregarded when adding mushroom tea into your daily regimen. However, always consult with a medical provider first to make sure it’s safe.
Mushrooms have long been recognized for their role in supporting digestive health and strengthening immunity, yet less is known about their impact on gut microbiota regulation. Recently, however, researchers discovered that mushrooms induce changes to intestinal microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria growth; this may help protect against diseases like obesity, diabetes and cancer by encouraging healthier gut bacteria flora.
Polysaccharides present in some mushrooms can act as prebiotics. Coriolus versicolor extract has been found to promote diversity within the gut microbiota by increasing diversity between Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus populations, as well as encouraging their growth. Another study demonstrated how Mexican Ganoderma lucidum (GL) could effectively mitigate obesity-related metabolic disorders in mice through regulation of its gut microbiota composition; improving intestinal barrier function, and decreasing levels of endotoxin-bearing Proteobacteria bacteria.
Other edible mushrooms, including lion’s mane and maitake varieties, have also been proven to support healthy immune responses. Furthermore, these mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which protect the body against oxidative stress while simultaneously relieving digestive distress by lowering blood sugar levels, increasing energy levels, and decreasing inflammation.
Boosts Energy Levels
Tea has long been considered a cornerstone of healthy diets. Recently, though, an interesting brewing trend is making waves at cafes: mushroom tea. Made by steeping various kinds of mushrooms (like reishi, lion’s mane or chaga) into hot water for five minutes, mushroom tea promises to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue – but does it live up to its promise? We turned to science and registered dietitians in order to answer this question.
Functional fungi used to make mushroom tea are widely recognized as adaptogens, meaning they can help your body cope better with stress, fatigue and other physiological changes. Reishi has been studied for its ability to reduce oxidative stress on cells; while lion’s mane may help support brain health and focus. Cordyceps has even been shown to enhance endurance during exercise according to one study.
Mushroom tea is an affordable beverage with many health-promoting compounds like vitamin C and selenium. Plus, its lower caffeine levels may make it suitable for those sensitive to stimulants like coffee. But keep in mind that scientific investigation of mushroom tea remains in its infancy, and more randomized controlled trials need to take place first before jumping to conclusions about this beverage’s benefits.
Though mushroom tea’s stimulating properties may tempt us, it’s wise to assess its potential benefits against its limitations and costs before trying it. Consult a medical expert if you already have existing health conditions or medications you take before taking this plunge.
Supports Cognitive Function
Mushroom tea has quickly gained recognition within the wellness community due to its potential brain-boosting properties. This delicious beverage can be created by steeping functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi or superfood chaga for five minutes in hot water – similar to how coffee raises energy levels before plummeting downhill quickly – in hot water for approximately five minutes. While coffee may cause energy levels to spike briefly before subsiding again later on, adaptogens such as these fungi help support natural ways that your body manage stress and remain balanced over time.
These adaptogenic mushrooms offer natural nootropic benefits to keep the mind sharp and focused. Lion’s mane mushrooms in particular have been demonstrated to improve memory and cognitive performance by supporting neurogenesis – the creation of new brain cells (2).
Reishi mushrooms have long been used to improve mental clarity and reduce symptoms of stress by supporting immunity. Furthermore, research indicates that its polysaccharides could potentially inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the brain – helping maintain healthy memory function and support its maintenance (3)
Studies conducted showed that those who consumed two or more servings of mushrooms weekly saw a 47% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).(4)
Mushrooms are naturally stimulating and make an excellent addition to anyone’s diet looking to increase mental clarity and focus. You can add mushrooms in many forms – powders, capsules and tinctures are just a few options you have at your fingertips; but mushrooms can even be blended into teas, juices and smoothies!

