As mushroom coffee has many purported health benefits, its rising popularity is increasing quickly. This wellness-centric beverage combines ground coffee with medicinal mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps and Reishi for maximum wellness impact.

These adaptogenic mushrooms are well known for promoting immunity, focus and stress relief.

1. Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a parasitic fungus found on birch trees in cold climates. Resembling burnt charcoal, its medicinal uses include reported health benefits.

Chaga contains beta-D glucans that stimulate immune cytokine production in order to ensure it responds appropriately and does not overreact when faced with threats. Furthermore, its longevity-promoting and energy sustaining properties help ensure you live long.

Chaga can be enjoyed as either a tea or tincture, and has recently become popularly used as an additive in energy drinks and acai bowls. When fully brewed, its balanced flavour does not lean toward either sourness, saltiness or sweetness and is loved by everyone. For best results, steep for around two minutes at most and repeat as necessary until desired flavor is obtained; additional mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane Cordyceps and Turkey Tail can also be mixed for increased therapeutic benefits.

2. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible woody mushroom with long white shaggy spines, also referred to as bearded tooth fungus or pom-pom mushroom. As part of the Hericium family it boasts an upbeat scallop/lobster-like flavor combined with soft texture like asparagus spears.

Bioactive Compounds in Lion’s Mane Stimulate Nerve Growth & Regeneration

Lion’s Mane contains bioactive compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis, leading to neuron repair and protection – studies suggest this may reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Lion’s Mane Strengthens Immune System

Lion’s Mane is packed with beta-glucans that boost white blood cell activity, increasing immune system response to infections. Niacin can help restore skin derma barrier integrity to prevent moisture loss while plumping and smoothing for a dewy complexion. For an energy boost try Peak State Coffee Roasters blend of Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms; perfect for adding an uplifting boost!

3. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus in the family Cordycipitaceae that produces superficial to fully immersed perithecia on stipitate to capitate stromata, and has long been used as a medicinal mushroom due to its perceived longevity-promoting and antiaging benefits.[2]

One study demonstrated that Cordyceps militaris supplementation increased antioxidative enzyme activity in mice with d-galactose-induced senescence and improved sexual ability among castrated mice.

Cordyceps genus contains many bioactive compounds with immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor and antimicrobial activities as well as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, making it one of the best sources for such molecules. [3]

4. Reishi

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) belongs to the Goliaceae family of bracket or shelf fungi without or with stipes, making up part of its habitat. Reishi grows on deciduous trees such as oak or conifers as well as tropical, subtropical or temperate climates.

Reishi is an effective natural way to ease tension and promote sleep, working through its interactions with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) pathways that help us relax more easily and improve quality sleep.

Increase immunity and combat fatigue. Balance blood pressure and support heart health.

Reishi may help to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while simultaneously mitigating cortisol effects – creating greater mental clarity and improving mood. Furthermore, Reishi contains beta-glucans which may aid the body’s response to allergens.

5. Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) fungus is an exceptionally common bracket fungus found throughout North America from May through December on dead hardwood logs and stumps, appearing from May until December with multicolored fan-shaped caps measuring 1-4 inches wide with pores rather than gills for identification.

As with the Lion’s Mane mushroom, Turkey Tail mushrooms are powerful anti-inflammatories that can soothe irritated cells and widen blood vessels to allow more oxygen into the body – this allows nutrients and glucose to reach where they need to faster while helping boost energy levels and improving energy levels.

Turkey Tail’s immunomodulatory properties – which may help boost immunity and counteract cancerous tumors’ ability to suppress it – make it an excellent natural way of supporting one’s wellness goals, such as acting as a prebiotic by feeding beneficial bacteria found in one’s gut microbiome.

6. Shiitake

Popular in Asian cultures for its meaty texture and umami taste, the wood ear mushroom can be found both fresh or dried.

Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in protein (2.3 grams per cup cooked), as well as providing essential vitamin D and B complex.

They provide essential minerals, including copper and selenium. Furthermore, these fruits contain bioactive compounds with powerful antioxidant, antitumor and immune-enhancing properties.

Add shiitake mushrooms to soups, stir-fries and other savory dishes for an exquisite dining experience. Fresh or dried forms are available from grocery stores and farmers markets, and reconstitute easily when soaked in water. Shiitake supplements may also be available; please consult your healthcare practitioner first as these may not be appropriate for everyone (4). Eritadenine found in shiitake may help lower cholesterol.

7. Agaricus

Agaricus mushrooms, commonly referred to as “bird’s nest fungi,” possess adaptogenic properties which help the body deal with stress better. (1)

Mushrooms also contain anti-inflammatory compounds which may help lower cholesterol levels (4).

Agaricus mushrooms can be found both fresh and dried, making them versatile culinary ingredients. Sliced, sauteed or roasted; these tasty mushrooms are often featured in whole food dishes such as soups and pasta. With sweet almond-like flavors rich in umami they make great whole food dishes such as soups and pasta! Certain species feature textured caps while others boast smooth surfaces; aroma ranges from mild to more pungent bleach-like phenolic smells when crushed into; bruise yellow or stain red-brown when crushed depending on species; commonly found all around the world!

8. Maitake

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a wild mushroom found growing in clusters that is commonly used medicinally for its potential immune-enhancing benefits. This natural remedy contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides which have been shown to lower blood pressure, fight tumors, and lower lipid levels.

Corn is widely recognized for its distinctive flavors and sturdy textures that make it perfect for stewing, grilling and roasting applications.

Like other mushrooms, maitake is low-cal and full of essential nutrients like fibers, antioxidants, vitamins B & C as well as potassium – making it a nutritious powerhouse with immune-enhancing benefits. However, maitake stands out for its immune-enhancing capabilities more than anything else.

Maitake has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and improve immune function in animal studies, though further human research needs to be completed to support these claims. Maitake supplements are readily available online or from some natural grocery stores.

9. Spirulina

Spirulina, a multicellular microalga, has long been consumed as food and medicine since being introduced by the Aztecs in Mexico. It contains high concentrations of protein (60-70% dry weight), gamma-linolenic acid, vitamins, minerals and carotenoids as well as many phycobiliproteins – one being phycocyanin which utilizes light energy harvesting through photosynthesis to power ATP production [5]

Studies have demonstrated that b-glucans from spirulina can enhance gut microbiome composition and inhibit HMG COA reductase activity, thus decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL-C levels in humans.

Supplementation with Spirulina has been shown to significantly decrease blood pressure among hypertensive patients and reduce arterial stiffness, while also increasing carotenes production (particularly lutein and zeaxanthin). Furthermore, studies indicate it has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cancer prevention properties.

10. Cocoa

Cocoa comes from Theobroma cacao trees, and its pods contain cocoa beans which, after fermentation, drying, and roasting processes are processed into cocoa powder and chocolate products. Cocoa is considered a nootropic substance; that is, it enhances cognitive functions without producing adverse side effects at standard doses.

Cocoa contains numerous vitamins and minerals, including magnesium which provides muscle and nervous system support; iron; zinc essential for immune function; potassium essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure and water-electrolyte balance; copper for metabolic processes; phosphorus essential for bone and tooth health, polyphenols that act as prebiotics by encouraging beneficial bacteria while restricting pathogenic ones, copper involved with metabolic processes and polyphenols that play an antimicrobial effect in metabolic processes and copper as an ingredient involved with metabolism processes – these all make cocoa an amazing ingredient!

Cocoa contains phenylalanine, which stimulates endorphin release in the brain to produce feelings of satisfaction or even euphoria – similar to what occurs during exercise, laughter or sexual encounter. These neurotransmitters release during physical exertion, laughter or sexual activity.