Mushrooms and mushroom extracts are popping up in coffee and smoothie shops. You might have been curious about this new addition to the health scene, wondering whether mushrooms actually deserve all this hype. Read below to learn about how mushroom coffee can indeed benefit gut and hormone health.
First things first: The safety of mushroom coffee
Mushroom coffee is a completely safe and healthy addition to a balanced diet. These mushrooms are non-toxic and do not contain psilocybin. The coffee does not contain actual whole mushrooms, but rather mushroom extract. It is important however to choose reputable brands that have been third-party tested to ensure there are no contaminants or heavy metals.
Mushrooms and stress relief
Mushroom extracts used in coffee are adaptogens, which have been studied for their ability to promote well-being, help the body combat stress, and increase energy. While more research is needed, certain adaptogenic mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail, chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps have been studied for their ability to reduce stress and support gut and immune health.
They can also benefit gut health
In addition to mushroom extracts, there is also mushroom “coffee,” a coffee alternative that consists of a mushroom blend along with cacao and spices including cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and others. This mushroom “coffee” allows people to maintain the ritual and taste of their daily coffee while reducing their caffeine intake.
Reducing caffeine can help with hormone balance, stress levels, and sleep. Mushroom “coffee” also serves as a great alternative to decaf coffee, which is often processed in heavy chemicals that can harm gut and hormone health.
Is mushroom coffee worth it?
While research is still developing, mushroom “coffee” may be worth the money for those who do not tolerate caffeine, or who are looking to lessen their intake to benefit their overall health. It should not take the place of regular mushrooms, which are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Instead, it can be a healthy addition or coffee replacement. The mushroom adaptogens added to real coffee can also be a beneficial addition to combat stress, but they are certainly not essential and they need not take the place of other stress relievers such as physical activity or meditation.
