Coffee lovers, forget Nescafé, Starbucks, Barista or other top coffee brands. Here’s something that might interest you. For a long time, we’ve only known and consumed regular coffee. But it turns out, mushroom coffee could have even more health benefits. Also known as Ganoderma Lucidum coffee or reishi coffee, this seemingly weird and unappetizing beverage has been gaining traction in the health and fitness world, but is it really healthy? In this post, we explore what mushroom coffee is and its potential health benefits.
What Is Mushroom Coffee?
Contrary to what you might be thinking, mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like mushrooms. It’s quite delicious and contains a blend of regular coffee and mushroom extracts which are in powder form. The ingredients include some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms, such as:
- Chaga
- Lions’ mane
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Turkey tail
Difference Between Mushroom Coffee and Regular Coffee
The obvious difference is that regular coffee doesn’t contain mushroom while mushroom coffee does. You get double-benefits by taking mushroom coffee. Regular coffee is known to cause insomnia and anxiety due to the high caffeine percentage. On the other hand, mushroom coffee is said to balance off that caffeine. This means that you’re less likely to suffer from insomnia and anxiety if you take mushroom coffee. In most cases, Mushroom coffee contains equal parts of mushroom and regular coffee. Apart from the reduced caffeine, it’s also less acidic. “
Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Full of Antioxidants
Coffee is scientifically proven to contain high levels of antioxidants compared to tea and cocoa. On the other hand, mushroom also contains significant amounts of antioxidants, such as ergothioneine and glutathione. When these two are combined, you get a drink loaded with antioxidants. This means that taking a cup of mushroom coffee delivers double the amount of antioxidants you’d get if you drink a cup of regular coffee. And as we all know, antioxidants help to protect our bodies against many health issues. ”
May Help Prevent Weight Gain
Mushroom coffee is alkaline in nature, which means it helps to speed up metabolism, thus keeping your weight in check. The active properties contained in mushroom, especially Ganoderma increase your body’s metabolic rate after consuming it. This expends more energy from the body, which in turn breaks down bad fat.
Helps Fight Cancer
Chaga mushroom is the most potent antioxidant you can find. One study showed that adding Chaga to coffee triggered anticancer activities in a person’s body. Research proves that mushrooms stimulate the immune system, which helps to fight off cancer and tumors. Several studies have shown that mushroom can help destroy pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, uterine cervix cancer, gastric cancer, acute leukemia, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Boosts Immunity
Mushroom coffee improves the immune system. Among other benefits, a healthy immune system protects the body from common diseases like colds. The anti-inflammatory properties of mushroom coffee help to prevent various health problems.
Protects Liver Health
One recent study discovered that patients suffering from elevated liver enzymes and hepatitis B experienced improvement in the condition after consuming mushroom coffee for a while. The reishi mushroom contains high amounts of adaptogens that may help boost liver health. These compounds encourage waste and toxin removal, thereby preventing liver diseases.
Improves Digestive Health
Mushrooms are good for your gut. They contain the polysaccharides (beta-glucans and homopolysaccharides) which promote prebiotics in your digestive system. These compounds improve digestive health. Studies show that beta-glucans contain properties that help reduce cholesterol levels, glucose levels, and body weight.
Lowers Risk of Urinary Infections
Urinary infections are usually caused by bacteria and some of the symptoms include frequent painful urination, lower abdomen spasms, and fever. According to researchers in Maryland Medical Center, patients who consumed between 150mg to 300mg of reishi mushroom extracts experienced significant relief from those symptoms.
Less Acidic and Low Caffeine
As we mentioned earlier, regular coffee is loaded with a high percentage of caffeine and acids. If taken for a long time, it could trigger other conditions like heartburn and stomach upset. If you can’t do without coffee, why not try mushroom coffee? You get the same taste, improved focus, and less anxiety since it has half the caffeine and acidic level. Conclusion Discoveries in the world of health and wellness are always surprising. Now that you’re aware of the health benefits of mushroom coffee, you should take some precautions before you try it out. Mushroom is said to have some possible side effects. For instance, if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or any other autoimmune diseases, you’d want to avoid taking mushroom coffee since it may worsen your condition. According to doctors, since mushroom coffee boosts your immune system, it may lead to overactive immune cells if combined with certain medications. As such, it advisable to talk to your doctor before you start consuming mushroom coffee.
