It has long been accepted that black coffee is rich in antioxidants, compounds that can protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of diseases, such as cancer and heart illnesses. However, black coffee also has downsides: it’s acidic and may cause jitters. These downsides might be why some people find mushroom coffee more appealing. Here’s what you need to know about mushroom coffee.
1. It’s not just made of mushrooms
You might think that this type of coffee is made purely from brewed mushrooms, but that’s not the case.
The process usually involves drying the mushrooms and then extracting their beneficial components. Afterward, they are blended with regular coffee.
So, don’t worry! Mushroom coffee doesn’t taste like mushroom, you’ll still really taste coffee!
2. In most cases, mushroom coffee comes in blends of different mushrooms
Another thing to keep in mind is that mushroom coffee typically comes in a blend of different mushrooms.
The most common mushrooms used are the following:
- Chaga
- Cordyceps
- Lyons Mane
- Raishi
3. It usually has less coffee and therefore can be less acidic
One of the popular benefits of this coffee is that it’s usually less acidic. Because there’s mushroom extract and so the caffeine is diluted. This is beneficial for people who want to have the boost that coffee gives without the jitters or those who want to have coffee but are discouraged because of the acidity.
Likewise, mushroom coffee can be beneficial for people who want to wean off coffee.
4. Mushrooms are a great source of various micronutrients and may even have antiviral properties
One of the supposed benefits of this coffee is that it can be a good source of micronutrients, such as B vitamins, vitamin D, copper, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and selenium.
The mushroom’s richness in bioactive compounds also contributes to its antiviral properties. This can be helpful if you want to boost your immunity against viral diseases.
5. It can potentially help with diabetes and obesity
Are you worried about diabetes and obesity? If so, you may want to consider drinking mushroom coffee instead.
You see, there are reports saying that mushrooms have antidiabetic and anti-obesogenic properties because they can regulate:
- Appetite
- Digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Insulin sensitivity
- Energy expenditure
- Adipogenesis or the formation of fats
- Composition and function of gut microbiota
6. Drinking mushroom coffee regularly may help improve certain aspects of your life
Besides the above-mentioned benefits, reports say this coffee can also help you:
- Reduce your stress levels
- Have better sleep
- Boost your immune system
- Support your memory
- Relax your sore muscles
- Reduce inflammation
- Have higher energy levels
7. There are still some risks
You might think that you wouldn’t have to worry about any adverse effects because it’s mushroom coffee. However, that’s not the case.
Consider mushrooms as medicinal plants: They may interact with your medications or existing conditions.
For instance, cordyceps have a distinct effect on blood sugar. If you take it with other antidiabetic medicines, you might experience low blood sugar. Other mushrooms may have blood thinning effects, so they might cause bruising or nosebleeds.
That’s why if you’re keen on drinking mushroom coffee, you might want to check in with your doctor first. This is especially important if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medicines.
Key Takeaways
Interested in drinking mushroom coffee instead of regular coffee? Reports say it might have numerous benefits. It can help boost the immune system, particularly against viruses, help with diabetes and obesity, and is even a good source of different micronutrients.
Still, it comes with risks. Depending on the mushrooms included in the blend, it might interact with your medicine or affect your underlying health condition.
If you want to learn more about mushroom coffee, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor.
Learn more about Healthy Eating here.
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