Strange yet familiar drink, is it really good for your health?

What is mushroom coffee?

According to Dr. Zachary Mulvihill, a physician with the Integrative Health and Wellness Program at NewYork-Presbyterian (USA), mushroom coffee is usually made from regular coffee with ground medicinal mushrooms. On the other hand, this name also refers to a type of coffee made only from mushrooms, according to NBC (USA).

Beth Czerwony, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic nutrition center (USA), said that mushrooms are often dried and in powder or extract form, sold as food supplements.

There is emerging evidence that bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, particularly turkey tail, can boost the immune system, helping to prevent disease, says Dr. Mulvihill.

Mushroom coffee has a caffeine-free variety, suitable for people who cannot drink regular coffee.

According to a 2024 review published in Discover Applied Sciences (Germany), turkey tail mushrooms may play a role in anti-tumor activity against breast, lung, and stomach cancers. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in medicinal mushrooms may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Coping with stress

A common claim about mushroom coffee is that it reduces stress. It is thought that the “adaptogenic” effects of mushrooms, especially reishi and cordyceps, can help reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which is often used to address fatigue and exhaustion; increase stamina and endurance; and increase energy, especially in athletes, according to experts.

Cognitive function

Medicinal mushrooms contain many compounds that may benefit brain health, possibly helping to boost cognition and protect against neurodegeneration.

“Mushrooms can help increase the number of neurons, which in turn stimulates nerve growth. While there is evidence that lion’s mane and other mushrooms can support brain health, the effects are not immediate. You won’t feel any changes after taking them, but within two or three weeks you may notice a slight improvement,” says Dr. Mulvihill.

Many of the stress-relieving benefits of mushrooms have been proven, and are good for your health when taken in moderation.

Sleep

Reishi mushrooms have been used to promote sleep in traditional medicine for centuries. “Sometimes people have trouble sleeping because their cortisol is too high, which suppresses melatonin. So medicinal mushrooms can help reset the circadian rhythm. Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, but people should drink less caffeine in the morning so as not to interfere with nighttime rest,” Dr. Mulvihill noted.

However, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the health benefits of mushroom coffee because there are many types of medicinal mushrooms, and the dosages required also vary greatly. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of medicinal mushrooms to treat any health conditions.

Should you try mushroom coffee?

Mushroom coffee is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, experts note that you should avoid mushroom coffee if you are allergic to mushrooms.

For those who drink coffee daily, mushroom coffee could be a great option to try, says Dr. Mulvihill. It’s best to choose mushrooms that are locally grown and organic, and start with a small amount and gradually increase if you can tolerate it.

Overall, mushroom coffee is a familiar, new and possibly healthy drink. However, to protect yourself, you should talk to your doctor before using medicinal mushrooms, especially if you have an underlying medical condition.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ca-phe-nam-thuc-uong-la-ma-quen-co-that-su-tot-cho-suc-khoe-185250308141550851.htm