Mushroom Coffee Benefits

Mushroom coffee benefits are good for you in many ways, from boosting your immune system to improving gut health. But mushroom coffee blends aren’t necessarily better than regular brews, especially when they’re packed with added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients like coconut powder. And it’s not clear if medicinal mushrooms like cordyceps and lion’s mane transfer their benefits when they’re dried, extracted, and combined with brewed coffee beans.

Why Mushroom Coffee Is the Next Big Thing in Wellness

Regardless of the claims, more research is needed on the benefits of mushroom coffee. But if you’re looking for a low-caffeine alternative to your morning joe, this drink may be worth trying, particularly if you have a history of digestive issues or kidney problems. The blends are typically about half coffee and half mushrooms, meaning they’ll have around half the caffeine of your usual brew.

The blends are often packed with herbs and amino acids like ashwagandha, l-theanine and maca root, too. But it’s important to read the nutritional and ingredient labels, particularly if you have allergies or intolerances.

Some mushroom coffee brands also contain MCT oil, which can increase energy and help you burn fat. And the mushrooms used in these brews — typically chaga, cordyceps and lion’s mene — are thought to help boost the immune system by increasing white blood cells and stimulating nerve growth factor, according to test tube studies. And they’re believed to support brain function by lowering stress levels and enhancing focus and concentration. However, you can get many of the same benefits by eating mushrooms separately in your meals.