What’s all the fuss about mushroom coffee?
More than ever, people are exploring new ways to support their wellbeing, including seeking healthier alternatives to coffee and energy drinks to get their daily energy boost.
Mushroom coffee is the latest popular hot drink of choice, promising a blend of energy, laser-sharp focus and other health-giving goodness.
Mushrooms have been used for centuries across various cultures for their ability to enhance wellness, boost energy and instill calm, so it’s no surprise they’re attracting attention in the wellbeing world. Let's dive into some other potential benefits of this trending coffee alternative.
What exactly is mushroom coffee?
If you’re imagining mushrooms floating around your cup, think again! Mushroom coffee is a blend of regular ground coffee and extracts of ground-up medicinal mushrooms like ashwagandha, lion's mane and chaga.
There are also mushroom coffee alternatives (like SoulBrew) that don’t contain any coffee at all, just extracts from functional mushrooms known for their health-boosting properties blended with other ingredients that provide mental and physical benefits while providing a delicious taste.
What are the benefits of drinking mushroom coffee?
Adding mushrooms into your daily ritual can enhance your energy, focus your mind and provide a sense of inner calm. Explains why it’s so popular right?
Some of the other potential perks of drinking this up-and-coming mushroom elixir can be:
Immune system support: Mushrooms are known for containing beneficial compounds like beta-glucans, which some studies suggest might stimulate the immune system, helping to fight bacteria, viruses and prevent infections (acslab.com).
Less caffeine jitters: Mushroom coffee usually contains less caffeine than regular coffee so is a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or experience anxiety after a cup of joe.
Stress reduction: Mushrooms like reishi and ashwagandha have been linked to reducing cortisol levels, (WebMD) helping to manage your stress levels and alleviating anxiety.
Improved Focus: Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane are known to support brain health by stimulating the regeneration of brain cells in the hippocampus, helping to increase cognition, boost memory and enhance focus (Neuroscience News)
Sustained energy: By blending mushrooms and other adaptogens mushroom coffee alternatives can enhance your natural energy, calm and focus, without the caffeine crashes and gut disruptions caused by coffee. Think of it like a smooth cruise instead of a rollercoaster ride!
How to make mushroom coffee
Want in, but wondering how to make this health-giving mushroom coffee drink? It’s easy; in exactly the same way as you brew your instant coffee. Most alternative coffee blends are ground into a powder blend that you simply mix with hot water or milk to make a delicious hot drink in seconds.
Or if hot drinks aren’t your thing, many mushroom coffee alternatives can also be added as a supplement to smoothies or juices, so you can still benefit from health-benefits like immune support or reduced stress, while enjoying your drink of choice.
Sounds good right?
Pros and cons of mushroom coffee
You might be thinking, this all sounds great, but what are the cons of drinking mushroom coffee alternatives? And are there any side-effects?
All-in-all, mushroom coffee alternatives offer a unique and potentially healthier alternative to regular coffee, especially for those sensitive to caffeine. They can also provide a raft of additional benefits for your mind and body, making it clear why it’s so popular amongst health fanatics.
However, as with any new product, you should listen to your gut. Mushrooms are new territory for your digestive system, so start slowly and see how you feel before deciding that it’s right for you.
Because of the unique properties of mushrooms, it’s also recommended that anyone who’s on medication or managing a health condition consult their doctor before trying mushroom coffee. Medicinal mushrooms can interact with certain medications which, when used in combination, may cause side effects.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid mushroom coffee too, since there isn’t enough research about the side effects of medicinal mushrooms amongst these groups.
The key takeaway? Your body is the boss.
Listen to your body. If something feels off, take a break. And, as with any new food or drink, consult your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions.
But what about caffeine content?
One common question is whether mushroom coffee contains caffeine. The answer depends on the brand and choice of mushroom coffee. SoulBrew, for example, has no added caffeine, it only contains a trace amount that’s naturally occurring in our cacao ingredient, which incidentally provides a multitude of other benefits.
Another one is whether mushroom coffee stains your teeth! Interestingly, the amount of caffeine in a drink directly relates to the volume of tannins.
Mushroom coffee typically contains less pigmentation and caffeine than traditional coffee, so it's less likely to cause staining on teeth.
What does mushroom coffee taste like?
We can’t speak for every brand out there, but our SoulBrew blend has been likened by many (including us!) to spiced hot chocolate. We use the deliciousness of Cacao, Coconut Nectar and Cinnamon to create just the right amount of sweetness without the need for artificial sweeteners – meaning it’s gentler on your gut too.
In summary, is mushroom coffee good for you?
Mushroom coffee alternatives are fast becoming a bit of a bit of a magic elixir in the world of beverages, promising the usual coffee kick alongside a dose of other health benefits.
SoulBrew Rise is a mushroom coffee alternative that’s 100% organic, natural and packed with health-giving adaptogens. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and the fact it doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners or caffeine, means it doesn’t aggravate your gut. It’s also packed with ingredients renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, promoting a healthier digestion.
We believe it’s good for your mind, body and soul!
