Does Mushroom Coffee Actually Work?

Mushroom coffee is taking the beverage world by storm, blending the rich, familiar flavours of traditional coffee with the remarkable benefits of medicinal mushrooms. While it may not sound the tastiest, its touted health benefits and endorsements from social media influencers have sparked the so-called “shroom boom,” resulting in a surge of mushroom coffee brands emerging on the supplement scene.

But with all the hype, the real question is: are consumers truly getting their money’s worth?

What does it claim to do?

Let’s face it; regular coffee is not what it is cracked up to be. The inevitable, much-loathed energy crash that follows caffeine consumption often leaves you feeling drained and frustrated. But fear not! Despite containing some caffeine, albeit significantly less than regular coffee, mushroom coffee promises to stave off the dreaded crash and help you maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

The latest coffee craze is, as the name suggests, all about its blend of nootropic mushrooms. These unique ingredients promise to sharpen your focus and help you maintain a zen-like calm throughout the day, making it the perfect brew for busy professionals, students, or anyone looking to enhance their mental clarity while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.

Will it actually work?

While popular mushroom coffees vary in some aspects, most share a core set of ingredients, each offering its own functional benefits to help deliver the promised results.

Sustained Energy

Of course, the most obvious ingredient in mushroom coffees for improving energy levels is caffeine. Several studies have proven that it reduces fatigue and improves endurance by increasing adrenaline levels. However, as mentioned earlier, caffeine inevitably leads to a crash that leaves you feeling drained.

This is where cordyceps, a medicinal mushroom known for its energy-boosting properties, comes into play. Cordyceps increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells, keeping physical fatigue in healthy adults at bay. The best part? Unlike caffeine, this process will not result in a sudden depletion of energy later in the day.

Some mushroom coffees provide an extra energy boost through maca root. A study conducted on individuals living in the Andes, where maca naturally grows, compared those who regularly consumed this powerhouse plant to those who did not, revealing that maca significantly increases overall energy and stamina. So, with maca in the mix, you can expect an even more vibrant lift to your day!

Sharpened Focus

The one ingredient found in more or less every mushroom coffee currently on the market is Lion’s Mane mushroom. Renowned for its cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective properties, this incredible fungus enhances Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the brain, which is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of nerve cells in areas associated with thinking, learning, and emotions. As a result, it enhances mental clarity, making it a breeze to stay focused and dialed in throughout your day.

Ashwagandha, an ancient medicinal herb, is also commonly included in mushroom coffees, with studies showing that it has antioxidant effects in the brain, improving focus and memory.

Enhanced Calmness

Mushroom coffees are packed with a variety of calming ingredients, but Reishi Mushroom stands out as the most popular choice. It works wonders by regulating the body’s stress response by stabilizing cortisol and adrenaline levels, which spike during periods of stress.

But that’s not all! Reishi is also rich in triterpenes, compounds that support the parasympathetic nervous system, often dubbed the “rest and digest” system. Think of this system as your body’s built-in chill button, helping to counteract the “fight or flight” response by slowing your heart rate, relaxing your muscles, and enhancing gland activity, all of which promote a state of calm and relaxation.

The Bottom Line

With its thoughtfully selected, research-supported ingredients, mushroom coffee should genuinely live up to its bold claims, making it worth considering as an exciting alternative to your usual morning brew.

The only thing that may take a bit of getting used to is the difference in taste, which can vary depending on the specific mushroom blend of the brand you select. However, the flavour is often similar enough that many people will not even notice the difference. So why not give your mornings a fun twist and see how this unique brew can energize your day?

If you want to brew up your own unique mushroom coffee blend, reach out to us at Supplement Factory, and our award-winning formulation team will help you whip up something delicious and exciting!