TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023 - MUSHROOM COFFEE

This is a miscellaneous week.  Air conditioning yesterday, mushroom coffee today, drones tomorrow, and artificial intelligence on Thursday. 

Mushroom coffee started in my advertising feeds about a month ago.  My first reaction was, “What?”

The Cleveland Clinic wrote:

“Is your social media timeline filled with people sipping on a warm, coffee-like drink … that’s made with mushrooms? You’re not the only one.

“Adding mushrooms to your diet as a wellness incentive isn’t new. But mushrooms have been having a moment — an extended one — in the Western world. It’s easier than ever to find mushroom powder, extract, tonics, and gummies to heal what ails you — and many people are singing their praises.”

The Cleveland Clinic continues:

“Is mushroom coffee good for you?

There are a lot of claims surrounding the benefits of mushroom coffee. Some of the most popular claims about mushroom coffee are that it:

.Helps you sleep better.

.Reduces stress.

.Reduces inflammation.

.Strengthens your immune system.

.Supports your memory.

.Increases your energy levels.

.Relaxes sore muscles.

But is there any truth to these statements?

“Mushrooms, in general, have some great benefits,” notes Czerwony. “A big one tends to be reducing inflammation. Mushrooms also contain antioxidants, which can help support the immune system.”

“Mushroom coffee also has less caffeine, which (depending on who you ask) usually helps people feel less anxious and sleep better.

There isn’t much research suggesting all of the claims for mushroom coffee with a grain of salt. The hype around mushroom coffee is built on an untested assumption that all the benefits of mushrooms continue to exist when they’re processed and brewed alongside your morning coffee.

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The concept (as I understand it) is: Coffee is good for you (in moderation); mushrooms are good for you (and they come in a lot of varieties) - so mushroom coffee is good for you.  

The articles suggest mushroom coffee is twice as expensive as regular Coffee. I rarely drink Coffee at restaurants. I can make a pot of Coffee at home. My Coffee is cheaper than Starbucks coffee. Two cups of Starbucks might equal what I pay for a canister of ground coffee at the grocery store.  

The articles also suggest that if you want mushroom coffee's health benefits, a better way might be to buy (and eat) the mushrooms separately and make (and drink) the Coffee as it is. Grinding up mushrooms and blending them into Coffee adds a lot of cost and preparation (even at a coffee factory).  

The articles also suggest that a buyer (user) doesn’t know which types of mushrooms exist in the Coffee.

One source gave this list of mushrooms and their benefits: (MedincineNet 8/18/2022)

Reishi. This mushroom can benefit the immune system and is often used for its anti-aging properties, treating lung conditions like asthma, and fighting viral infections like the flu.

Lion’s mane. This type of mushroom may reduce memory loss, increase brain functioning, and kill cancer cells. Lion's mane may also benefit your mental health by preventing disorders like depression.

Chaga. This mushroom can be an antioxidant and is often taken orally for heart disease, stomach pain, and diabetes.

Maitake. This mushroom regulates blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and boosts your immune system. It may promote weight loss and is used to treat cancer and reduce side effects of chemotherapy.

Cordyceps. This mushroom can treat coughs, respiratory illnesses, and irregular heartbeats. Cordyceps is commonly used as an adaptogen to increase energy and stamina.

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Do you know what mushrooms are in your Coffee? Do you know the proportions and mixture? Will the balance be off if you have too Chaga and Reishi? Will it lose its effectiveness?

Like many products, Mushroom Coffee claims many benefits - but the research is limited (or paid for by the companies pushing their Coffee).  From the articles they agree that mushroom coffee MAY be beneficial - but with the higher price and limited study, it might be better to wait.

I might taste mushroom coffee once or twice, but I’m happy with my coffee habit!! (I don’t even order mushrooms on my pizza!!!)

Oh, I LOVE COFFEE

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

(Does Coffee transform you or me?)

Karen Anne White, ©, July 26, 2023