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

What is mushroom coffee?

According to Dr. Zachary Mulvihill, a physician in the Integrated Health and Wellness program at NewYork-Presbyterian (USA), mushroom coffee is typically made from regular coffee with ground medicinal mushrooms. Alternatively, the name could also refer to a type of coffee made solely from mushrooms, according to NBC (USA).

Beth Czerwony, a nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic (USA), says that dried mushrooms, often sold as powders or extracts, are commonly available as dietary supplements.

Dr. Mulvihill stated that there is new evidence suggesting that bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, particularly turkey tail mushrooms, may boost the immune system, helping to prevent disease.

Mushroom coffee comes in a decaffeinated variety, suitable for those 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 compounds in the medicinal mushroom are capable of protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals – a factor that increases the risk of cancer and other diseases.

Coping with stress

A common claim about mushroom coffee is that it reduces stress. It's believed that the "adaptational" effects of mushrooms, particularly reishi and cordyceps, can help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), often used to address fatigue and exhaustion; enhance stamina and endurance; and increase energy, especially in athletes, according to experts.

Cognitive function

Medicinal mushrooms contain numerous compounds that may benefit brain health, potentially enhancing cognition and protecting against neurodegeneration.

“Mushrooms can help develop more nerve cells, thereby stimulating nerve growth. While there is evidence that lion's mane mushrooms and other mushrooms may support brain health, the effects won't be immediate. You won't feel any changes immediately after taking them, but within two or three weeks you may notice a slight improvement,” says Dr. Mulvihill.

Mushrooms have many proven stress-reducing benefits and are good for health when consumed in moderation.

Sleep

Reishi mushrooms have been used to promote sleep in traditional medicine for centuries. “Sometimes, people suffer from insomnia because their cortisol levels are too high, which suppresses melatonin. So medicinal mushrooms can help reset the circadian rhythm. Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee; however, people should consume less caffeine in the morning so as not to interfere with nighttime rest,” Dr. Mulvihill notes.

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 vary greatly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the use of medicinal mushrooms to treat any health condition.

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 have a mushroom allergy.

Dr. Mulvihill says that for daily coffee drinkers, mushroom coffee could be a great option to try. It's best to choose mushrooms that are domestically produced and organic, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it if you can tolerate it.

Overall, mushroom coffee is a beverage that is both familiar and novel, and potentially beneficial to health. However, to protect oneself, people should consult with a doctor before using medicinal mushrooms, especially if they have underlying medical conditions.

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