We are familiar with coffee with milk, sugar or sweeteners. We don't usually think about mushrooms when we prepare black gold. But studies actually suggest that mushroom coffee may have beneficial health effects.
For many people, the day only begins with the first cup of coffee. Preferences often differed between “black” and “with milk.” However, there is still a variation, the so-called mushroom coffee. According to scientific studies, this is said to have special effects.
Coffee with mushrooms is good for health
Several studies have scientifically proven that coffee can generally have beneficial effects on health. The important thing, of course, is how much and when the drink is consumed. But the way it is done is also crucial to its effect. Because: For example, if you mix your coffee with mushrooms, this can have a positive effect on your brain and immune system. Mushrooms can also promote the healing of cancer. Studies have shown it.
To be clear: mushroom coffee is regular coffee enriched with mushroom extracts. This way there are no visible pieces floating in the liquid. You can choose to add the appropriate powder to your morning cup yourself or buy ready-made mushroom coffee. It is important that these are medicinal mushrooms, not powdered mushrooms.
“Mushroom powder can give coffee an interesting flavor and special varieties can promote brain health if taken regularly,” says medical expert Lauren Manaker in an interview with the “eatthis” portal.
What types of mushrooms are most commonly used for coffee?
Mushrooms have been used for health purposes for hundreds or even thousands of years, including in traditional Chinese medicine. The most used types of coffee mushrooms are the following:
Types of mushrooms for coffee:
- Hedgehog's barbed beard (also called lion's mane): Several studies suggest that the mushroom can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and even relieve anxiety and depression. It has also been shown in animals that extracts from the mushroom can kill cancer cells, help with diabetes, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Schillerporling Slate (Chaga): Has similar effects to Lion's Mane. These include strengthening the immune system by fighting bacteria and viruses, as well as inflammation. At the same time, according to studies, the fungus is said to stimulate white blood cells, which are also essential for immune defense.
- Shiny Lackporling (Reishi): According to studies, this mushroom is said to increase energy levels while reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is also used to control blood sugar and improve overall immune health.
Only a few studies investigate the effects of mushrooms on humans.
As Healthline reports, researchers have been studying medicinal mushrooms for their potential health benefits since the 1970s. It should be noted, however, that the relevant studies do not refer to the specific effects of mushroom coffee, but only to those of the fungi themselves, moreover, most of them are based on experiments with animals and laboratory conditions. Only a few also include clinical studies in humans.
Despite the separate benefits of mushrooms and coffee, there are at least numerous, although still unverified, claims about the positive effects of coffee with mushrooms. Additional research on the effects on humans may help confirm previous claims.
Homemade mushroom coffee recipe
If you want to make your own mushroom coffee, you can purchase the necessary mushroom powder at organic stores and health food stores or on Amazon. There are several recipes online. These often include much more than just “coffee plus powder.” Like the following example:
Addresses:
- Grind your favorite beans or make hot regular coffee powder.
- Add plant-based or animal-based milk as needed.
- Then add the mushroom powder.
- Advice: Since it has a bitter taste, you can add a little sweetness in the form of honey, syrup, or even sweetener.
- Other flavors include cinnamon and vanilla.
Ingredients for coffee with mushrooms :
- 150 milliliters of hot coffee
- 100 milliliters of hot milk
- 1 knife tip / 1 level teaspoon mushroom powder
- sweeteners
- Favorite spices (vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom,…)
Danger: There is a maximum consumption recommendation for powdered mushrooms. You should stick to these. Also, dose sparingly at first and then increase the amount according to your taste.
Black coffee or milk?
If in the end the mushroom powder or mushroom coffee doesn't convince you, you have nothing to worry about. There is one study that at least answers the question “coffee with or without milk” quite clearly. Consequently, it is healthier to simply enjoy coffee alone.
By Dana Neumann