Mushroom coffee is a hot new trend that’s basically half regular coffee, half extracts of medicinal mushrooms. The most popular brands feature blends of chaga, cordyceps, reishi, turkey tail and lion’s mane mushrooms. The fungi are credited with a long list of health benefits, from immunity and energy boosts to improved mental clarity and stress relief.

Most Quality mushroom coffee don’t taste like a typical portobello or cremini mushroom, but instead offer a nutty, earthy flavor similar to traditional coffee. They also have a lower caffeine content than regular joe, making them a healthier choice for those who need to cut back on their caffeine intake or have issues with coffee’s acidity and bitterness.

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The fungi used in these coffee blends are called adaptogens, which are herbs that help your body cope with environmental and psychological stressors. They’re backed by some research, but there aren’t many well-designed clinical trials on humans, and the results can vary from person to person.

As a result, more human-based research is needed to validate some of the mushroom coffee purveyors’ health claims. However, if you’re interested in giving it a try, consider consulting your healthcare professional about any potential interactions with your current medications or existing health conditions. For safety, it’s best to avoid mushroom coffee if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have any liver or kidney issues or heart problems. Also, keep in mind that consuming more than recommended doses of any herb can lead to unpleasant side effects.