Coffee has always been my go-to morning drink. I generally enjoy a cup or two while winding up for the day. I always choose organic and often add cinnamon and coconut milk to my brew. I have recently seen things popping up regarding the health benefits of another rather unconventional coffee type – mushroom coffee.

If you are like me, you might have wrinkled your nose at the prospect of drinking mushrooms. However, after doing a little research, it appears as though this stuff might actually be really good for you. These earthy fungi drink is actually made by combining mushroom extracts with coffee which makes the blend rich and smooth. Not to mention the fact that it is loaded with antioxidants.

I was curious so I decided to try some of this interesting coffee.

Are medicinal mushrooms good for me?

There are various kinds of medicinal mushrooms, each therapeutic value. Some popular types include cordyceps, Lion’s mane, reishi, chaga, and turkey tail.

Research supports that medicinal mushrooms are indeed good for the body. The most impressive benefits seem to be in the area of improving brain cells which may result in halting serious neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Medicinal mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, especially glutathione and ergothioneine. When added to coffee, the antioxidant power is multiplied. Research shows that a diet rich in antioxidants offers protection from a number of serious medical conditions and diseases.

Mushrooms are loaded with nutritional properties such as vitamins like selenium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin D. In addition, mushrooms are low in calorie and sodium. When added to regular coffee, mushrooms balance out the caffeine and make for a very satisfying cup of coffee without compromise. Medicinal mushroom coffee helps to keep your energy levels up and does not cause the same kind of post-coffee crash that regular coffee causes.

Research indicates that certain mushrooms have antitumor and anticancer components. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology of Ethnopharmacology found that chaga mushrooms contain ergosterol peroxide which showed impressive anticancer activities in human colorectal cancer.

Reishi mushrooms are rich in adaptogens that are rich in adaptogens that help to improve liver function and keep liver disease at bay by encouraging toxins to be flushed more effectively. A study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms discovered that reishi’s powerful antioxidant properties fight harmful immune responses that decrease liver function.

Where to find mushroom coffee

For quite some time, mushroom coffee was only available in instant pouches. However, now you can buy ground coffee for your coffee maker and even pods for your one serving makers. I have tried a number of types of mushroom coffee but like Four Sigmatic best. It has a rich and mellow flavor and I always feel recharged but not jittery after drinking.

So, the next time you crave a cup of coffee, why not try the enhanced mushroom version?