Mushroom Coffee: 6 Health Benefits

Yes, mushroom coffee is a thing. And if you don't know better, it may not sound particularly appetizing. But mushroom coffee health benefits are real. Don't worry - this coffee doesn't taste like mushrooms. It's coffee, after all, which has its own strong flavor. It's just made using medicinal mushroom extracts. In fact, it offers some pretty amazing health benefits. Really, who uses plain water these days? All you need to make it is a cup of hot water and some mushroom extract powder. Cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms are used to make the powder. Mushroom coffee health benefits include the ability to boost the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, and even help fight off cancer.

Mushroom Coffee Health Benefits

1. Provides Anticancer Benefits

What could be more important than fighting cancer? Mushroom coffee health benefits include anticancer properties. For example, a 2015 study found that the chaga mushroom, a mushroom commonly included in mushroom coffee, exhibited anticancer properties on colorectal cancer cell lines. Like several cancer-fighting foods, mushroom coffee takes your morning cup of joe to a whole new level. (1)

2. Provides the Body With Antioxidants

Those anticancer properties stem from some pretty nourishing compounds. In fact, mushroom coffee provides the body with healing antioxidants. Specifically, research has shown that mushroom coffee health benefits include disease-fighting and anti-aging properties even stronger than those of green tea. As a result, the powerful antioxidants in mushrooms can help protect the body from disease. (2)

3. Decreases Oxidative Stress

Mushroom coffee health benefits include the ability to decrease oxidative stress. The antioxidants work to fight off free radicals that cause damage to the cells. By reducing oxidative stress, mushroom coffee can help protect the body from chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as eye problems, including cataracts. (3)

4. Boosts Liver Health

And reducing oxidative stress supports the liver, too! Mushroom coffee health benefits include improved liver health. Reishi mushroom, often used to make mushroom coffee, contains adaptogens that help improve liver function and prevent liver disease. The adaptogens work by encouraging the body to flush out waste and other toxins. (4)

5. Aids in Digestive and Diabetic Health

Thanks to the polysaccharides that mushrooms contain, mushroom coffee health benefits also include the ability to boost digestive health. The polysaccharides act as prebiotics to help improve digestive system function. In addition, mushroom coffee aids in diabetic health. According to the research, beta-glucans in mushrooms help decrease body weight, lower glucose levels, and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Mushrooms can also help improve insulin sensitivity. (5)

6. Provides Focus Without the Jitters

Too much caffeine? According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a typical 8 oz. cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. So, according to them, you can drink up to 4 cups a day with no problems. But some people need energy, not the buzz of 4 cups of coffee. Mushroom coffee naturally energizes the body. Yes, the caffeine content is the same or slightly higher, but the nutrients fuel the body, your brain and cells, with true energy, not a stimulant. As an added benefit, it works to improve focus without causing a caffeine crash later on. (6)

Coffee vs. Mushroom Coffee

So what's the difference between mushroom coffee and regular coffee? Regular coffee simply doesn't offer the same health benefits. Mushroom coffee also improves mood and focus without worsening conditions like anxiety and insomnia, which may happen with regular coffee. If you need caffeine in the morning, you might as well choose a cup of coffee that can improve digestion, boost liver health, and help protect your body from cancer, while giving you an energy boost!