Besides being a lower-caffeine substitute for regular coffee, mushroom coffee also boasts several other impressive health perks. Here are a few of the top benefits.
May Improve Brain Function
Mushroom coffee may promote mental clarity, concentration and focus, according to Mary Sabat, a registered dietitian and personal trainer in Georgia. In particular, lion’s mane may increase the production of nerve growth factor, which is a type of protein that plays a key role in the development of neurons, according to test tube studies[2]Ryu SH, Hong SM, Khan Z, et al. Neurotrophic isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2021;31:127714. .
However, research in humans is limited, and more studies need to be done before a definitive link between improved brain function and lion’s mane can be noted.
May Strengthen Immunity
Improved immunity is another key benefit of mushroom coffee, according to Sabat. Interestingly, some research suggests that the immune-enhancing and disease-fighting effects of medicinal mushrooms could be due to the presence of certain compounds, including specific proteins and glucans, a type of carbohydrate.
In one in-vitro study (which means a study done in a test tube or petri dish), extracts of turkey tail mushroom increased the activity of certain immune-activating and anti-inflammatory compounds in cells[3]Benson KF, et al. The Mycelium of the Trametes Versicolor (Turkey Tail) Mushroom and Its Fermented Substrate Each Show Potent and Complementary Immune Activating Properties in Vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19:342. . However, more high-quality studies in humans on the effects of mushroom coffee are still needed.
May Help Ease Stress
Medicinal mushrooms are often used to help reduce stress and anxiety. This may be due to their ability to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which acts as a neurotransmitter modulator and plays an important part in neuronal growth and survival, particularly those involved with cognitive and emotional function. One small study found that supplementing with lion’s mane for eight weeks not only increased levels of BDNF, but also improved symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders in individuals living with obesity[4]Vigna L, et al. Hericium erinaceus Improves Mood and Sleep Disorders in Patients Affected by Overweight or Obesity: Could Circulating Pro-BDNF and BDNF Be Potential Biomarkers?. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;7861297. .
May Support Heart Health
Certain varieties of medicinal mushrooms featured in mushroom coffee may offer benefits for heart health. For instance, one review notes that reishi mushrooms may protect against heart damage and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels[5]Meng J, et al. Protective Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Cardiovascular System. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1182:181-199. . Other research has found that cordyceps have a positive effect on the treatment of arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, possibly by regulating certain pathways in the cells of the heart[6]Wang L, et al. Bidirectional Regulatory Effects of Cordyceps on Arrhythmia: Clinical Evaluations and Network Pharmacology. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:948173. .
Some researchers theorize that the effects of mushrooms on heart health could be due to the presence of compounds like ergothioneine, an amino acid that helps ease inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that could help promote heart health and protect against chronic disease.