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Mushroom coffee, common Q&As

6 min read time Feb 05, 2024

Description

Description

The combination of medicinal mushroom extract and everyone's favorite liquid crack (also known as coffee) has become increasingly popular, especially in America, creating

A new generation of functional tonic coffee connoisseurs

The desire to search for a more nourishing cup of coffee has created various questions about mushroom coffee and its potential for overall well-being.

Today, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions at ZNF about this delicious and highly nourishing tonic drink.

Q. What is Mushroom Coffee?

Mushroom coffee is most commonly a blend of ground coffee beans and mushroom powder extracts. Although, as you continue reading, you will learn various methods to make mushroom coffee. In other cultures, this is known as a tonic coffee. Tonics are defined based on function and criteria.

In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic:

They create and support physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the appropriate balance of Yin and Yang energy to attain vibrant health.
They can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
No matter how long an individual uses tonic, they never build a tolerance.
True tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. This principle is known in Daoist herbalism as Di Tao and makes a vital difference in potency and efficacy.

Mushroom coffee often contains a blend of up to seven mushrooms. It can also be one specific mushroom blended with other tonics or adaptogens to support a particular targeted goal.

The most common mushrooms used include reishi, chaga, cordyceps, and lion's mane.

Ultimately, mushrooms bring balance and nourishment to a plain cup of coffee, which is considered an excitatory beverage with depleting qualities for some.

Q. How Does Mushroom Coffee Taste?

Generally speaking, mushroom coffee tastes similar to regular coffee but has a slightly earthy flavor, depending on the type of mushroom used.

The mushroom flavor is usually subtle and not overpowering. Adding foods like cacao and vanilla extract to your mushroom coffee can support a more balanced flavor profile.

Remember that changing the coffee or mushrooms used in the mix can change the flavor profile with the notes and undertones of the coffee you choose to make it with. We also encourage you to try different types of coffee and create your own mushroom blend with many of our excellent mushroom extract powders to create a morning beverage that is perfect for you.

Q. What are the Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee?

While the health benefits can vary based on the type of mushroom used, mushrooms are considered significant tonics in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Tonics are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health. Tonics provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal with daily stressors more efficiently. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings.

Mushrooms also contain a wide range of nourishing compounds.

Polysaccharides are believed to be mushrooms' primary family of compounds that may support a healthy aging process. Mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides (carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugar) like chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and galactan's. Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90% being insoluble fractions. Most (around 80%) of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound onto chitin or protein. Polysaccharides can support a wide range of actions in the human body. They have been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, and microbiome effects and a host of other nourishing qualities.

Until recently, it was believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms (beta 1-3 and 1-6) and are the powerhouse for what makes mushrooms work. Other polysaccharides found in mushrooms are Alpha-glucans like glycogen, dextran, pullulan, and starch, which, for a long time, were not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucans. Modern research has taught us that this belief tells you only part of the story and may be based on flawed science. While beta-glucans are potent compounds, there are hundreds of beta-glucan shapes and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all are immunologically active. Ultimately, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom's many nourishing qualities.

Finally, coffee is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols are a term used to describe a general category of compounds found in a broad spectrum of fruits, vegetables, and tea that work as “reducing agents” along with other compounds known as antioxidants to support a healthy inflammation response and the body's ability to protect and repair damaged tissue caused by oxidative stress. While over 8,000 polyphenols have been identified, some of the most common are flavonoids and flavonols. While coffee contains many potent compounds, the two that are put in the spotlight are chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid.

Ultimately, mushroom coffee can provide significant benefits and high-quality nourishment.

Q. Can Mushroom Coffee Help with Weight Loss?

Here at Z Natural Foods, we don’t believe in magic bullets or misleading consumers.

Simply put, those claiming mushroom coffee is a practical weight loss support are misleading you.

There is no evidence to show that mushrooms or mushroom coffee support any aspect of weight loss.

If you aim to be healthy and support your overall well-being, mushrooms, and coffee are very well-studied for their nourishing values.

Q. Is Mushroom Coffee Safe for Everyone?

There will always be exceptions to what is considered generally safe for everyone.

While most people tolerate mushrooms and coffee quite reasonably, that does not mean you necessarily will.

Therefore, if you are aware of any allergies to mushrooms, are sensitive to caffeine, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming it.

Q. How Do You Prepare Mushroom Coffee?

There are various ways to prepare a mushroom coffee. If you use a preexisting blend, prepare it similarly to regular coffee. You have several options if you create your own mushroom coffee tonic drink.

The end result will differ based on the method for how you prepare your coffee (drip, french press, percolator).

First, if you use mushroom extract tinctures, add them to the prepared coffee, drink, and enjoy. Please be conscious of the concentration of your extracts so you can add the appropriate amount.
Next, if you have the whole dried mushroom in chunks, begin by preparing one gallon of decoction tea preparation; this should take about 30 minutes. This preparation should be kept refrigerated. You can use one or multiple mushrooms to prepare this tea. When you brew your coffee, the tea preparation will be the water used to make the coffee.
Finally, if you are using extracts in powdered form, simply add in the amount of each mushroom for the desired effect, drink, and enjoy.

Some other items we suggest to support a delicious flavor profile and nutritional content are cacao, vanilla extract, and collagen peptides, which are great alternatives to sugar and other sweeteners that you may be already adding to your coffee.

Q. Can Mushroom Coffee Replace Regular Coffee?

Let's first look at what you get in a regular cup of coffee if you are using high-quality, organically grown coffee.

As stated in one of the previous questions, coffee is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds. Polyphenols are a term used to describe a general category of compounds found in a broad spectrum of fruits, vegetables, and tea that work as “reducing agents” along with other compounds known as antioxidants to support a healthy inflammation response and the body's ability to protect and repair damaged tissue caused by oxidative stress. While over 8,000 polyphenols have been identified, some of the most common are flavonoids and flavonols. While coffee contains many potent compounds, the two that are put in the spotlight are chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. Ultimately, mushroom coffee can provide significant benefits and high-quality nourishment.

Next, let’s discuss the other items most people add to their coffee, like sugar, low-quality dairy, and artificial sweeteners. Not only do these add unnecessary calories, they provide no nutritional value or therapeutic benefits. Remember, the first thing you ingest when you wake up will be “breaking the fast.” Is this really how you want to start your day?

So, not only is mushroom coffee a replacement for regular coffee (especially for those looking for a lower-caffeine alternative), but you are getting a more nourishing and well-balanced morning beverage that will support your well-being all day long.

In conclusion, a properly prepared mushroom coffee is a great way to start your day with the nourishment and support your mind, body, and spirit need and deserve. Make this tonic beverage a daily habit, and watch how it transforms your life. We wish you great health.

Go here for more information about our Organic Instant 7 Mushroom Coffee (Black).

Go here for more information about our Organic Instant Mushroom Coffee (contains a splash of stevia for a subtle sweetness).