Decoding mushroom coffee: Benefits, preparations, and side effects
A few years back if someone had mixed coffee and mushroom together, many would have found it weird. But today, when people go gaga over fusion dishes, a combination such as that would be pretty safe. Needless to say, mushroom coffee is a thing now and is widely popular, mainly for its benefits. Here's decoding the coffee trend.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a concoction produced from coffee beans and adaptogenic mushrooms that is frequently marketed as a better substitute for regular coffee. Ground mushrooms and coffee beans are delicately mixed to create mushroom coffee, which has a dark, and nutty flavor. Instead of using culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello, mushroom coffee typically uses medical mushroom extracts like lion's mane, chaga, or reishi.
A brief history
Although mushroom coffee is in trend now, it was there since ancient times. Many online sources claim that during World War II when coffee beans were unavailable, mushrooms were utilized as a substitute for coffee in Finland. Mushrooms also have a long history of use in Asian cuisine and traditional Chinese medicine for their nutritional and health benefits.
Most common benefits
Although it may taste comparable to ordinary coffee, mushroom coffee has less caffeine. With less caffeine spike, this beverage may provide prolonged energy. Additionally, mushroom coffee is said to promote concentration and focus as well as improve immunity, as per reports. Many experts also claim that it can ease stress and anxiety and be beneficial for heart health.
How to prepare mushroom coffee
To enjoy mushroom coffee, you can find pre-packaged blends or create your own by adding mushroom powder to your regular cup of coffee. Start with a small amount of mushroom powder and gradually increase as per your preference. Mushroom coffee can be brewed using various methods, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso machine.
Potential side effects
It is crucial to remember that eating mushrooms frequently may create digestive problems, especially for people with kidney problems or sensitivity to wheat. However, the biggest drawback is that there are currently insufficient human studies on its effects on health. To support those health claims, human research is required, because the majority of research investigations have been carried out on animals or test tubes.
