GB Mushroom Coffee mushrooms, including ones used in mushroom coffee, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. They’re rich in adaptogens, which are thought to help the body cope with stress. The hype surrounding mushroom coffee is based on the belief that these benefits carry over when mushrooms are ground and mixed with coffee beans, brewed and consumed.

Mushroom coffee is typically made with a mix of instant, ground or coffee pods and dehydrated mushrooms that have undergone an extraction process to separate out their beneficial compounds. The resulting blend looks and tastes a lot like your run-of-the-mill cup of coffee, but with a slightly nutty or earthy flavor.

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Most products include medicinal mushrooms known for their mental and physical health benefits, such as lion’s mane, reishi, chaga and turkey tail. These mushrooms have a wide range of purported health effects, from strengthening your immune system to improving your mood to lowering your blood pressure.

However, the research on these benefits is inconsistent and limited, and most studies haven’t included humans. In addition, if you have a sensitivity to caffeine or are allergic to mushrooms, it’s best to avoid mushroom coffee. If you’re interested in incorporating it into your diet, talk to your registered dietitian for more information and a recommended dose. She can also help you make the right choices with other beverages and food to improve your overall health.