Right guys, let’s talk coffee. Your regular coffee is there to wake you up in the morning, kickstart your brain pre-lecture and in some cases, cure a hangover.
But today we’re not talking about just any coffee, let’s get into this weird and wonderful thing called mushroom coffee. I know, it sounds like something concocted in a lab or a hipster’s kitchen. But hold on a minute—this unique brew has been all the rage recently, and there’s more to it than just a weird name.
So, is it just some hipster trend, or is this the future of our beloved caffeine fix? Let’s find out.
What is mushroom coffee?
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. What the heck is mushroom coffee? I know the first image that popped into your mind was probably a steaming cup of something brown and murky with mushroom bits floating in it. Yikes, right? But let me set the record straight: it’s actually not that terrifying.
Imagine your regular ground coffee—rich, aromatic, and the lifeblood of every uni student. Now, picture that blended seamlessly with medicinal mushrooms. I don’t mean the portobello or shiitake mushrooms you’d throw on a grill; we’re talking about special functional or medicinal mushrooms. T
These are ground into a fine powder and then combined with coffee grounds to create a blend that’s like your regular coffee but with a nutritional punch.
This idea isn’t just some hipster invention meant to disrupt your sacred morning routine. This stuff has roots. Believe it or not, the concept of adding mushrooms to coffee has historical significance, dating back to World War II. Back then, coffee was scarce, so people would mix it with whatever they could find to make it last longer, including mushrooms.
Medicinal mushrooms, really?
Often referred to as ‘medicinal mushrooms’ – the magical fungi that promise everything from better focus to a boosted immune system. But let’s get real for a second: are they as amazing as the hype suggests?
In the wellness world, they’re practically celebrities, especially varieties like lion’s mane, reishi, and chaga. These bad boys have been studied for their potential to improve brain function, help the body adapt to stress, and even offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Sounds dreamy, right?
Well, before you jump on the bandwagon, keep in mind that most of this research is still in the early stages. While some test tube and animal studies show promising results, comprehensive human studies are a bit lacking. So, while medicinal mushrooms do have potential—seriously, some of the early research is pretty exciting—it’s best to approach them as a complement to a healthy lifestyle rather than a cure-all.
The mushroom coffee boom
You’ve probably seen mushroom coffee popping up at campus cafes or maybe one of your adventurous friends has already tried it. Even local store owners are starting to take notice. It’s safe to say that the health benefits of mushroom coffee are popping up all over the place. But do we believe the hype?
Health benefits of mushroom coffee
So, we’ve established that mushroom coffee isn’t just your regular coffee wearing a mushroom hat—it’s a different breed altogether. Now, let’s get into the “why should I care?” part. Besides its cool factor and Instagrammable aesthetic, mushroom coffee has some legit health benefits that make it a standout choice, especially for us stressed-to-the-max students.
First off, let’s talk immune system health benefits. Lord knows we need all the help we can get between crowded halls, shared bathrooms, and—let’s face it—some questionable ‘meals’. Several mushroom varieties, like reishi and chaga, come with immune-boosting properties. And who wouldn’t want a little extra shield against the campus cold that always seems to go around constantly?
Now, focus and mental clarity. Yeah, you heard that right. Imagine sipping your coffee and suddenly feeling like you can write that 10-page essay you’ve been avoiding for weeks. Lion’s mane mushroom, often found in these mushroom coffee blends, has been shown in some test tube studies to stimulate nerve growth factor, which is essential for maintaining a healthy brain. So it could, theoretically, help with focus and concentration. (Caveat: human studies are still limited, so let’s not call it a miracle just yet.)
Feeling stressed or anxious? Welcome to the club. But guess what? The potential benefits of mushroom coffee might help you out there too. Ingredients like adaptogenic mushrooms can help your body manage stress. These aren’t magic bullets, but they could offer a more balanced, calmer energy compared to the jitters and crashes you get from regular coffee.
What makes mushroom coffee blends special?
You’re not just getting a reduced caffeine hit here. Mushroom coffee blends organic arabica coffee beans with ground mushrooms to create a unique taste profile. It’s basically the ‘Craft Beer’ of the coffee world.
How is mushroom coffee made?
The process is pretty neat: hot water extracts the good stuff from the mushrooms’ fruiting bodies, which then gets blended with ground coffee. So, you’re basically getting a science experiment in each cup.
Taste test
As a coffee lover, you’re probably wondering, “Does it taste like feet?” Surprisingly, no! It leans more toward a barista-style coffee than instant coffee. Trust me; your taste buds won’t be disappointed. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, it may take some getting used to, though.
Debunking myths of mushroom coffee
Before you consider it your new go-to for immune-boosting or stress relief, remember it’s not some magic elixir. Sure, it’s gluten-free, but if you’ve got specific health concerns, it’s always good to check with a registered dietitian.
Are there any side effects of mushroom coffee to consider?
One thing to keep in mind is potential interactions with other medications. Especially during exam stress, we don’t want any surprises.
Unsure if shroom coffee is for you?
If you’re feeling adventurous enough to try mushroom coffee but you’re not quite sure, don’t just quit your regular coffee cold turkey. Maybe start with a blend that has Rhodiola rosea, known for focus and anti-inflammatory properties.
Try it out, and who knows? You might just find your new study buddy.
Mushroom coffee concluded
So there you have it. Mushroom coffee is more than just a hipster trend; it offers some cool potential health benefits that could really suit your student lifestyle. Whether it’s here to stay or just the fad of the year, it’s a fascinating twist in the ever-evolving world of coffee.
So why not give it a go and let us know what you think? Share a review, snap a pic of your cup, and let’s see. Find the best mushroom coffees out there and share your thoughts below.
Last Updated on September 27, 2023
Published on September 21, 2023
