If you’ve been paying attention to the natural health market, you may have noticed a new trend emerging. Mushroom powder is popping up in coffee, powders, capsules and even beauty products.
Many are wondering: What is mushroom powder, and why would I want to use it?
Mushrooms are a group of superfoods with impressive nutrition contents and potential health benefits. They’re packed with disease-fighting and energizing nutrients.
That’s exactly why mushrooms are known as the “elixir of life” in Chinese medicine. They’ve been a part of traditional medicine for thousands of years.
What Is Mushroom Powder?
Mushroom powder is exactly what it sounds like — dried mushrooms that are pulverized into powder. You can get many types of mushroom powder, as it can be made with any type of culinary mushroom.
Why bother consuming mushroom powder instead of just adding mushrooms to your diet? In powder form, you get a higher concentration of nutrients.
Types/Varieties
There are several types of mushroom powder available in stores, and you can always dehydrate fresh mushrooms and make your own at home. In stores, you can find powders made with one type of mushrooms and blends that are made of several.
Shiitake
Shiitake is a popular dried mushroom because it’s affordable and contains all eight essential amino acids, along with a fatty acid called linoleic acid.
Shiitake mushrooms are known to increase satiety, making them great for weight loss. They also contain phytonutrients that support heart health and immune function.
Porcini
Porcini powder is commonly used to add flavor to broths, and sometimes it’s added to flour when making bread or pasta. They are known for their floury texture when ground.
Porcini mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and lycopene. They are also a good source of fiber and plant-based protein.
Chaga
Chaga has an earthy flavor, and it contains vanillin, the same compound in vanilla bean.
It is ranked one of the top foods for oxygen radical absorbent capacity. That means that it’s an excellent source of antioxidants and can therefore help in the prevention of disease.
Chaga mushroom works as an inflammation reducer, and eating them may even improve physical endurance.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is known as a nootropic food because of its brain-boosting properties. You’ll often see it in powdered form and added to mushroom coffee.
Research suggests that it may slow down cell degeneration in the brain, helping fight diseases like Alzheimer’s. Lion’s mane also supports heart and digestive health because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
Reishi
Reishi mushroom has been valued in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It goes by the nickname “king of mushrooms” and serves as an adaptogenic herb that helps the body deal with the negative effects of stress.
These mushrooms are jam-packed with antioxidants and health-promoting compounds, like polysaccharides. Reishi powder is used to balance hormones, promote heart health and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a staple in holistic medicine and known as a superstar supplement that’s used to enhance athletic performance, reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. They feature anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that help fight disease, boost immune function and slow aging.
Mushroom Powder Benefits
1. Enhances Brain Function
Mushroom powder is well-known for its positive affects on brain function. Lion’s mane powder, for instance, has been found to reduce the impact of neurodegenerative diseases by slowing or reversing cell degeneration in the brain.
It is often used to promote mental clarity and focus. It’s a popular supplement for overall cognitive health.
2. Supports Immune Health
Mushrooms often contain polysaccharides, molecules that have immunomodulatory effects and may enhance immune system function.
Research on chaga shows that the mushroom can stimulate spleen lymphocytes that work to regulate the immune system and boost the body’s ability to fight off invading viruses and bacteria.
3. Eases Stress
Traditionally, mushrooms have been used to reduce stress and anxiety.
An animal study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms found that reishi mushroom powder had significant anti-anxiety activity in mice. Researchers suggest that the anti-anxiety effects may be the result of the phenols and flavonoids present in reishi mushroom.
A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies suggests that reishi has antidepressant potential and may help ease stress-induced anxiety.
4. Boosts Energy
Shiitake mushroom powder is a great source of vitamin B, so it helps support adrenal function and turn the nutrients you consume into useable energy. Mushroom powder supplements and coffees are often used to boost energy levels and beat brain fog.
Mushrooms are also known to improve exercise performance. The polysaccharides in mushrooms make them excellent foods for physical endurance.
5. Regulates Blood Sugar
Medicinal mushrooms are useful for managing diabetes because they have been shown to improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.
Research on reishi mushroom, for example, suggests that it’s able to decrease both blood sugar and insulin levels in mice. It was also able to modify enzymes that are involved in blood sugar control.
6. Supports Health Health
Research shows that there’s a strong link between mushrooms and heart health. Cordyceps mushroom powder, for example, could help prevent heart damage and lower LDL cholesterol.
Mushrooms have proven to be organ protectors that benefit the heart by fighting oxidative stress as well.
7. Slows Aging
The impressive antioxidant content in mushroom powder helps fight free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress. Not only does this help prevent disease, but it helps slow the signs of aging and optimizes overall health.
By promoting healthy aging, consuming reishi mushroom powder, for example, is known to boost longevity. Studies reveal that it affects life span extension by reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage throughout the body.
Mushrooms vs. Mushroom Powder
Mushroom powder is made from dehydrated and ground mushrooms. A serving of the power provides a higher nutritional value because it’s much more concentrated.
One scoop of a blended mushroom powder can provide a range of health-promoting nutrients, including a long list of antioxidants, prebiotic fibers, amino acids and micronutrients. In its condensed form, it packs a nutritional punch.
How to Use (Dosage, Recipes)
Here’s the beauty of mushroom powder — it can be added to so many dishes. It has a mild, earthy flavor that blends well in many dishes and can even be added to beverages.
Treat it like a seasoning agent (like mushroom umami seasoning), and add it to scrambled eggs, soups, casseroles, sauces and sautéed vegetables. It offers a great meaty flavor and has a slew of health benefits.
Recently, mushrooms are being used in all sorts of products. You can find coffees, teas and protein powders made with mushroom powder.
Store-bought powders are added to recipes, coffees, hot chocolate blends, drink mixes and smoothies. Generally, two to three teaspoons of powder is consumed once a day to boost overall health. Don’t overdo it, though, and remember that it’s a concentrated version of whole mushrooms so a little goes a long way.
You may be wondering about the taste of mushroom coffee. Surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like mushrooms and serves as a less acidic way to get your morning caffeine.
Want to make your own mushroom powder at home? It’s very easy.
Purchase dehydrated mushrooms, and grind them into a fine powder. Then use the powder in everyday recipes for a boost of antioxidants and nutrients.
For storage, keep the powder in an airtight container.
Risks and Side Effects
A high-quality mushroom powder is considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. Read the product label carefully for dosage directions, and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Some mushrooms work to make the immune system more active, so people with autoimmune diseases should check with their doctors before using mushroom powder supplements.
If you experience any adverse side effects after consuming mushroom supplements, discontinue use immediately.
Conclusion
- Mushroom powder seasoning is gaining popularity because it’s a nutrition powerhouse that can be added to a ton of recipes and beverages. You’ve heard about the health benefits of whole mushrooms, so think about the effects of a concentrated version.
- You can find mushroom powder blends or powders of individual mushrooms, including chaga, reishi, cordyseps, porcini and lion’s mane.
- Mushroom seasoning is jam-packed with antioxidants, protein, fiber, amino acids and micronutrients, including B vitamins.
FAQs
What are the benefits of mushroom powder in coffee? ›
For starters, functional mushrooms proffer many of the same benefits as coffee. They've been linked to focus, energy, and overall wellness, and they're overflowing with antioxidant properties that may support your immune system. When you combine coffee and mushrooms, they work together, while tasting amazingly smooth.
What are the side effects of Mushroomex powder? ›There are no harsh side effects of this product just drink adequate amount of water. You may get some acnes on your body but they won't last long.
Is mushroom coffee mix good for you? ›Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Functional mushrooms have numerous health benefits, as they have high levels of nutrients and antioxidants — which are great for your immune system, says Dr. Bindiya. "They help with mood, energy, focus, concentration, and so much more," she says.
Adding things like mushroom powders to coffee can offset some of the downsides of coffee, including jitters, acidity, and disrupted digestion. When adding mushrooms to things like hot chocolate, you're simply reaping the benefits of the various kinds of mushrooms on top of the antioxidants in cacao.
How many cups of mushroom coffee should I drink a day? ›The FDA has cited 400 milligrams as a generally safe level of daily caffeine consumption for most people, not associated with adverse health effects. Depending on the brand or blend, around three cups of mushroom coffee per day will equate to a little less than the FDA's recommendation.
Does mushroom coffee raise blood pressure? ›Some mushrooms can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, or act as blood thinners. Coffee can act as a diuretic, increase the metabolism of certain medications, and block the absorption of some nutrients.
Who should not take mushroom supplements? ›Taking reishi mushroom may be riskier if you have low blood pressure or are taking therapy to raise your blood pressure, are taking diabetes medications, or have immune system disorders or medications. Higher doses of reishi mushroom might make bleeding more likely in people who have a very low platelet count.
Does mushroom powder gain weight? ›Mushroom Soup Powder is one product that is tested to be safe for human consumption and helps one to gain healthy weight.
Do mushroom supplements affect the liver? ›While they appear to be safe with minimal side effects, there have been associations drawn between Reishi mushrooms and liver toxicity, especially in the powdered form.
Can mushroom coffee help you lose weight? ›Peter Horvath, an associate professor from the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Science, said that the study revealed that mushrooms rapidly regulated the body's glucose level. For this reason, it is a helpful food for people who are looking into losing weight and exercising longer.
Does mushroom coffee interact with medications? ›
In fact, chaga can interact with some common medications, causing potentially harmful effects. For example, chaga could pose risks for people on insulin or those with diabetes due to its impact on blood sugar. Chaga also contains a protein that can prevent blood clotting.
Does mushroom coffee cause inflammation? ›Studies show that adaptogens, like the mushrooms in mushroom coffee, level out the amount of cortisol in your blood and saliva. So this drink could potentially give you a hand in managing stress. It may ease inflammation. The compounds in mushrooms have plenty of anti-inflammatory agents.
What are the side effects of functional mushroom coffee? ›Side effects of mushroom coffee
If you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, even the lower doses in mushroom coffee might trigger an upset stomach, rapid heart rate, or anxiety. Mushrooms can also cause issues in people who have kidney problems or a history of difficulty digesting grains.
How Much Should I Add? Most people will add 1-2 grams of mushroom extract to a single cup of coffee. Of course, if you are looking to achieve a very specific outcome, or if you are taking mushrooms to address a specific condition, it is best to reach out to your doctor or natural health care practitioner.
Is mushroom coffee healthier than regular coffee? ›Since coffee beans are filtered out in the brewing process, only a small amount of soluble fiber passes into the final beverage. The addition of dried and milled mushroom powder to mushroom coffee provides significantly more fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and contributes to a healthy gut flora.
Does mushroom coffee raise blood sugar? ›Promotes Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Mushroom coffee from Hawaii mushrooms can support healthy blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. A few studies suggest that maitake mushrooms may reduce the number of carbohydrates digested and absorbed by the body when eaten with a high-carb diet.
Mushroom coffee also has a lower caffeine content than regular coffee which helps to lower anxiety levels in people and improve sleep quality.
Does mushroom coffee help with inflammation? ›Reduces Inflammation
Mushrooms have been used extensively, throughout history, due to their medicinal properties, and modern research confirms that mushrooms are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is both the source and symptom of many diseases.
And although an 8-ounce cup of mushroom coffee has around 50 milligrams of caffeine, about half that found in regular coffee, it is enough to keep you alert.
Is mushroom coffee addictive? ›Mushroom coffee is not addictive and does not contain any psychoactive compounds other than caffeine. However, like regular coffee, it does contain caffeine, which can be addictive for some people.
Is mushroom powder good for you? ›
Mushroom Powder Helps to Minimize Stress
They offer nourishing factors that can help support your physical and mental health that may be affected by stress. By adding a serving of mushroom powder into your diet each day, the nutrients can help control stress and support a healthier lifestyle, naturally.
Finally, keep in mind that taking medicinal mushrooms requires patience and you won't see immediate benefits. "It takes at least two weeks to notice the effects of functional mushrooms, and it is recommended to take a week off every four to six months," says Kessler.
Which mushroom supplement brand is best? ›- 25 Best Mushroom Supplements.
- Mud\WTR Mushroom Boost.
- Perpetua Life Lion's Mane Gummies.
- Stonehenge Health Dynamic Mushrooms.
- Wild Foods Co Wild Shroom.
- Fresh Cap Ultimate Mushroom Complex.
- Chaos and Pain MUSH-TEN - 10-in-1 Mushroom Complex.
- Boku Super Shrooms.
Chaga: Delivering an immune system boost and anti-inflammation powers, chaga mushroom has some proven virtues and has been used by humans for centuries. Reishi: For mood stabilization and immune health, turn to supplements with reishi mushroom.
Is mushroom powder good for hair growth? ›There is some evidence that a diet that is rich in mushrooms could provide some key benefits to hair health. That is because mushrooms have a high amount of iron in them. As a result, this helps to increase the function of hair follicles and can help to stimulate new hair growth.
How much mushroom powder per day? ›High-quality mushroom powders are safe when the recommended dose is consumed. At Om Mushroom, the dose we recommend for our single-species mushroom powder blends is one teaspoon (2 grams) daily.
What is mushroom Superfood good for? ›Mushrooms are a rich, low calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They may also mitigate the risk of developing serious health conditions, such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. They're also great sources of: Selenium.
Can mushroom supplements lower blood pressure? ›Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) may help lower blood pressure, although evidence is weak. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract. Reishi can interact with other medications and may increase the risk of bleeding.
What time of day is best to take mushroom supplements? ›For instance, mushrooms like Chaga, Cordyceps, and Lion's mane are noted to have energizing qualities. These work best when taken in the morning. Likewise, Reishi is an adaptogen mushroom helping you unwind and destress before bed, making it a suitable pre-bedtime supplement.
Can mushroom supplements cause kidney stones? ›Overall, the percentage of soluble oxalate content of the selected mushrooms ranged from 34 to 65% of the total oxalate content which suggests that, the selected edible mushrooms presents no risk to people liable to kidney stone formation while other foods like some spices and vegetables can supply significant amounts ...
What are the disadvantages of mushroom coffee? ›
It's important to note that mushrooms can sometimes cause digestive issues, especially for those who have kidney problems or trouble with grains. In fact, chaga mushrooms are high in oxalates and are known to affect and increase kidney stones.
Which coffee is best for fat loss? ›A: Black coffee has an element called chlorogenic acid, which is known to speed up weight loss. If you consume black coffee after dinner, the presence of chlorogenic acid slows down the production of glucose in the body. Moreover, the production of new fat cells is decreased, meaning fewer calories in the body.
Why are people drinking mushroom coffee? ›“Mushroom coffee is well-known for its ability to help improve immunity,” Volpe says. This is because the biocompounds in the mushrooms help reduce inflammation, and high levels of inflammation can lead to sickness. Mushroom coffee may help protect against chronic diseases.
Is mushroom coffee good for arthritis? ›The mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are usually lion's mane, chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail. All these types are loaded with adaptogens, helping us with our overall well-being and reducing arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Adaptogenic mushrooms also offer benefits in cancer treatment.
Is mushroom coffee OK for acid reflux? ›Fortunately, a mushroom coffee mix cuts that acidity down significantly, meaning that you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee without having to deal with acid reflux or any other tummy issues.
Can you drink mushroom coffee more than once a day? ›Drink two cups a day to accelerate results for better focus, energy, and immunity. Your mind and body will thank you.
Does mushroom coffee taste like regular coffee? ›Unlike what you might initially think, the coffee does not taste mushroomy. This is because the mushrooms used are not typically culinary mushrooms like shiitake. Instead, the mushrooms used in the blend have more of an earthy taste. So mushroom coffee's flavor is somewhat similar to regular coffee.
Is mushroom coffee easier on your stomach? ›One bonus, she notes, is that because mushroom coffee is less acidic than regular coffee, those with sensitive stomachs might be able to better tolerate it. (“Although they'd have to stomach the higher price tag,” she says). Of note: Mushroom coffee is also lower in caffeine, she says.
What mushroom powder is best to mix with coffee? ›The most popular functional mushrooms to mix into your coffee include reishi, turkey tail, lion's mane, and cordyceps.
How does mushroom coffee make you feel? ›Mushroom coffee drinkers have claimed to feel energized and alert without the restless, anxious feeling that straight coffee can give you. In fact, Cordycepts sinensis, one of the varieties used in mushroom powder, is a natural energy booster and has been used in Chinese medicine for generations.
What are the side effects of lion's mane coffee? ›
What side effects does lion's mane have? Fresh lion's mane is generally well-tolerated. But there are some side effects associated with lion's mane supplements, including abdominal discomfort, nausea, and skin rash. It may also interact with blood-clotting medications (such as warfarin) and diabetes treatments.
What is the healthiest coffee to drink daily? ›The healthiest way to take your coffee is hot-brewed and black. One cup has virtually no calories or carbs, no fat, and is low in sodium. Black coffee also has micronutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and niacin.
What is the healthiest coffee in the world? ›The verdict: In terms of antioxidant content, blonde roasts are healthiest. Blonde Robusta coffee has the most antioxidants, followed closely by blonde and then medium-roast Arabica coffee.
Is mushroom coffee better for your stomach? ›Fortunately, a mushroom coffee mix cuts that acidity down significantly, meaning that you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee without having to deal with acid reflux or any other tummy issues.
Is mushroom coffee good for weight loss? ›Peter Horvath, an associate professor from the Department of Exercise and Nutrition Science, said that the study revealed that mushrooms rapidly regulated the body's glucose level. For this reason, it is a helpful food for people who are looking into losing weight and exercising longer.
Is mushroom coffee really better than regular coffee? ›Since coffee beans are filtered out in the brewing process, only a small amount of soluble fiber passes into the final beverage. The addition of dried and milled mushroom powder to mushroom coffee provides significantly more fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and contributes to a healthy gut flora.
Is mushroom coffee anti-inflammatory? ›Reduces Inflammation
Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Lion's Mane mushrooms have all been shown to have incredible anti-inflammatory effects.
According to our medical expert Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, author of The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility, one of the best coffees you can drink when you're wanting to lose abdominal fat is black coffee.
How often can you drink mushroom coffee? ›Since there is about half the amount of caffeine in a cup of mushroom coffee as there is in a traditional cup of coffee, it is safe to drink up to 8-10 cups of this mushroom alternative in a day, given that there are no additional active ingredients.