Mushrooms are having a moment – and not just in the form of funky truffled lattes. You’ll now find mushroom powders, extracts and tonics for sale in Holland & Barrett alongside your usual morning cups of joe. One brand, called Spacegoods, is forecasting double-digit growth this year as customers buy its heavily fortified blend of chaga, lion’s mane, maitake and shiitake mushrooms plus MCT oil (which helps burn fat) at PS40 a packet. More info:mushroom.coffe
These drinks are marketed as a healthier alternative to regular coffee and claim to have many potential health benefits. They are based on adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms, which are purported to help the body manage stress and restore balance to the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in stressful times.
Mushroom.Coffee: What’s Behind the Dot
They also claim to contain less caffeine than coffee, which can cause anxiety and jitters in some people. However, it’s important to note that research on the effects of these products is limited and more evidence is needed to support their claims.
In addition, some people may have an adverse reaction to certain medicinal mushrooms that are commonly found in these beverages. These include reishi, which is said to reduce blood pressure and lower stress; Chaga, which is believed to boost immunity; and cordyceps, which is claimed to improve heart function. There is also a risk of interactions between some mushrooms and medications, including those for diabetes and high blood pressure. For this reason, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dietitian before trying these products.