In short:

• Mushroom coffee does not contain hallucinogenic mushrooms , it uses medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps), which are already used in pharmaceuticals and have health benefits.
  

• Reishi mushroom strengthens immunity, helps fight cancer, reduces stress, and protects brain cells from damage.
  

• Lion's Mane improves cognitive function, helps fight anxiety, stomach ulcers, and protects against oxidative stress.
  

• Chaga reduces bad cholesterol, boosts immunity, and has potential anti-cancer properties.
  

• Cordyceps increases physical endurance, balances hormones, boosts libido, and improves brain function and memory.

What is special about mushroom coffee?

Contrary to what you might imagine, mushroom coffee is not made by crushing ordinary mushrooms that you can find in your local IKI or Maxima. You won't find any champignons or porcini mushrooms in it. Unfortunately, you won't be able to find the ingredients for this coffee either. Not only that, there are no ordinary types of mushrooms in this coffee, not even with a light. In fact, this drink is not mushroom coffee, but coffee WITH mushrooms that have healing properties.

Photo from ChatGPT

What makes this coffee substitute better than others?

Mushroom coffee is one of the best coffee substitutes for coffee fanatics. Since it usually contains no more than 50% medicinal mushrooms , its taste remains neutral. In other words, you are drinking your regular cup of coffee - only with a lot more vitamins. ! The health benefits of mushroom coffee can be very diverse - from better sleep to strengthening immunity. The main thing is to be able to choose a mushroom coffee that meets your health needs.

The most popular mushrooms in mushroom coffee and their benefits

The most common fungi in mushroom coffee are:

1. Reishi

   

   Photo courtesy of Matt Gross

Reishi is not called that for nothing. "Mushroom of immortality." These mushrooms could be written in a separate article, as the benefits of Reishi mushroom are endless. From reducing inflammation to protecting liver health, this mushroom has many health benefits. But I will only list those that have the most scientific evidence. :

1. Immune regulation

• Or more correctly, Immunomodulation . In this process, the immunostimulant, in this case Reishi, supports the normal functioning of the immune system and strengthens immunity. How does this happen? Reishi mushrooms contain various polysaccharides, including alpha and beta glucans. These polysaccharide compounds help activate immune cells , which play a key role in protecting the body from infections.

• Reishi mushrooms are not only valuable for their polysaccharides. They stimulate the production of white blood cells , which also strengthen the immune system and support overall health.

2. Cancer prevention and treatment

• Although Reishi mushroom cannot completely replace clinical treatment, this fungus is a valuable aid in the fight against cancer . Scientific studies show that cancer patients who take Reishi mushroom are more likely to have a positive response to radio- and chemotherapy.

• In some cases, Reishi mushroom also helps to slow down the growth of tumors (cancer cells) , but it is not yet clear how exactly Reishi does this. Although more research is needed to determine Reishi's anti-cancer effects, one thing is clear - when it comes to cancer, this mushroom can only be expected to have a positive effect.

3. Stress reduction

• Reishi can help reduce stress in several ways . Not only is this mushroom one of the most powerful adaptogens found in nature, but it is also a neuroprotectant , protecting brain cells from damage.

• But what are adaptogens? Adaptogens are natural plant substances that help you adapt to stress . These substances, including Reishi, reduce stress by balancing hormones and responding to changes in chemical and hormonal levels that occur during stress. Adaptogens also help to induce a sense of calm and increase mental clarity .

• Reishi helps protect our brain cells from damage and stimulates the production of new neurons. As a result, our mental performance is less impaired and anxiety becomes easier to manage.

2. Lion's Mane

Photo belongs to Artur Kornakov

The lion's mane got its name because of its white fur, but this fluffy creature fascinates not only with its unique appearance, but also with its healing properties.

1. Help in combating cognitive impairment

• As people age, it becomes more difficult to absorb new information and retain old information. This is due to the weakened ability of brain cells to grow and form new connections . Lion's Mane contains hericenones and erinacins, substances that help stimulate the growth of these cells. In other words, Lion's Mane can support healthier brain function , which is especially valuable for people with Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders.

• According to research conducted by scientists , Lion's Mane can help maintain healthy cognitive function in people with both dementia and mild anxiety disorders . Unfortunately, the cognitive gains patients make disappear after they stop taking the mushroom. Based on this fact, it can be said that Lion's Mane provides help only as long as it is taken.

2. Stomach ulcer prevention

• Are you struggling with E. Pylori ? Lion's mane may slow the spread of E. Pylori in the body , helping the body fight it off more easily and preventing stomach ulcers.

3. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

• Lion's Mane mushroom is a source of probiotics . For this reason, Lion's Mane is extremely beneficial for maintaining a healthy immune system. They promote the proliferation of good bacteria in the body , thereby reducing inflammation and protecting cells from damage.

• It should also be mentioned that these mushrooms are full of not only probiotics, but also antioxidants.Scientific studies have shown that Lion's Mane has high antioxidant activity . But how does it benefit us? We need antioxidants to neutralize free radicals , otherwise the body experiences oxidative stress. This means that the risk of developing cancer, arthritis, respiratory diseases, and many others increases. Lion's Mane can help ensure that the balance of antioxidants and radicals remains healthy, and the body is able to prevent diseases.

Coffee recommendation:

Ground mushroom coffee with Reishi, Lions mane 100g

Are you interested in the properties of both Reishi and Lion's Mane? You're in luck - you can find both in this ground coffee. This combination of mushrooms has many advantages: it helps people suffering from digestive problems, seeking to improve memory, or simply wanting to strengthen immunity. In other words, this coffee can be useful not only for those who are sick, but also for those who are completely healthy!

Still hesitating? AniLab uses organic coffee with a mild, balanced taste , so not only will you be satisfied with the product, but also the planet Earth!

3. Chaga

   Photo from ChatGPT

Chaga (lit. Black birch mushroom ) has long been used in folk medicine in Siberia and other parts of Asia. The father of Chinese medicine, monk Shen Nong, even called this mushroom the “King of Herbs” . Although we wouldn’t really call mushrooms herbs now, the basic idea remains. This mushroom is a wonderful medicine - but why?

1. Cholesterol reduction

• Because Chaga is full of antioxidants, It lowers “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and increases “good” (HDL) cholesterol levels . Cholesterol is, unfortunately, one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, so by consuming Chaga mushroom, you can increase your chances of avoiding it.

2. Strengthening immunity

• Like Reishi, Chaga helps strengthen the immune system . This mushroom, again, is rich in beta-glucans. These substances stimulate the production and activity of immune cells, thereby protecting the body from diseases. This is especially important in the spring season, because our bodies are usually weakened after winter due to vitamin deficiency . If you don't like taking supplements, maybe it's time to take care of chaga coffee?

3. Help in the fight against cancer
   

• Chaga mushroom may especially help in the fight against oral cancer . Scientists claim that this mushroom reduces the activity of this cancer cell, and most importantly, their reproduction. Therefore, this fungus is a worthy supplement for those suffering from this type of cancer.

• Black birch mushroom is praised for its effectiveness against more than just the aforementioned type of cancer. Test-tube studies have shown that Chaga may be effective against a variety of cancer cells , including leukemia, melanoma, malignant brain tumors, ovarian cancer, and malignant squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

• Although it is not yet known exactly how Chaga works against cancer, one thing is clear - this mushroom can come to the aid of anyone fighting it.

4. Cordyceps

   

Photo courtesy of Nanoray24

Cordyceps has been used for a long time, as you might have guessed, in Eastern medicine. Since this mushroom is now valued for its properties worldwide, it is also called “Himalayan Gold” .

1. Strengthening physical endurance

• The anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps are particularly beneficial for athletes. In fact, it is called the “sports mushroom” because it gained worldwide attention in 1993 after Chinese athletes have achieved amazing results in national competitions . These athletes, who have included Cordyceps in their diet, have broken world records in the 1500, 3000 and 10000 meters.

• This mushroom can also increase the production of Adenosine Triphosphate . This compound is responsible for providing energy to our cells, so its restoration helps our bodies recover faster during workouts .

2. Improving hormonal health

• Cordyceps has been used for centuries in Asian cultures to boost libido. Although it was previously unknown why, scientific research has shown that this mushroom can positively affect testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women . The balance of these hormones is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy libido.

• Hormone balance is an important component not only for increasing libido. For women, Cordyceps, for example, can help with menopause . Why? During menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate greatly, worsening the symptoms of this period. Healthy estrogen levels, supported by this fungus , can help reduce mood swings, improve sleep quality, and much more.

3. Improving brain health

• This mushroom is a great supplement for both students and anyone looking to improve their memory. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, Cordyceps improves brain cell health and eliminates or reduces brain fog - the feeling of mental fatigue and inability to concentrate.

• This mushroom also contains polysaccharides, cordycepin, and adenosine . These compounds can help those with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. From supporting brain structure to anti-inflammatory properties, the substances found in Cordyceps help slow the spread of disease from all sides. So this fungus can help in the treatment of cognitive disorders by protecting our brain from (further) damage.

Coffee substitute recommendation:

Coffee beans with Chaga and Cordyceps 350g

Coffee beans for immunity and energy contain two types of medicinal mushrooms - Cordyceps and Chaga, although you wouldn't guess it from the rich dark chocolate and walnut coffee flavor. By drinking this coffee, you improve physical endurance, strengthen your immune system, and hormonal health. If you've read the article, you already know that such coffee also slows down the development of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. And most importantly - all this is achieved by simply pouring these special properties and familiar taste coffee beans into your coffee machine.

Briefly about mushroom coffee

Mushroom coffee is a healthy coffee substitute that combines medicinal mushrooms with healing properties, such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga and Cordyceps. These mushrooms not only support or strengthen immunity , but also improve cognitive function , reduce stress, regulate hormones and may help fight cancer cells . Although mushroom coffee tastes almost the same as regular coffee, its health benefits are much broader. By choosing the right mushroom species according to personal needs, this drink can become a great alternative to traditional coffee - especially for those who want to get energy without unpleasant side effects on the digestive or nervous system.