By Annette Pinder

Lately, I’ve been barraged by numerous advertisements on social media regarding the benefits of various mushroom beverages, including coffee, hot chocolate, and matcha tea. So, when I received an invitation from a publicist for Everyday Dose to try their products at no cost, I agreed to have them send me some samples. The big box delivered to me contained two 30-serving bags of mushroom coffee, and one 30-serving bag of matcha tea, a rechargeable frother, measuring spoon, product samples, and recipes.

It turns out that mushroom beverages are not only trendy, but also may have numerous health benefits. Most are made with a blend of coffee and medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, or Lion’s Mane, known for their adaptogenic properties in helping the body cope with stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of calm. Medicinal mushrooms have also been shown to support the immune system, enhance cognitive function, and provide a natural energy boost without the jitters often associated with caffeine. Its rich antioxidant content is also said to help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being.

Another common ingredient in these beverages is L-Theanine, an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves and some mushrooms, that is known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness. By increasing levels of GABA (a neurological transmitter that manages critical functions), dopamine, and serotonin in the brain, L-Theanine can help improve mood, enhance mental focus, and reduces stress, while improving sleep quality.

Collagen protein, another ingredient, is the most abundant protein in the human body, and plays a critical role in helping promote healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen may also help alleviate joint pain, enhance mobility, repair muscles, reduce injury risk, maintain cardiovascular health, and assist with weight management.

A recent article published by Harvard Health Medical School in June 2024, and reviewed by Teresa Fung, MS, RD, ScD, explains these benefits, and also references research conducted on medicinal mushrooms. Lindsay Warner, Content Licensing Editor, Harvard Health Publishing, says the medicinal mushrooms in these coffees had a beneficial effect in animal studies. However, she notes that well-designed clinical trials on humans are lacking.

In suggesting that more research is needed, Warner advises, “While you probably won’t do any harm by swapping your normal cup of joe for a mug of mushroom coffee (and you don’t mind paying extra for it), you’d be better off serving a side of shiitakes alongside your morning eggs and cup of java. She also points out that “they have fiber, are low in calories and fat, and are delicious.”

I would tend to agree with Warner. I think the beverages taste great, have only 20 calories per serving, and just may help keep me healthier. Learn more about the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7826851. Learn more about EveryDay Dose Coffee at https://www.everydaydose.com.