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Alejandro Alcolea
WriterWriter at Xataka. I studied education and music, but since 2014 I've been writing about my passion: video games and technology. I specialize in product analysis, photography, and video. My body is 70% coffee.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Coffee offers numerous health benefits, and scientists continue to learn about its positive effects. Recently, many have succumbed to the trend of enhancing coffee by adding supplements, such as protein and spirulina. One of the latest innovations is adding fungi to coffee. Some claim it aids in weight loss.
However, the evidence supporting the health benefits of the so-called “mushroom coffee,” particularly with ingredients like cordyceps, isn’t entirely conclusive.
A promise. Mushrooms have long been a staple in our diets, but over the past few years, the food industry has begun incorporating them into several products to create improved versions. One pioneering brand is Four Sigmatic, known for producing “functional” foods and wellness supplements.
Coffee is evolving beyond just a beverage. It now includes several plant-based additions designed to reduce stress, support the immune system, and aid in weight loss. This latter aspect has garnered attention on social media platforms like TikTok, which has popularized the concept of “mushroom coffee.”
Coffee with cordyceps. Proponents argue that the addition of medicinal mushrooms can enhance coffee and other foods because they contain compounds with several positive effects. Mushrooms include reishi, lion’s mane, maitake, shiitake, and the well-known cordyceps.
These fungi are believed to enhance energy production and improve metabolic function. As such, they could aid in fat burning. They can also help control hunger and stabilize glucose levels. Meanwhile, their probiotic properties enhance digestion and nutrient absorption.
Market trends. Coffee with cordyceps isn’t a niche product. It’s widely available, even on Amazon. Advertisements highlight the potential health benefits of this coffee, such as increased energy and improved mental clarity.
The mushroom coffee market is projected to grow at a rate of 5.4% to 5.7% over the next decade. Estimates suggest its value was around $1,203.4 billion in 2023, with expectations to rise to $1,833.4 billion by 2031. In comparison, specialty coffee is estimated to reach $62.5 billion by 2032, while the broader market is expected to total $632 billion by that year.
Overall, it appears that the trend of mushroom coffee is gradually gaining traction and expanding.
Benefits. Combining protein (a good supplement) and coffee (a beneficial food) should work well. The same principle applies to mushrooms and coffee. However, one important factor to consider is that research on this combination is limited.
The relationship between coffee and weight loss is well-documented. Coffee acts as an effective stimulant, especially before workouts, and caffeine is often marketed as a weight-loss supplement.
While scientists have studied the beneficial properties of mushrooms, evidence supporting the combination of coffee and mushrooms for weight loss or mental well-being remains scarce. There’s a lack of clinical trials confirming its direct effectiveness for weight loss, and most existing studies have been conducted on animals.
Moreover, it’s often unclear whether the mushroom extract is derived from the fruiting body, which is rich in beneficial properties, or from the roots, which are less potent. Additionally, many products use very low doses, and in some cases, the extract may not even come from the actual mushroom.
Dangers. Cordyceps has gained a negative reputation due to its portrayal in fictional products and its effects on certain insects. However, it generally poses no health hazards for humans. Coffee infused with cordyceps has received approval from the Department of Agriculture. That being said, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Some individuals may experience allergies to cordyceps. Additionally, long-term studies are necessary to understand how small doses may affect people with specific medical conditions, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women. It’s also important to consider its interactions with other stimulant products or medications.
One critical aspect to be aware of is the source of the cordyceps used in supplements, such as those mixed with chocolate and cocoa.
The concern lies in how this fungus has been manipulated. For example, in Colombia, health alerts have been issued regarding unregulated or fraudulent cordyceps supplements. If you choose to try cordyceps, you should make sure that it comes from reliable sources. Also, you should approach it out of curiosity rather than being swayed by its numerous health claims.
Image | Allison Christine
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