How to make Adaptogen Mushroom Coffee to boost your energy and immunity! Ditch the coffee jitters and caffeine crash, and instead take advantage of all the health benefits that medicinal mushrooms have to offer!
One group of superfoods that has really caught my eye lately, are medicinal mushrooms. Used throughout Asia in traditional medicines for over 2000 years, medicinal mushrooms have been documented both historically and in current scientific research, as powerful superfoods with adaptogenic properties.
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I'm always on the lookout for new ways to boost my immunity and energy, and I was really excited when I learned about combining mushrooms and coffee to make these delicious supercharged immune-boosting lattés from Four Sigmatic.
I know... you're probably thinking "....mushrooms.... really? In my coffee?" .... But I promise you, I was pleasantly surprised! Read on for my review of Four Sigmatic + get a special discount code at the end.
Medicinal Powers
Mushrooms are like a nutrient powerhouse - packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and bioflavonoids. They contain polysaccharides, myco-nutrients, and numerous antioxidants such as triterpenoids, glycoproteins, flavonoids and ergosterols - all of which help to boost the immune system, balance hormones, and reduce stress. They also have anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Current research on the anticancer effect of mushrooms, identified that phytochemicals in medicinal mushrooms block the ezyme aromatase from producing estrogen. The aromatase-inhibiting quality of mushrooms could have significant applications in preventing the recurrence of hormone dependant breast cancers.
Also of particular interest, is the chemical structure of polysaccharides found in medicinal mushrooms, and the connection to anti-tumor and immunostimulating activity. Several of these polysaccharide compounds have passed three phases of clinical trials, and are being used widely in Asia to treat various forms of cancer and other diseases:
"A total of 126 medicinal functions are thought to be produced by medicinal mushrooms and fungi, including antitumor, immunomodulating, antioxidant, radical scavenging, cardiovascular, antihypercholesterolemia, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, detoxification, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects." (Wasser, 2014)
4 Basic Medicinal Mushrooms + Benefits:
Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane are a couple of common medicinal mushrooms that are extremely effective at helping us build resistance to disease, viruses and environmental toxins.
Reishi - the mushroom of immortality + vitality + calming + sleep
Chaga - antioxidant + lowers inflammation + immune system support + anti-tumor
Cordyceps - helps oxygen get into the blood stream + boosts natural energy levels
Lions Mane - nervous system + brain function + immune function
Mushroom Hot Cacao with Reishi
As if the health benefits weren't enough, the easiest way to get your dailydose of medicinal mushrooms is also incredibly delicious.....
As I'm writing this, I'm sipping on an espresso sized shot of Four Sigmatic Mushroom Hot Cacao with Reishi. Sweetened with organic coconut palm sugar, it tastes like traditional hot cacao, with a hint of cinnamon and cardamom. It's the perfect cozy drink to unwind with after work, or after dinner as a small dessert.
Reishi is an adaptogen that helps with calming the mind, nerve regeneration, and insomnia. When I drink this potent hot cacao, I can very quickly feel the calming effects of the reishi mushroom kicking in. I absolutely loved the rich flavour... I will be stocking up on this drink for sure!
Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps and Chaga
Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps and ChagaDrinking regular coffee can be hard on your adrenals because it is so acidic. Acidity in the body is linked to inflammation, pain, and many other health issues.
Mushrooms are high in minerals and trace minerals (such as zinc) which make them alkaline. When we add this alkaline superfood to to coffee, it helps to neutralize the acidity of the coffee. This greatly reduces the negative side effects associated with drinking "normal" coffee on a daily basis - such as adrenal fatigue, jitters, and the caffeine crash.
As I mentioned above, chaga is an antioxidant + lowers inflammation + boosts the immune system + has anti-cancer properties. Cordyceps helps oxygen get into the blood stream + boosts natural energy levels.
My favourite way to have this coffee was to blend it with coconut milk + butter + honey to make a version of bulletproof coffee. The mushrooms add a smooth, nutty flavour to the coffee and actually compliment the flavour really well.
Give Mushroom Coffee a Try!
If you're looking to try medicinal mushrooms, you'll have no problem incorporating these yummy mushroom lattés into your daily life! In fact, it might be hard to go back to normal hot chocolate or coffee you've had your first taste...
These lattés are super easy to make, all you have to do is open a single serving packet and add hot water. I will definitely be brining them along next time I'm travelling or camping!
How to Make a Mushroom Coffee
- One packet Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee or Hot Cacao (which comes in a powder form similar to other instant coffees)
- 1 cup hot water
- almond or coconut milk to taste
- A tiny bit honey or your preferred sweetener
- Blend with a frother and enjoy!
Discount Code
Ready to give mushroom lattés a try? Use the code NOURISHMINT for 10% off when you shop at Four Sigmatic Foods.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided. You will never see me post a link to a product or service that I don’t truly love!
References:
University of Haifa. "Medicinal Mushroom Science: History, Current Status, Future Trends, and Unsolved Problems" International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 2014. <http://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,7a925fcb5505d4dc,3ba1b0ce51e92e68.html>.
University of Western Sydney. "Could Ancient Mushroom Magic Banish A Modern Medical Scourge?." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 February 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070205232519.htm>.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. "Mushrooms boost immunity, suggests research." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 April 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150416112826.htm>
City of Hope. "Anticancer effect of mushrooms demonstrated." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 June 2011. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606092736.htm>.
"Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial" Phytotherapy Research. 10 October 2008. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2634/abstract>
cindy says
Jasmine, thanks for introducing me to coffee and mushrooms!! I was skeptical at first(no one messes with my one coffee per day), but after trying it I'm hooked!! I can no longer drink my coffee without it, it's just that delicious!! I'm already feeling the health benefits of the mushrooms-after just a few weeks! 🙂