Beginning a weight loss journey can feel daunting. Where is the best place to start? What changes will make the biggest impact? And, what is the best way to naturally support weight management?
To help jumpstart the process, some swear by mushroom coffee for weight loss.
The functional mushroom beverage has made its way into the wellness lexicon for the many benefits the medicinal fungi it is made from, touted as an alternative to dehydrating drinks like more heavily caffeinated traditional coffee and teas. But can it help you reach your weight loss goals?
If you’ve been curious about giving it a shot, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Mushroom Coffee?
A mushroom drink containing a variety of medicinal fungi, mushroom coffee is brewed from dried fruiting bodies ground down to a powder and steeped with hot water. Its flavor is described as nutty, with a barely detectable hint of its mushroom contents, and often similar to instant coffee. Depending on individual recipes, some mushroom coffees may contain caffeine from added coffee beans, cacao, matcha, or chai, but in lower amounts than a regular cup of joe and reportedly without the jitters you may experience from your usual java order.
While its recent surge in popularity may paint it as an innovative product of the modern health and wellness world, mushroom coffee has been in use since at least World War II, when it was used as a coffee substitute by Finnish soldiers. Some suggest it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic practices for as long as medicinal mushrooms themselves.
Among the mushrooms frequently included in the mix of beneficial coffee ingredients are reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, chaga, and turkey tail.
Does Mushroom Coffee Help You Lose Weight?
Mushroom coffee contains a number of adaptogenic mushrooms, some of which have been scientifically linked to benefits like enhanced metabolism, increased fat-burning, and healthy weight management. While research on the specific effects of mushroom coffee on well-being are limited, a number of studies support fungi popularly included in mushroom coffee blends as having the capacity to deliver real weight loss benefits. So, it stands to reason, a coffee prepared from high-quality mushroom extracts could potentially act as a medicinal mushroom supplement with the same advantages.
Because some mushroom coffee contains additional weight-loss supporting elements, these may also help to promote weight management. Ingredients like matcha, cacao, caffeinated coffee, chai tea have all been linked to weight loss and enhanced metabolism.
Additionally, because of the digestion-supporting properties offered by the bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee has been praised by some drinkers as an answer to bloating– a common struggle for those trying to shed pounds. Mushroom supplements can also effectively aid digestive health by providing high-potency concentrations of these bioactives.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Weight Loss
Reishi. Traditionally, this mushroom has been used to promote longevity and overall well-being, and to support stress management, immunity, and healthy blood sugar levels. In one study conducted with mice, reishi demonstrated the ability to reduce obesity by impacting the gut microbiome, and in another, an extract of the mushroom was shown to promote both weight loss and positive mood. Researchers suggest the continued exploration into the use of reishi – Ganoderma lucidum – as a potential treatment for obesity.
Lion’s Mane. The “Smart Mushroom,” known for its ability to support focus, mental clarity, brain health, memory, and cognitive function, may also hold promise for the weight loss world. In clinical research, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) has shown a potential to promote fat burning and reduce levels of triglycerides.
Cordyceps. Cordycepin, a compound unique to the cordyceps mushroom, was observed in one animal model study to prevent weight gain and fat accumulation. Another study showed the potential of Cordyceps militaris to be used in the treatment of metabolic disorders and obesity. Long used to promote energy, endurance, and vitality, cordyceps can also serve as an excellent workout companion by helping to improve athletic performance.
Chaga. Inonotus obliquus, “The King of Medicinal Mushrooms,” is known for its blood sugar and cholesterol regulating benefits, as well as potent antioxidant activity to help promote immunity. Supporting overall wellness can be crucial to ensuring you keep your energy levels and motivation high and prevent losing out on momentum by falling prey to viruses like the common cold.
Turkey Tail. Along with reishi, the turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushroom boasts one of the highest concentrations of beta-glucans in the fungal world. In an analysis of scientific studies involving beta-glucans in weight loss research, these compounds were shown to contribute to both reduced body weight and lowered BMI. Beta-glucans in turkey tail are also known to be beneficial for gut health and digestion, as they provide a source of dietary fiber which can help to promote weight loss.
While the road to weight loss can feel challenging at times, we’re confident you can reach any goal you set your mind to – in health, or otherwise. Along with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a positive, determined mindset, medicinal mushrooms could be just that something extra you’ve been looking for to help you on your way.
Whether you decide to try mushroom coffee for weight loss or explore other mushroom supplements, we’re wishing you all of the luck on the path to hitting your targets.