Are Functional Mushroom Drinks HYPE?

Functional mushroom drinks are gaining popularity for their potential health benefits, but experts caution consumers to temper their expectations amid limited human research.

At a Glance

  • Adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are believed to help reduce stress and support immune function
  • Mushroom coffee and other functional beverages contain less caffeine than regular coffee and may offer health benefits
  • Scientific evidence for specific health claims is primarily based on laboratory and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials
  • These products are generally safe but may interact with medications, making consultation with healthcare providers important
  • Functional mushroom beverages cost significantly more than traditional alternatives

Understanding Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are not the psychedelic varieties that alter perception but rather medicinal mushrooms that have been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries. These include varieties like reishi (often called the “mushroom of immortality”), lion’s mane, chaga, cordyceps, and turkey tail (known as the “magic herb” in some cultures). Each type contains bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, terpenes, proteins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to their potential health benefits. These mushrooms have gained attention for their adaptogenic properties—their ability to help the body resist various stressors.

Research has identified multiple beneficial properties in these fungi, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, and immunomodulating effects. Turkey tail mushroom, for example, is used in integrated cancer therapy in China and Japan due to its immunomodulatory properties. However, it’s important to note that while laboratory and animal studies show promising results, human clinical trials remain limited in scope and number, making some health claims difficult to substantiate fully.

The Rise of Mushroom Beverages

Functional mushroom beverages represent a convenient way to incorporate these beneficial fungi into daily routines. Mushroom coffee has become particularly popular, created by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial compounds, and blending them with coffee beans. The resulting beverage typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee and has what many describe as a “nutty” or “earthy” flavor profile. Beyond coffee, functional mushrooms are appearing in teas, smoothies, and ready-to-drink options that promise to deliver health benefits in an accessible form.

These beverages claim to offer multiple benefits: improved mental focus, enhanced immune function, reduced inflammation, better sleep quality, and increased energy levels. They’re part of a broader trend toward “functional beverages”—drinks formulated with ingredients that offer potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition. For many consumers, these products represent an easy way to “drink their greens” and incorporate wellness-supporting ingredients into their daily routine without significant lifestyle changes.

Potential Benefits and Scientific Evidence

Research suggests adaptogenic mushrooms may help reduce stress by influencing the body’s stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Polysaccharides found in medicinal mushrooms, especially alpha and beta-glucans, show antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory settings. Reishi mushrooms specifically have been studied for potential anticancer, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

Despite these promising findings, experts urge caution regarding exaggerated marketing claims. Most research on functional mushrooms has been conducted in test tubes or on animals, with relatively few well-designed human studies. Additionally, the FDA has not evaluated most claims about functional mushroom products, and manufacturers must include disclaimers stating their products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. For those considering these beverages, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about their effects.

Practical Considerations

While functional mushroom beverages are generally considered safe for most people, several practical considerations should inform consumer choices. These products can be significantly more expensive than their conventional counterparts—mushroom coffee typically costs about twice as much as regular coffee. Quality and sourcing also vary widely between brands, making it important to choose products from reputable companies that provide transparency about their ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Potential interactions with medications represent another important consideration. Adaptogenic mushrooms may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and other drugs. Side effects, while generally mild, can include digestive discomfort, allergic reactions, and changes in blood pressure. Before adding functional mushroom beverages to your routine, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions, those taking medications, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

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