The benefits of drinking reishi mushrooms have been well documented, with research showing that the mushroom has high levels of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant found in grape skins. In fact, reishi boasts up to 10 times more resveratrol than white mushrooms.
Alas, this benefits aside, there's a reason why most people have never heard of reishi. It isn’t exactly easy to find fresh reishi mushrooms. And even when you do find them—and they're usually sold as shelf-stable powders—they can be expensive and difficult to get your hands on. But worry not! Reishi powder is here to change all that.
This article will review everything you need to know about reishi mushroom coffee blend. It will explain how this unique ingredient can help support your brain function after a night out on the town; what types are available and which ones to avoid; its potential side effects; and its nutritional value as well as its potential benefits.
What is Reishi?
Reishi is a type of fungus that can be found growing wild throughout Asia. If you’ve ever traveled to Japan or Asian countries where reisike grows abundantly, then you probably know what it looks like. And if you’ve lived in an urban environment like the United States, then you may have come across street vendors selling reishi burgers or bowls with curly noodles called ramen made from mushrooms containing tryptophan (referred to as shiitake) instead.
Reishi is a type of fungus that you can find in your coffee. It is also known as rhodiola, golden root, black reishi, and shiitake mushroom coffee. When you consider its high concentration of tryptophan — which is the same amino acid found in turkey and chicken — you’ll understand why people have been drinking reishi for thousands of years as a potent immune booster.
In fact, it’s one of the most common dietary supplements sold on Amazon. While many sellers make their products available only in capsule form or powder, Reishi-Coffee is an extract powder (with only about 5% tryptophan). Moreover, it’s made from a particular strain of reishi called R. rhodoxeniodes (R-rhod-o-xye-noides) that has been grown in Japan and Maine to produce high concentrations of this amino acid.
Health Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is a type of mushroom that has been used for thousands of years as a potent treatment for a variety of medical conditions. In the early 1900s, doctors first noticed that patients who had eaten the fungus seemed to have a better quality of life than those who hadn’t. In fact, it was so well-known for its powerful healing properties that people would literally eat it by the bucketful—often multiple buckets’ worth each day.
Reishi is an integral part of the Chinese Medicine diet. The Chinese have been drinking reishi for thousands of years, and it is one of their oldest superstitions that promotes a healthy gut flora. Today, we are exposed to many different types of mushrooms on a daily basis. Some mushrooms are even edible! But not all mushrooms are created equal. One type can cause ulcers in people with shell-oh-sensitive stomachs. Even though there are many benefits associated with the consumption of reishi, some people may find it to be too stimulating or too “medic” for their taste.
However, in recent decades, concerns have been raised about the potential side effects of such an excessive intake of reishi mushrooms. Many people have voiced their concerns regarding the possible toxicity of this natural compound and how much of it they should be eating on a regular basis (more on that below). Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons to love this yummy mushroom coffee, which you may have never known about until now!
What Is Reishi Mushroom Coffee?
Gram-positive bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus reishi, are the basis for the health benefits of reishi mushrooms. This group of bacteria is called the gut microbiota, and it is the “umbrella term” for the complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms that live in and on our bodies. The gut microbiota helps us absorb nutrients from our food and produce energy. Bacterial overgrowth can be a cause of many health problems, including an increased risk of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease.
What Is The Health Benefit Of Drinking Reishi Mushroom Coffee?
Many studies have shown that the polysaccharide (PSA) content of reishi is higher than that of other mushrooms and that it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Studies have also shown that drinking 5-HTP, the active compound in reishi, can improve neurological conditions such as depression. In fact, 5-HTP is one of the most popular herbal remedies for treating depression. Research shows that drinking one 8-ounce cup of coffee with 5-HTP can improve mood and reduce the need for other antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
How To Prepare Reishi Mushroom Coffee?
The first step to preparing reishi mushroom coffee is to collect the necessary ingredients. This may sound like a simple task, but it is actually pretty involved. The ingredients for reishi mushroom coffee are shiitake, reishi, and kava, which are all indigenous to the South Pacific. Shiitake is the most widely grown variety of reishi in cultivation, and it is used in most of the health food products made from shiitake. Depending on which type of reishi you use, you can either seed or transplant the mushrooms. Both methods yield the same quantity of mushrooms. To prepare shiitake, you can either buy it ready-seeded in the grocery store or purchase aseptically-seeded shiitake from a botanical garden. To grow shiitake, you will need to find a place with a moderate temperature and a year-round steady wind. You can also grow reishi mushrooms in a moisture-regulated, full-sun location. For optimal health, choose a variety that is dark-colored, smooth-skinned, and hosts an active mycelium. It is best to prepare the substrate (the soil) the day before you want to grow the mushrooms. This gives the mushrooms time to get accustomed to their new environment and make friends with the various plants and animals living in your garden.
Potential Side Effects Of Drinking Reishi Mushroom Coffee
There are a few potential side effects of drinking reishi mushroom coffee that should be considered. These include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased body temperature, and an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders. However, most studies have shown no significant side effects of consuming 5-HTP in large amounts. Since 5-HTP is found in a few foods, like plant seeds, one can get the same amount of dietary intake by drinking coffee with reishi mushroom coffee as one would by taking 5-HTP tablets. Studies have also shown that consuming a high-fat meal does not increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
How To Drink Reishi Mushroom Coffee?
There are a number of ways to consume reishi mushroom coffee. The traditional way is to steep the mushrooms in hot water for 3-5 minutes. This increases the number of enzymes in the mushrooms and extracts a plethora of health benefits, including increased levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. While it is possible to purchase ready-seeded shiitake mushrooms, a more healthful alternative is to use dried shiitake. You can purchase dried shiitake at your local organic food store or health-food store. To use dried shiitake, simply rinse it well to remove all excess soil and then soak it in a bowl of water for at least 12 hours. The longer you soak the shiitake, the stronger the flavor and the more digestive enzymes are present in it. If you are drinking reishi mushroom coffee straight from the bottle, you can purchase it at your local grocery store or organic grocery store. Alternatively, you can order dried reishi from an online supplier or health food store.
Reishi Mushroom Coffee for Brain Health
Although there are many health benefits associated with reishi mushroom coffee, some people may find it too stimulating or too “medic.” Since it can be difficult for some people to drink strong coffee, a coffee-free alternative is an ideal solution. The consumption of fresh, natural fruits and vegetables is a good option because they contain more natural chemicals that can support brain health. One of the best fruits and vegetables for supporting brain health is kiwi. Kiwis are packed with vitamin C and B6, antioxidants that can help protect your brain function after a night out on the town. Another good option is guavas. These produce high amounts of vitamin B3, which can help with the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. A word of caution: avoid eating large meals of fruits and vegetables at around the same time each day. Consuming these rich in vitamins and minerals at one time may cause a surplus of acid in your stomach, which can lead to acidity or even ulcers. Instead, consume these fruits and vegetables at different times of the day.
Conclusion
Reishi mushrooms have been consumed for thousands of years by the Chinese as a food to support healthy gut flora. Modern research has shown that these mushrooms contain high levels of vitamin B and antioxidants, as well as a compound called 5-HTP, which can promote brain health. In order to reap the full health benefits of this versatile mushroom, it is advisable to consume it fresh, uncooked, and in its natural habitat. Keep in mind that certain individuals should never consume this beneficial fungus due to its sensitivity to its natural chemicals. If you are pregnant or nursing, an anxiety patient, suffer from low blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high body temperature, or are taking certain medications, you should definitely speak with your doctor before commencing with the consumption of reishi mushrooms.
If you’re ready to drink Mushroom coffee try Lean Joe Bean superfood coffee!
