Mushroom Coffee Explained: Benefits of Chaga Mushroom Coffee and the Rise of Chagaccino
Chaga mushroom coffee cuts your caffeine intake by half while enriching your brew with stress-reducing compounds. This unique blend calms the mind and enhances focus, setting you up for a productive day.
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| Image Credit marmaladelane, Pixabay |
Mushroom coffee is making waves as a hot new trend! Contrary to what you might think, it's not just mushrooms – it's a unique blend of coffee and mushroom extract in equal parts. This creates a delicious drink with lower caffeine and added health benefits from the mushrooms. The most trending mushroom for the coffee blend is the exclusive Chaga mushroom, making mushroom coffee a luxurious choice for coffee enthusiasts...
Chaga mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms are a type of mushroom that grows on birch trees and are known for their medicinal properties. They can be found in places like Russia, China, Japan, and Europe. People have used them to help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.(Yong Sun et al. 2011)
Did you know that chaga mushrooms have been a vital part of traditional medicine in Siberia and other parts of Asia for centuries? Often called the "Mushroom of Immortality," chaga was brewed into teas and tonics believed to support overall wellness and vitality. People value it for its rich antioxidant properties and its role in boosting the body's natural defenses.
Chagaccino
Chaga mushroom coffee has been in the market previously but it has been generally found to be blended with lion mane's mushroom. Renude a beverage brand has introduced a blend of chaga mushroom extract and coffee with the name "Chagaccino", Quite catchy right? Chagaccino is quite famous in the USA, especially in New York and Los Angeles(Alfred Coffee).
Renude mushroom coffees also come in other blends also such as Chaga matcha with Chaga mushroom and matcha blend
Chaga mushroom coffee health benefits
Anticancer properties
Chaga mushroom is also known for its anticancer properties. Chaga contains "Triterpenoids" a group of terpenes that act as major antioxidants. According to research triterpenoids in Chaga mushroom tend to kill cancer cells in both lung cancer (lanostane-type triterpenoids) and breast cancer (inotodiol and trametenolic acid also known as lanostane-type triterpenoids) (Baek et al.)(Lee et al.) Chaga mushroom can also prevent colon cancer due to the compound ergosterol peroxide in it (Kang et al., 2015)
Antidiabetic property
Chaga mushroom extract has some remarkable benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that it can boost insulin sensitivity by promoting the differentiation of adipocytes and enhancing the expression of key genes (Joo et al., 2010). Furthermore, research by Stojković et al. in 2019 has revealed that Chaga mushroom extract can effectively inhibit alpha-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, reducing the absorption of glucose in the body.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Chaga mushrooms contain compounds that suppress inflammation. One study demonstrated their ability to inhibit nitric oxide production, a key mediator of inflammation, particularly in neuroinflammatory conditions (Kou et al., 2021)
Antioxidant properties
Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from oxidative damage. Studies have shown that Chaga extracts reduce oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes, providing a protective effect against free radicals (Park et al., 2004)
Chaga mushroom coffee vs normal coffee
Comparing Chaga mushroom coffee blends to regular coffee highlights some notable differences. While both offer an energy boost, normal coffee often has higher caffeine content, which can lead to jitters or acidity in some individuals. Chaga mushroom coffee combines coffee with antioxidant-rich Chaga mushrooms, potentially supporting immune function and reducing oxidative stress. This blend usually contains less caffeine, providing a smoother, more balanced energy. If you're seeking a coffee experience with added health benefits, Chaga mushroom coffee might be a compelling alternative to your daily brew.
How to make Chaga mushroom coffee
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Chagaccino recipe
Combine brewed Chaga mushroom tea with espresso, steamed milk, and a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder to create a Chagaccino—a mushroom-infused cappuccino that's both rich and energizing.
Chaga Latte recipe
Mix Chaga tea with hot milk and a sweetener of your choice to enjoy a creamy Chaga Latte. This soothing drink offers the comfort of a traditional latte with added antioxidant benefits.
Chaga Matcha recipe
Blend Chaga mushroom powder with matcha green tea powder and hot water to craft a Chaga Matcha. This unique beverage combines the earthy flavors and health benefits of both Chaga mushrooms and matcha.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions When Consuming Chaga Coffee
Chaga mushroom is known to have high oxalate content (around 96mg in 1g of mushroom extract). It is said to have limited intake of chaga mushroom to prevent kidney damage due to the high amount of oxalates in it. (Kikuchi Y, 2014). Chaga also reported to have "blood thinning" properties so always consult with your doctor before including chaga in your daily regimen.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing of Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms grow slowly on birch trees(10 - 80 years). Overharvesting can deplete local populations and harm the host trees, which affects forest ecosystems. Unethical and illegal harvesting practices are driven by high global demand and lack of regulation. Sustainable methods, such as partial harvesting and certifications, are crucial for the long-term sustainability of Chaga mushrooms. It's important to buy Chaga from an ethically verified brand that provides transparency regarding the source of the Chaga.
Chaga Supplements vs. Chaga Coffee: Which Is Better?
If you're looking for specific health benefits with precise dosing of active compounds, Chaga supplements might be the better choice due to their standardized potency and higher bioavailability. On the other hand, if you enjoy coffee and prefer a more casual way to incorporate Chaga into your diet, Chaga coffee could be suitable. It's worth noting that Chaga coffee may offer lower concentrations of active ingredients but can help reduce the intense caffeine rush while providing better antioxidants.
You absolutely need to experience the incredible benefits of luxurious Chaga mushroom if it's accessible in your area. In today's world, our bodies are bombarded with free radicals, and we desperately need antioxidants to combat them. Chaga mushroom coffee provides a fantastic alternative for those seeking a healthier lifestyle without having to give up their beloved coffee.