Mushroom coffee is a trendy beverage that combines coffee with mushroom extracts. While the idea might sound unappealing, the taste is surprisingly similar to regular coffee, with a slightly nuttier or earthier flavor. This article delves into the ingredients of Everyday Dose mushroom coffee, its potential health benefits, and possible side effects.
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is created by drying mushrooms, extracting their beneficial compounds, and adding them to coffee. Instead of mushroom pieces, you get a powdered extract mixed into your cup. Everyday Dose is one brand offering this type of coffee alternative.
Popular Mushroom Types Used
Several types of mushrooms are commonly used in mushroom coffee due to their adaptogenic properties. These include:
- Reishi
- Chaga
- Lion’s mane
- Cordyceps
- King trumpet
- Turkey tail
These mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian countries for wellness therapies. Adaptogens are believed to help the body adapt and survive in stressful situations.
Everyday Dose: An In-Depth Look
Everyday Dose is a coffee alternative that combines a two-mushroom blend (Chaga and Lion's Mane) with coffee. A single serving contains 45 milligrams of caffeine. This product is marketed as keto-, paleo-, and kosher-friendly, and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar, making it suitable for people with various dietary restrictions. The formulation also includes collagen protein and L-theanine.
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Ingredients Analysis
- Functional Mushrooms: Everyday Dose utilizes lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms. Each serving contains 1.74g of mushrooms, divided into half chaga and half lion’s mane.
- Collagen Protein: Although Everyday Dose includes bovine collagen, one serving contains less than 5 grams.
- L-Theanine: Everyday Dose includes L-theanine, an amino acid shown to help support cognitive function.
- Caffeine: One serving contains 45 milligrams of caffeine.
Potential Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Proponents of mushroom coffee claim it offers various health benefits, though many of these claims require further scientific validation.
- Immune System Support: Mushrooms contain beneficial compounds like polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals, which have antioxidant properties. Mushroom coffee may provide antioxidants that support the immune system.
- Reduced Caffeine Intake: For individuals sensitive to caffeine, mushroom coffee can be a good choice due to its lower caffeine content.
- Stress Management: Adaptogens, such as the mushrooms in mushroom coffee, may help level out cortisol levels, potentially aiding in stress management.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory substances, though it's unclear if these properties are retained in mushroom extracts.
- Cognitive Benefits: Testers noticed some improvements in focus and clarity after drinking it for nearly a week.
Debunking Myths
Some people believe mushroom coffee can speed up metabolism and aid in weight loss, but there isn't much research to support this claim.
Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid Mushroom Coffee
While mushroom coffee is generally considered safe, certain individuals should exercise caution:
- Kidney Problems: Mushrooms contain oxalates, which can lead to kidney stones.
- Sensitivity to Grains: Individuals with grain sensitivities should be cautious.
- High Risk for Kidney Stones: Those with a high risk of developing kidney stones should avoid mushroom coffee.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Not enough is currently known about the possible impacts of functional mushrooms on babies.
Possible Medication Interactions
The potential effects on blood sugar, pressure, and clotting mean that Everyday Dose may interact with antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticoagulant medications.
Assessing Everyday Dose
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer reviews for Everyday Dose are generally positive. Many consumers found this product helpful in reducing their coffee and caffeine consumption. Many verified buyers have been impressed by the taste and the physical effects compared to regular coffee.
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- Positive Feedback: Customers often praise the taste, ease of preparation, and perceived health benefits.
- Negative Feedback: Some customers have reported issues with the flavor and a lack of noticeable results.
Pricing and Value
At $1.20 per serving, Everyday Dose Mushroom Coffee is an affordable, low-caffeine alternative to standard black coffee. The recurring subscription price of $36 every 30 days still represents solid value. You can score additional savings with limited-time sales.
Third-Party Testing and Transparency
Everyday Dose subjects its products to third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and other toxins.
Alternatives to Everyday Dose
If Everyday Dose doesn't meet your needs, several alternatives are available:
- RYZE Mushroom Coffee: Contains a 6 mushroom blend and coffee. RYZE has a more expansive list of ingredients that includes six types of functional mushrooms. RYZE contains 2g of six whole, full-spectrum functional mushrooms: reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, king trumpet, cordyceps, and lion’s mane.
- Teeccino’s Mushroom Herbal Coffee: Gives you 500mg of a whole mushroom and a varying amount of botanical ingredients.
- MUD\WTR: Uses up to 3g of whole, full-spectrum mushrooms in its products, along with various botanical inclusions depending on the flavor.
Read also: In-Depth Look: Everyday Dose and Ryze