Mushroom coffee reviews have been popping up on social media, but is this trending brew really worth trying? The purveyors of mushroom coffee claim it provides a boost of energy, immune system support, cognitive enhancement and liver wellness. They also tout its ability to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. But, are these claims backed by any science?

Mushroom brews are typically made from blends of regular coffee and medicinal mushrooms that undergo a drying and extraction process. The end result isn’t chunks of portobello or cremini mushrooms floating in your morning mug, though; instead, the mushrooms are dried and ground into a powder that gets mixed with the regular coffee grounds. The resulting mix usually tastes quite similar to regular joe.

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The medicinal mushrooms used in these drinks are called adaptogens, and they help your body better handle stressful situations by reducing the amount of cortisol that gets released by the body during times of anxiety. In addition, some of these mushrooms may help fight cancer and reduce inflammation in the body.

Some of these brews also contain nootropics or smart drugs, and these ingredients can potentially help enhance cognition. They can also help to lower your caffeine intake, which can lead to less jittery behavior during the day and improve sleep at night.

However, most of the health claims made about mushroom brews are still unproven in scientific studies. So, it’s best to stick with the tried-and-true method of consuming whole mushrooms, instead of drinking them in processed form. And, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet.