Does Mushroom Coffee Help You Lose Weight?

The buzz about mushroom coffee is real — and it hasn’t gone away. Even Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, invested in a mushroom coffee company and reportedly sent her favorite mushroom latte blend to Oprah.

The Skinny on Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom coffee typically consists of a unique blend of powdered mushrooms and coffee beans. It tastes similar to regular dark roast coffee, but with a slightly nuttier and earthier flavor. Containing about half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee, it may appeal to those who find standard coffee too strong.

However, claims of mushroom coffee’s potential weight loss benefits may have caught your attention. But are they true? Before you start digging around (figuratively) for your own morning cup of ‘shrooms, see what dietitians have to say about mushroom coffee and weight loss.

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Caffeine May Increase Metabolism and Weight Loss — but Only for Some

Mushroom coffee contains caffeine, which may increase your metabolic rate and contribute to some degree of weight loss. Research suggests that caffeine raises body temperature, burns calories, has appetite-suppressing properties, and increases energy levels leading to increased physical activity.

However, this applies to unsweetened coffee. When you add sugar to any coffee, it reduces the weight loss effects of caffeine by potentially adding hundreds of calories. A large study of 48,891 people from three major health studies found that drinking one extra cup of unsweetened coffee per day reduced weight gain by around 0.12 kilograms (0.25 pounds) in the four-year period. On the other hand, when people increased their daily sugar intake by 1 teaspoon in any food or drink, they gained 0.09 kilograms (0.2 pounds). This indicates that coffee intake might help with weight loss, but adding sugar cancels the effect.

Another caveat: people develop a tolerance to caffeine over time, which means both the metabolism and calorie-burning level out. The body’s natural regulating system, hormones, adjust to compensate for the stimulating effect of the brew, effectively mitigating any initial metabolism boost.

Mushroom Coffee May Improve Sleep, an Indirect Factor in Weight Loss

Since mushroom coffee has less caffeine than regular coffee, it could help reduce anxiety and improve sleep if you usually drink caffeine in higher doses. This is because poor sleep quality can increase how much a person eats, mainly from snacking, especially on foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.

Sleep is a crucial factor in weight loss and maintenance. Research suggests that when sleep deprivation persists, it can lead to a loss of fat-burning brown fat and increased inflammation, which contributes to weight gain.

Mushroom Coffee Does Have Side Effects and Risks

The side effects of mushroom coffee, including irritability, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, rapid heart rate, and anxiety, are similar to those of regular coffee, due to the caffeine. While the risks may be milder because of the lower caffeine content, certain people should exercise caution. For example, people with a history of gastric issues, kidney disease, or those who are pregnant should consult their doctor before consuming mushroom coffee regularly.

Additionally, chaga, a mushroom commonly found in mushroom coffee blends, is high in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones and further kidney disease in susceptible individuals. If you have any pre-existing kidney issues or risk factors, consult your doctor before consuming mushroom coffee.

The Wrap-Up

In conclusion, mushroom coffee may have potential indirect benefits for weight loss due to caffeine and improved sleep quality, but it does not lead to significant weight loss. Notwithstanding the potential benefits, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. It’s also essential to be aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with consuming mushroom coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can mushroom coffee really help me lose weight?
A: While mushroom coffee may have potential indirect benefits for weight loss due to caffeine and improved sleep quality, the science is limited, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Q: Are there any side effects or risks associated with consuming mushroom coffee?
A: Yes, as with any coffee, mushroom coffee may cause irritability, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, rapid heart rate, and anxiety, primarily due to the caffeine content. Additionally, the risk of kidney stones and further kidney disease increases for individuals with pre-existing conditions or risk factors.

Q: Who should avoid consuming mushroom coffee?
A: Those with a history of gastric issues, kidney disease, or pregnancy should consult their doctor before consuming mushroom coffee regularly, and individuals with pre-existing kidney issues or risk factors should exercise caution.

Q: How much caffeine is in mushroom coffee compared to regular coffee?
A: Mushroom coffee typically contains about half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee.

Q: Can I drink mushroom coffee while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: Consult your doctor before consuming mushroom coffee while pregnant or breastfeeding, as more research is needed to determine its safety.