Strengthen Your Immunity With Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms have been the subject of study and debate for centuries. Recently, however, research has returned to take a closer look at these fascinating subjects. Today, they can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, from protein bars and hot chocolate mix to your morning coffee. Starting your day with mushroom coffee could have a number of incredible benefits, including a boost to your immune system. If you've been looking for a way to improve your morning routine and make your morning coffee do more, functional mushroom coffee could be the solution you've been looking for.

How Functional Mushrooms Boost Immunity

Functional mushrooms contain adaptogens, which can support your body and provide greater levels of health and wellness. While many of the claims associated with functional mushrooms have not yet been fully proven, people who use solutions like mushroom coffee or other functional mushroom supplements have long experienced those critical benefits.

The Mushrooms That Could Boost Immunity

There are many types of mushrooms used to boost immunity and improve overall health and wellness. While the research is still pending on many functional mushrooms, there are a number of mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years by individuals and communities that have seen results from these little powerhouses. Functional mushrooms that could boost immunity include:

• Lion's mane
• Reishi
• Chaga
• Agaricus
• Maitake

Using these mushrooms in combination with one another can provide a blend that may help boost immune health and lead to less illness or improved recovery. Which mushroom you want for your morning coffee can depend on a number of factors, including what function you're hoping those mushrooms will perform. For example, while most of the functional mushrooms listed have adaptogens that can aid in stress relief, lion's mane mushrooms contain compounds that may improve focus and concentration, making them a desirable solution for many people who struggle with attention.

Beneficial Compounds in Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms are packed with beneficial compounds that have the potential to raise immune health. The balance of those compounds can depend on the specific mushrooms in your coffee; however, you may achieve the same general benefit from many types of functional mushrooms.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols found in functional mushrooms may help increase the creation and function of vital immune cells, including T-cells, macrophages, and NK cells or natural killer cells, which are a vital part of fighting off infection in the body (1). These essential immune cells can help raise overall immune function and prevent you from getting sick or decrease the impact of an illness. Additionally, polyphenols may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which helps many people feel better overall.

Polysaccharides

Like polyphenols, polysaccharides can go a long way toward improving overall immune response (2). Since they may boost the immune response to infection, they can not only help prevent you from getting sick, but they can make it easier for you to recover from illness. That boosted immune effect can mean that you face less severe symptoms when ill and have an easier time getting over cold and flu-like symptoms. Polysaccharides are found in many functional mushrooms, which means that you can feel confident that the impact of your coffee improves your immune function.

Vitamins and Minerals

Of course, functional mushrooms are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which plays a key role in overall immune response. Boosted vitamin content may help keep your body healthier overall, and consuming it as part of your morning coffee means that you can feel confident you are getting the vitamin content you need every day. Functional mushrooms also contain:

• Folate
• Niacin
• Potassium
• Copper
• Riboflavin
• Selenium

These key vitamins and minerals could boost your immune health and help you live a healthier, happier life. Getting your vitamins and minerals from your food is the best way to ensure that your body is processing them effectively. While supplements and additives can help you get the nutrients you need, superfood options like functional mushrooms are your body's best option for absorbing and utilizing those vitamins and minerals.

Lowered Cortisol

In addition to the many fantastic compounds found in functional mushrooms, the adaptogens found in them could help reduce cortisol levels (3). Adaptogens can help the body adapt to potential stressors, including both internal and external stress-which can serve as a significant source of increased cortisol in the body. High cortisol can cause a number of problems, including high blood pressure, increased weight gain, heart disease, and lowered immunity (4). When you're dealing with high cortisol levels, you may find yourself feeling as though you have to fight off every illness that comes your way or that you're constantly under the weather. Adaptogens, on the other hand, can improve your overall response to stress, lowering your cortisol levels and allowing you to reap the benefits. Decreased cortisol may mean:

• Better blood pressure control
• Weight loss
• Lowered stress response
• Better immune system response

Over time, that can significantly impact overall health and wellness. Many people find that as they lower their cortisol levels, they can enjoy more activities, see improved energy, and even lose extra weight more easily.

Decreased Caffeine Content

Overall, your morning cup of coffee-and the caffeine in it-probably isn't having a substantial impact on your sleep at night. However, if you're consuming high levels of caffeine or consume more coffee throughout the day, you may find that the increased caffeine content is keeping you awake at night. Poor sleep not only impacts your overall sense of well-being and potentially leads to more caffeine consumption throughout the day, but it can also lead to decreased immunity (5). Since functional mushroom coffeecontains less caffeine overall-in spite of creating the same energy boost and making it easier for you to function throughout the day-making the switch may help you get better rest at night. Ultimately, that not only leaves you feeling more energetic the next day, but it also helps improve your overall immune function.

Why Immune Support Matters

Many people let immune support fall by the wayside. You may assume that you're healthy "enough" or feel as though you don't have considerable trouble shaking off illness when it comes calling. However, there are several key reasons why immune support is critical for your overall health and well-being-whether you're struggling to stay healthy or you think that your immune system is functioning just fine.

Protection Against Illness

No one wants to get sick-and your immune system is the key component in ensuring that vital protection. When your immune system is strong, you can often avoid illnesses that might otherwise take you down. Instead of getting sick, you can often shrug off illnesses that take down the entire rest of the office-and that means that you won't have to waste your vacation days on recovering.

Decreased Symptoms of Illnesses

When your immune system is functioning at peak efficiency, you'll often discover that when you do get sick, you don't have as many symptoms as you might otherwise. This impact is particularly obvious when you're watching other people around you deal with severe symptoms of illness, and you're able to carry on with many of your usual activities. While you will still need to give your body time to rest and heal, you'll find that when your immune system is functioning well, you don't get hit as hard by illness as you did when your immune system was low and you were struggling to fight illness.

Improved Healing

Your immune system isn't just responsible for preventing illness. It also sends out cells that aid in wound repair and recovery. When your immune system receives the support it needs through comprehensive dietary support-including options like mushroom coffee-you'll find that you heal much faster from injury, whether you're dealing with minor cuts and scrapes or more serious injuries. Lowered immunity, on the other hand, often means the reverse response: instead of your body healing effectively from injury, you may have a longer road to recovery. Some people even find that they struggle to recover fully from injuries or that even minor injuries seem to linger long after they should have been gone.

Faster Recovery Post-Illness

Even if you have a great, highly-supported immune system, you may still occasionally find yourself struggling with an illness that slips its way through. For many people, symptoms can linger long after you've actually recovered from the illness. You may have a normal temperature and no more signs of illness in your body but still find yourself struggling with low energy levels, a chronic cough that won't seem to go away, or an inability to perform at your usual levels.

However, when you have a strong immune system, you will often recover faster from that illness-and that can mean fewer days sitting on the couch, feeling like garbage, or missing out on the things that you would otherwise rather be doing. A boosted immune system is also better prepared to fight off the long-term effects of many common illnesses and ailments, which makes you less likely to see a decrease in your quality of life.

Improved Recovery Post-Workout

Regular workouts can take their toll on your body, leaving you feeling sore the next day. When your immune system is low, you may feel those aches in your muscles and joints long after the workout is over. When your immune system is strong, on the other hand, those repair cells are able to go out more quickly, which means that you'll feel back to yourself again sooner.

Faster recovery doesn't just mean that you stop feeling the effects of a workout sooner. It also means that you're able to see enhanced performance. Faster recovery means that you can push yourself harder, do more, and accomplish your goals more effectively-and that you aren't going to be hobbling around for days after an intense workout.

Decreased Worry About Activities

In recent years, many people have become increasingly worried about the activities they engage in on a regular basis, including going out in crowds or, in some cases, even spending time with friends and family. When you have a low immune system, you have to worry about what germs might be lurking in those crowds and take precautions, including missing out on events you would rather attend. With a strong, supported immune system, on the other hand, you can feel less worry about the activities you enjoy most-and more confident that your body is prepared to fight off those illnesses.

Live Your Best Life

When your immune system is strong, you'll often feel healthier, stronger, and more confident. That puts you in the best possible position to live your best life, whether that means heading out for a 5K, tackling a mountain, or simply putting forth the best possible performance as you go about your workday. Furthermore, you're able to get out, do more, and live your best life every day when you aren't dragged down by illness.

Decrease Allergic Response

When you live life with allergies, you can find yourself struggling to enjoy common foods-especially if you fear that your allergen might be lurking beneath. In some studies, a compound called inotodiol, found in Chaga mushrooms, has been found to reduce allergic responses (6). They may also reduce the risk that you or your children will develop future food allergies-critical for many individuals since food allergies and sensitivities can develop at any time in your life. Of course, always consult your doctor before returning to foods you might have had an allergic response to in the past.

Elevate Your Coffee Routine With Mushroom-Powered Nutrition

Your morning coffee is a key part of your daily routine. It helps get you up, energized, and ready to take on your day. If you want to elevate that routine, using it to help improve your overall nutrition, your immune health, and your energy levels, mushroom coffee is a great way to accomplish it.

The Making of Mushroom Coffee

When you imagine mushroom coffee, you might be thinking about mushrooms floating in a cup of hot water: hardly an appetizing sight. Mushroom coffee, however, is made through a proven process that includes the coffee beans you know and love.

First, the mushrooms are ground into a powder. It's free of fillers, carriers, and additives, which means that sometimes, some sediment can settle into the cup; however, that fine-ground powder means that you won't be drinking down chunks of mushroom. (You can save that for your savory soups and stews!)

Next, the mushroom powder is added to ground coffee beans, usually at a 1:1 ratio. That means that your morning coffee is now equal parts coffee beans and ground mushrooms for an extra adaptive punch.

Finally, the mushroom and coffee bean powder are packaged together and sent to you. You can make mushroom coffee in your coffee maker, just like you do any other morning coffee.

Choosing the Right Mushroom Coffee for Your Needs

As you consider your mushroom coffee options, carefully consider the right one for your specific needs. You're striving to elevate your morning routine so that you can improve your immune health and live your best life-and that means selecting a coffee that fits your unique specifications.

Perform

Perform coffeeis designed to support your energy needs all day, not just first thing in the morning. With Perform, you could get that morning push that helps you get started with your daily tasks, but you'll also get the energy support you need to take on the challenges you face throughout the day. The Laird Superfoods Perform blend is a medium roast bag of coffee with a rich, delicious flavor profile.

Focus

When your goal is improving focus and concentration throughout the day, the Focus blend, which includes Lion's Mane extract, Coffee Cherry, and Rhodiola to maximize performance, could help you accomplish the myriad of tasks on your To-Do list. Focus is designed to battle stress and help keep your attention on the task at hand while delivering the functional mushroom punch that can help boost immunity and keep your energy high throughout the day.

Increased Immunity

If your primary goal with your new mushroom coffee routine is improving immunity, Defendis blended with those considerations at the forefront. In addition to the amazing Peruvian medium roast beans you know and love from the other coffee blends, Defend contains Red Reishi and Maitake mushrooms as well as Agaricus mushroom powder, all of which combine to increase the adaptogen impact of your coffee. Defend even contains 15% of your daily value needs of vitamin D, making it the perfect start to every morning. Even better, this incredibly smooth cup of coffee has a rich flavor profile that may have you coming back for more.

K-Cups

If you have an individually sized coffee maker that takes coffee pods, K-cupsprovide the perfect solution for your morning cup of mushroom coffee. Simply load the cup into your coffee maker, program it with your preferred settings, and get a single cup of mushroom coffee tailored to your needs. K-cups are perfect for when you only want to make a single cup of coffee, when you want a different flavor or solution than other members of your household, or when you just don't want to share your mushroom coffee.

Instant Latte Mixes

If you prefer an instant, flavor-packed latte that you can stir up before you head out the door, there are plenty of options for that, too! Check out peppermint mocha, matcha, or a standard sweet and creamy latteto find the perfect flavor combination for your needs. Instant latte mixes are great for those who prefer a sweeter coffee or who want to try out an easier, instant option that they can simply grab and head out the door. There's even a reduced sugarversion if you don't want the added sugar that often comes along with lattes.

Getting Started: Making Mushroom Coffee Part of Your Regular Routine

If you already have a coffee habit that has you rolling out of bed each morning and heading into the kitchen for that first cup, there's good news: you can simply substitute mushroom coffee for your existing coffee blend and start reaping the benefits. However, if coffee isn't a regular part of your schedule, you can still experience the benefits of functional mushrooms.

Making the Switch

Mushroom coffee is often pricier than standard medium-roast coffee. If you've been thinking about making the switch but are worried about the price tag, consider the potential benefits. In many cases, swapping to mushroom coffee can give you a better energy boost with less coffee, which can lower your overall consumption and reduce the jitters you get from excessive caffeine.

You don't have to swap all of your coffee for mushroom coffee, either! If you have a flavor or solution you love, try swapping your initial morning cup of coffee for mushroom coffee and then drinking something else for the rest of the day. You may find that your new coffee routine means that you consume less overall coffee, especially as the energy-boosting, stress-reducing impact of functional mushrooms becomes a regular part of your life.

Using Mushroom Coffee for the First Time

If you're not a coffee drinker, whether you head into your day without caffeine support or you have another beverage you love, there are still ways that you can add mushroom coffee into your routine. Swap your favorite morning caffeine drink for functional mushroom coffee instead and watch the benefits begin. You may find that you have no desire to go back to soda or tea!

Alternatives to Mushroom Coffee

You love the potential benefits of mushroom coffee, but you're just not a coffee drinker. Whether you don't like the flavor of coffee or you don't typically consume caffeine, even in the mornings, there are functional mushroom alternatives that will allow you to reap those benefits without turning to coffee. You can try hot chocolate with adaptogensor mix organic performance mushroomsinto your favorite hot drink or smoothie. There's no shortage of solutions that will allow you to try out functional mushrooms and see how well they work for you.

Adding Superfood Creamers

If you have a coffee blend you love already, you may not want to swap away from it. Fortunately, that doesn't mean that you can't experience the benefits of functional mushrooms with your morning coffee. Superfood Creamershelp you maximize your nutritional benefit in the morning, no matter what you're looking for. Try out the Adaptogens creamerto get your functional mushroom boost, or explore a variety of other options, including:

• Turmeric creamerfor decreased inflammation
• Protein creamerto help you get more protein in your diet (or to help those who really just want to start the morning with a cup of coffee, not a full breakfast)
• Oatmilk creamerfor those with dairy sensitivities

When you find the right creamer for your specific needs, you'll find that it can go a long way toward elevating your coffee. Not only that, you're already looking for ways to make your coffee work for you. Make it even better with superfood-packed creamers designed to help improve those benefits.

Maximizing the Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Of course, man cannot live on coffee alone! If you want to maximize the benefits of your mushroom coffee, try some of these important strategies.

• Fuel your day the right way! Try out breakfast options that will leave you feeling full, energetic, and ready for whatever the day has ahead, including oatmealor protein bars.
• Don't forget to hydrate. Drink plenty of water in the morning and use hydration solutionsthat will boost absorption and leave you feeling your best throughout the day.
• Give yourself time to get moving in the morning so that you don't forget anything in your routine.
• Aim to get plenty of sleep the night before so that you can fully experience the benefits granted by your mushroom coffee and other energy-filled blends and solutions.

As you experiment with different mushroom coffee flavors and blends, you'll find the one that works best for your unique needs-and often, that means a solution that will increase your energy, improve your immune system, and lead to better overall focus every day.

Other Potential Benefits of Mushroom Coffee

Mushroom coffee isn't just great for improving immunity, though that is one of the primary benefits of functional mushrooms. It also offers a number of other potential benefits that may make it well worth adding this powerhouse to your morning routine.

Improved Energy and Focus

Lion's mane mushrooms can boost energy and enhance focus (9). These cognitive health benefits are of particular interest to individuals who struggle with ADHD or other focus difficulties. While they cannot replace the effects of traditional medication, lion's mane mushrooms could go a long way toward enhancing focus and decreasing distraction throughout the day, allowing you to keep your focus where it belongs-and providing you with more time at the end of the day to engage in the activities that are most important to you.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Reishi mushrooms have the potential to reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood (10). That, in turn, can decrease the overall risk of heart disease, leading to greater health and wellness for many patients. The increased energy that often goes along with the other benefits of functional mushrooms, including enhanced gut health and improved focus, can also encourage more frequent exercise, which can further impact heart health.

Enhanced Gut Health

Functional mushrooms have a number of features that can help boost immunity and overall health, but their gut health benefits may rise to the top of the list. Gut health is vital to every area of the body. A healthy gut has better digestion and food processing. Most people find that when their gut microbiome is in balance, they are better able to fight off illness due to improved overall immune health. Furthermore, a healthy gut can reduce many symptoms of chronic illness or prevent its development. Functional mushrooms can help balance the gut microbiome, leading to critically improved gut health (11).

Decreased Inflammation

Inflammation in the body can lead to a host of problems. While high levels of inflammation can certainly lead to decreased immune response, it can also lead to chronic pain, more obvious signs of aging, and joint and muscle discomfort. Functional mushrooms, including chaga mushrooms, may help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help you feel healthier and more full of energy-and put you in a better position to make the most of your day.

Blood Sugar Regulation

High blood sugar levels can lead to a host of problems, including a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Moreover, unstable blood sugar often causes a "sugar high," followed by a rapid sugar crash, making it difficult to sustain energy throughout the day. Functional mushrooms, including cordyceps mushrooms, may help reduce sugar high concerns and regulate blood sugar (12). When used as part of an overall healthy diet, functional mushrooms can help reduce the risk of developing more serious health issues due to blood sugar concerns.

Supercharge Your Day With Mushroom Coffee

Coffee isn't just a great way to energize you and get you ready to face your day. It should provide so much more-including solutions like increased focus, boosted performance, and enhanced immunity. With functional mushroom coffee, you can get all those benefits and more.

At Laird Superfood, we created coffee unleashed: coffee that not only does more for your body but that helps you accomplish more than ever. Check out our coffee collectionand experience those benefits for yourself.

Sources:

1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7996139/

2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10222865/#:

3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328747/

4: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol

5: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757#

6: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32035309/

7: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32274562/

8: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/mushrooms-pdq#:

9: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323400

10: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806268/

11: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9856211/

12: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/9685257

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