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What Is Adaptogenic Coffee?
Adaptogenic coffee simply refers to coffee infused with adaptogens and mushrooms. Adaptogens are particularly effective at promoting stress relief and boosting bodily balance. However, different adaptogens play varying roles when it comes to health benefits. So, you have to examine the contents of the adaptogenic coffee package to know exactly what you are getting.
Types of Adaptogenic Herbs Used In Adaptogenic Coffee
Adaptogenic coffee doesn't come in a one-suits-all recipe. Different brands use a varying blend of adaptogens for their adaptogenic coffee. Some use single adaptogen types, while others use mixtures containing more than one adaptogen. Similarly, you can pick from various options if you decide to DIY adaptogenic coffee.
Adaptogens are active ingredients of certain plants and mushrooms. They are particularly great for targeting stress, anxiety, and fatigue in the body. Some of the common adaptogens used in adaptogenic coffee include:
- Adaptogenic Mushrooms: Mushrooms are among the best sources of adaptogens and have been popularly used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries. Today, you can choose from a good selection of mushroom adaptogens for your coffee. These include popular mushroom varieties, such as maitake, reishi, and shiitake. Others include Chaga and Cordyceps. Chaga mushrooms and Cordyceps are types of fungi. Chaga is a fungus that grows in birch tree barks in cold climates. Although it’s not technically a mushroom, Cordyceps is still classified as so. Cordyceps is a fungus living on caterpillars in high-altitude regions in China. However, most commercially available Cordyceps are usually lab made. Learn more about mushroom coffee, or read our article on how to prepare your own cup of mushroom coffee.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an herb widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, enhance cognitive function, and support overall well-being.
- Lion’s mane: Lion's Mane is a type of mushroom with medicinal properties. It is often used to support brain health and cognitive function, including memory and focus. Lion's Mane is also believed to have neuroprotective and mood-enhancing effects.
- Ginseng: Ginseng is a popular adaptogen known for its revitalizing properties. It is commonly used to combat fatigue, increase energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and improve physical performance. Ginseng is available in different varieties, such as American ginseng and Asian ginseng.
- Holy basil (or tulsi): Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a sacred herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is revered for its adaptogenic and stress-reducing qualities. Holy Basil is used to promote mental clarity, boost the immune system, balance hormones, and support overall well-being.
- Turkey tail: Turkey Tail is a type of mushroom known for its immune-enhancing properties. It contains various compounds that support the immune system and may have anticancer effects. Turkey Tail is often consumed as a supplement or brewed as a tea.
- Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa Monnieri is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function. It is believed to have neuroprotective effects and may help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Maca: Maca is a root vegetable native to the Andes region of Peru. It is often used as an adaptogen to improve energy levels, enhance stamina and endurance, balance hormones, and support reproductive health. Maca is available in powder or capsule form.
- Matcha: Matcha is a type of powdered green tea known for its high antioxidant content. It contains caffeine and an amino acid called L-theanine, which together provide a calm and focused energy boost. Matcha is commonly used to support concentration, relaxation, and overall well-being.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice widely used in cooking and traditional medicine. It contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is used to support joint health, reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and promote overall wellness.
- Ginger: Ginger is a root with a long history of medicinal use. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is commonly used to alleviate digestive issues, relieve nausea, reduce muscle pain, and support the immune system. Ginger can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a supplement.
- Rhodiola: Rhodiola, also known as Arctic root or golden root, is an adaptogenic herb that grows in cold regions. It is used to combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, reduce stress, and improve mood. Rhodiola is believed to support the body's resilience to physical and mental stressors.
How Adaptogenic Coffee is Made
Adaptogenic coffee is made by simply infusing regular coffee with adaptogens. This can be a single type of adaptogen or a blend of two or more. There are two key ways to make adaptogenic coffee at home. The first way is to brew regular coffee and stir in your preferred adaptogen powder (for example, Chaga or ashwagandha powder) in your coffee cup.
Alternatively, you can invest in pre-made coffee infused with adaptogens (adaptogenic coffee) and brew it as regular coffee. Adaptogenic coffee comes in various styles, just like its regular counterpart. You can purchase it as instant coffee, coffee pod, ground coffee, or bottled coffee. Learn on how to prepare your own cup of mushroom coffee.
Benefits of Adaptogenic Coffee
As mentioned above, adaptogenic coffee primarily aids in targeting stress, anxiety, and fatigue. This coffee type also promotes mood, energy boost, concentration, and focus. Adaptogenic coffee is also linked to better sleep, improved physical performance, enhanced cognitive function, and memory retention.
However, different blends come with unique benefits. For instance, ashwagandha is known for its calming and sleep-promoting benefits. This adaptogen also improves the endocrine, nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. On the other hand, Rhodiola targets fatigue, anxiety, and depression while improving performance.
Here are the proven benefits of some of the common adaptogens;
- Mushrooms: Shitake, reishi, and maitake are known as the mushroom trio. Nonetheless, these mushrooms have plenty of benefits to make them worth consuming with your coffee. Shitake boosts digestion, gut flora, and immune function. Reishi packs antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties. This mushroom type also improves cognitive functions, gut health, and cardio health. Maitake supports weight management and gut and immune health and packs plenty of antioxidants.
- Chaga: Also known as mushroom coffee, Chaga improves sleep, reduces stress and inflammation, fortifies the immune system, supports memory recall, and increases your energy, among others.
- Cordyceps: Cordyceps improve exercise performance, heart health, and type 2 diabetes management. This mushroom/fungus also targets aging and inflammation.
- Lion’s mane: Lion’s mane effectively targets stress, anxiety, and depression-related symptoms while supporting gut, heart, and immune health.
It’s also important to note that you will experience the strength of these benefits based on the adaptogen blend and its concentration in the coffee. For instance, 50mg of ashwagandha is more effective at sleep promotion than 20mg for every 500g coffee packaging.
If you drink adaptogenic coffee for its health benefits, it pays to know exactly what you need for your body and which adaptogen offers these benefits.
You should also know the limitations that may come with adaptogens. For instance, some studies suggest consuming adaptogen supplements for a short period (of no more than 6 months). Long-term consumption of adaptogens may build resistance in your body, deeming them ineffective after some time.
Further, picking the wrong adaptogenic coffee ingredients may impact other parts of your life. For example, choosing coffee with sleep-promoting adaptogens will be a big mistake if you want to enjoy a productive day at work or in physical activity. Similarly, avoid consuming an energy-boosting adaptogenic coffee blend a few hours before bedtime.
Lastly, adaptogenic coffee contains adaptogens that can interact with medications for specific conditions. After all, these plant extracts may impact these conditions. If you suffer from medical conditions like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, insomnia, or depression, you want to consult a physician before consuming adaptogenic coffee.
Conclusion
Adaptogenic coffee is an excellent alternative for coffee lovers who want more health benefits. Whether reducing stress, anxiety, or depression, boosting focus and concentration, or promoting physical performance, the right adaptogenic coffee blend never disappoints.
In fact, with a variety of blends to pick from, this style of coffee guarantees to bring you the benefits your body needs. Nonetheless, you must exercise extra caution with this coffee variety and drink it in moderation. Moreover, if you suffer from a severe condition, it is always best to involve your physician before you start consuming this coffee.
