Does Mushroom Coffee Help You Lose Weight?
Does Mushroom Coffee Help You Lose Weight?
The buzz around mushroom coffee is real, and it shows no signs of fading away. Even celebrities like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have jumped on the bandwagon, investing in a mushroom coffee company and reportedly sending Oprah her favorite mushroom latte blend.
Mushroom coffee typically consists of a unique blend of powdered mushrooms and coffee beans, with a flavor profile that’s similar to regular dark roast coffee, but with a slightly nuttier and earthier taste. The best part? It contains about half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee, according to UCLA Health.
While some claim that mushroom coffee can aid in weight loss, the question remains: is it true? Let’s dive into the details and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating mushroom coffee into your daily routine.
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, according to research. Andrea Salazar Castellanos, a registered dietitian with Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, explains that caffeine "raises body temperature and burns calories, has appetite-suppressing properties, and increases energy levels leading to increased physical activity."
However, it’s essential to note that this applies only to unsweetened coffee. When you add sugar to any coffee, it reduces the weight loss effects of caffeine by potentially adding hundreds of calories, Castellanos notes.
A large study published in the journal BMJ included 48,891 people from the Nurses’ Health Study, 83,464 people from the Nurses’ Health Study II, and 22,863 people from the Health Professional Follow-Up Study. Researchers found that drinking one extra cup of unsweetened coffee per day reduced weight gain by around 0.12 kilograms — about 0.25 pounds — in the four-year period. However, when participants increased their daily sugar intake by 1 teaspoon in any food or drink (including coffee), they gained 0.09 kilograms, or 0.2 pounds.
Mushroom Coffee May Improve Sleep, an Indirect Factor in Weight Loss
Castellanos notes that mushroom coffee’s lower caffeine content may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep if you’re a heavy caffeine consumer. "One has to keep in mind the side effects that may come with increased caffeine consumption, such as jitteriness, palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety, which can potentially end up causing weight gain," she says.
Research has shown that both anxiety and sleep quality play a significant role in weight loss and maintenance. Poor sleep, in terms of both quantity and quality, can increase how much a person eats, mainly from snacking, especially on foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.
Mushroom Coffee Does Have Side Effects and Risks
The side effects of drinking mushroom coffee mimic those of regular coffee, due to the caffeine content. Castellanos warns that these side effects will be milder due to the lower caffeine content, but notes that "little information exists regarding the safe dosage of mushroom coffee in general, its potential medication interactions, and if certain people need to avoid it altogether."
Research does point to certain risks, such as the potential to cause kidney stones and further kidney disease. "Chaga, a mushroom commonly found in mushroom coffee blends, is high in oxalates, which can cause kidney stones and further kidney disease," Castellanos explains.
The Wrap-Up
In conclusion, mushroom coffee may offer a unique flavor profile and potential indirect benefits for weight loss, but no significant studies support the idea that it can lead to weight loss directly. Not only that, but any other health benefits would be primarily linked to whole mushrooms, not the powdered forms used in these blends.
As with any new dietary trend, be sure to consider the potential side effects and consult with your healthcare provider first if you have a specific health condition.
FAQs
Q: Is mushroom coffee safe to drink?
A: While mushroom coffee is likely safe to drink for the general population, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider and dietitian if you have a history of gastric issues, kidney disease, or are pregnant.
Q: Can mushroom coffee help with weight loss?
A: While mushroom coffee may help with weight loss indirectly by reducing anxiety and improving sleep, there’s no significant evidence to support its direct effect on weight loss.
Q: Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with mushroom coffee?
A: Yes, the side effects of drinking mushroom coffee mimic those of regular coffee, including jitteriness, palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. Additionally, some research suggests that mushroom coffee may cause kidney stones and further kidney disease.
Q: How does mushroom coffee compare to regular coffee in terms of caffeine content?
A: Mushroom coffee typically contains about half the amount of caffeine as regular coffee.
Q: Should I add sugar to my mushroom coffee?
A: No, it’s recommended to avoid adding sugar to your mushroom coffee, as it can negate the potential weight loss benefits of the coffee.
