Medicinal mushrooms are popping up everywhere. They’re one of the biggest new trends in food and beverage and hundreds of small (and large) businesses have started using the power of medicinal mushrooms in their products.

From sparkling beverages to snacks to supplements, medicinal mushrooms have made their rise and are starting to cover quite a bit of the better-for-you food space. But to be totally honest, the trend has brought on claims that had me feeling like it’s a scam. 

When I began seeing a nutritionist two years ago, we explored ways to balance my body as I recovered from adrenal fatigue and burnout. I tried many natural plant-based supplements in the process (all under her supervision) and didn’t believe they could help me balance my body. The bloodwork said different. Through diet and supplementation, I was able to bring my inflammation down and my stomach healed, giving me relief for the first time in 10 years. I started to realize there was more to these herbs than I gave them credit for. 

Medical Mushrooms are nutritional powerhouses with a myriad of health benefits including the following:

• Provide immune support
• Full of antioxidants
• Support a healthy inflammation response
• Help to balance blood sugar
• Support brain health and cognition
• Support the nervous system
• Increase energy and stamina

The top Medicinal Mushrooms are: 

• Lion’s Mane
• Reishi
• Cordyceps
• Chaga
• Turkey Tail
• Shiitake
• Maitake
• Bonus: Oyster, Agaricus, Tremella

We incorporate the top two into our blends, along with inulin, a rich fiber from Jerusalem Artichokes, and mesquite, a savory and flavorful plant that adds a nice touch of richness to the coffee and is also high in antioxidants and fiber. 

So why add mushrooms to coffee? Well, for Velty, I wanted to support coffee’s already potent benefits to the body with ingredients that would sooth and support my gut and mind. I noticed that when my gut was healed, my brain worked much more efficiently and I could feel the difference. I also knew that the taste of certain mushrooms and plants could add a richness to coffee and could add a unique flavor I was looking for. I hired a nutritionist who specialized in building products with medicinal mushrooms, and together we came up with a set of ingredients that tasted fantastic and supported the gut and mind. 

I don’t promise to change your life with these ingredients. I do know, however, that I started using food to heal my gut and adding in even the littlest doses throughout your day made a big difference in the long run. Starting small is the way to make bigger changes and we’re all in need of a little boost!