Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground medicinal mushrooms and coffee. It is available in many forms, such as instant coffee, ground coffee, and coffee pods.
Many people are turning to mushroom coffee since some consider it a healthier alternative to regular coffee.
Lion’s mane, one of the trendiest medicinal mushrooms, is found in Bulletproof The High Achiever™ medium-dark roast coffee.
Mushroom coffee is a popular caffeine beverage that’s sprouting up everywhere. This mixture of blended medicinal mushrooms and coffee beans is a healthy alternative to your standard cup of Joe. It may provide several health benefits, such as improving energy and focus, strengthening the immune system and helping with stress.[1][2]
Is mushroom coffee good for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
Introduction to Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom coffee is a blend of coffee and mushrooms. In a multi-step process, medicinal mushrooms are dehydrated and ground into a fine powder mixed with coffee.
Mushroom coffee has an intriguing history. Its origins are traced to Finland during World War II, when coffee beans were rationed, leading people to use mushrooms as a substitute. Today, a trendy mushroom coffee combines regular coffee with the benefits of medicinal mushrooms, which have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to promote health and vitality. Incorporating medicinal mushrooms into coffee offers a unique flavor. It also enhances the drink’s health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to regular coffee.
The most common medicinal mushrooms that make up this fungi-coffee infusion include:
Health Benefits of Mushroom Coffee
Mushroom avoiders may not want to admit it, but the answer to “Is mushroom coffee really good for you?” is a resounding yes. Chinese traditional medicine often calls for medicinal mushrooms because certain kinds are adaptogens that help the body’s ability to deal with stress.[3]
Additional benefits of medicinal mushrooms (and mushrooms in general) make this coffee worth the taste:
Immune support: Research on mushroom coffee and the immune system is limited. However, we do have a wealth of knowledge on how mushrooms’ antioxidant power may help strengthen the efficiency of the immune system.[4]
Health and side effect support: The impact mushrooms can have on the immune system can’t be understated. A 2021 article found that by strengthening the immune system, mushrooms may play a role in preventing the development of tumors and may support the treatment of cancer.[5] They may also help minimize the side effects of cancer therapies, such as nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.[6]
Focus and energy: Lion’s mane has a mighty roar when it comes to energy and focus. A 2023 study enlisted 41 healthy adults between 18 and 45 for their story. Researchers studied the effects of taking 1.8 grams of a lion’s mane supplement for 28 days. At the end of the study, participants showed improvements in their speed in completing a task, as well as their memory and focus.[7]
What is the Downside of Mushroom Coffee?
If you plan to switch to mushroom coffee, it helps to know the potential drawbacks or concerns. For starters, more evidence-based research studies are needed to verify the long list of health benefit claims.
Then there’s the cost. You may believe in the power of mushrooms, but that may not be enough to justify the cost of mushroom coffee. It is significantly more expensive than coffee and coffee alternatives, including matcha, tea and Yerba mate. Some popular high-quality mushroom coffees can cost double what you pay for a bag of regular coffee.
If over-consumed, mushroom coffee can cause many of the same side effects as over-consuming caffeine in coffee.
If you have kidney issues, trying mushroom coffee is not advised. Mushrooms are high in oxalates, which can stick to calcium and form kidney stones and crystals.[9][10]
Certain mushrooms contain high amounts of oxalates, such as chaga mushrooms.[11]
The FDA has cited that healthy adults can consume 400 milligrams of caffeine per day.[12] That’s about four or five cups. To consume mushroom coffee safely, don’t exceed three cups per day.
Mushroom Coffee vs Regular Coffee
These days, mushroom coffee has become all the rage. It has been touted as a healthier alternative to regular coffee.
Mushroom coffee provides many of the benefits of regular coffee: better energy and cognitive performance, stress support, and better memory and focus, to name a few. It comes in various forms, such as instant coffee, ground coffee and coffee pods.
If you don’t like the taste or texture of mushrooms, you’re in luck. Mushroom coffee tastes just like a regular cup of Joe. Some brews may have a slightly nutty or earthy taste.
Regular coffee does out-brew mushroom coffee in many ways. For instance, there is significantly more research on coffee. Research has helped us understand the effects of caffeine, as well as any drug interactions. Coffee is also a dietary staple worldwide, while many people have yet to try mushroom coffee. In the United States alone, seventy-five percent of Americans over 20 years old drink coffee daily.[13]
Best Mushroom Coffee
If you have high coffee standards, you’ll love The High Achiever. This enhanced medium-dark roast contains lion’s mane, coffeeberry, and B vitamins. Unlike regular coffee, these functional ingredients deliver energy and focus that doesn’t fizzle by mid-afternoon.
There are many ways to prepare The High Achiever to suit your preferences for coffee. These include a drip coffee pot, a French press or a Keurig.
Is drip coffee your favorite? Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Add water to the reservoir. This should correspond to the number of coffee cups you’re brewing.
Step 2: Place a fresh filter into the basket and pour your desired amount of The High Achiever coffee grounds. The regular serving size of the High Achiever is 2.5 tablespoons.
Step 3: Press the brew button on the coffee machine (the actual button varies for each machine). The coffee is ready to enjoy when it’s no longer dripping.
If you choose The High Achiever, you’ve completed step one of making mushroom coffee taste fantastic. Follow these additional tips to help mushroom coffee outrank your everyday brew.
Add MCT oil (like Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil) to your mushroom coffee for extra fuel for the body and mind.
For the freshest taste, always use filtered water.
Experiment with sweeteners to enhance the earthy taste of mushrooms. These include maple syrup, honey, brown sugar and spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice).
Mushroom coffee offers a distinctive and healthful twist on traditional coffee, combining rich coffee flavors with the wellness benefits of medicinal mushrooms. From its origins in Finland during World War II to its modern popularity, mushroom coffee provides enhanced energy, focus and immune support. Despite any potential downsides, its benefits make it a worthwhile option. Available in various forms, mushroom coffee can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your daily routine.
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August 1st 2024
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Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families
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I started making my own DIY lip balm years ago after my favorite healthy brand of chapstick added soy and canola oil. Yuck! This natural lip balm recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients. Plus it’s moisturizing and hydrating to help fight dry lips all year long. DIY Lip Balm Recipe Making […]
Feeling stressed? Whether you unwind with yoga or a relaxing massage, Thai massage combines the best of both worlds, benefiting your mind and body. Here’s everything you need to know!
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What is a Thai massage?
Thai massage is a special kind of bodywork that blends relaxation with flexibility. Think of it as a gentle, full-body, more active experience. It’s all about boosting your flexibility and energizing your body. Just a heads-up: napping during a Thai massage might be a challenge!
Drawing from Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, this ancient technique mixes assisted yoga stretches, acupressure, and soothing rocking for 60 to 90 minutes. Unlike Western-style massages at a local spa, Thai massage takes place on a mat on the floor. A certified therapist will work to stretch your muscles and apply pressure along your body’s energy lines, known as sen, to release stress with a graceful, rhythmic touch.
You can schedule a Thai massage at many spas, massage clinics, and even some yoga studios, but make sure you find someone with the proper training and certification to give you an authentic experience.
What should I expect from a Thai massage?
When you arrive for a Thai massage, you might be given some comfy clothes, like a T-shirt and drawstring pants. You’ll remove your shoes, silence your phone, place your jewelry in a small dish, and settle onto a floor mat. Before the session, let the therapist know if you have any injuries.
If this is your first session, it can be intense, so focus on breathing and relaxing. You’ll likely start on your back, with the therapist beginning on your feet and legs. Since the therapist uses their body weight to guide you, it might initially feel a bit weird. Some discomfort is normal as your body stretches, but don’t hesitate to let your therapist know if anything feels uncomfortable.
As the session progresses, you’ll likely switch positions, including flipping onto your belly or trying various other postures. Go with the flow as your therapist guides you through stretches and yoga-like moves designed to open up your joints, move your energy, and release tension. Keep breathing and communicate with your therapist throughout the process.
As the session wraps up, you’ll enjoy some gentle rocking motions to ease you out of the massage. You might feel sore afterward, especially if it’s your first Thai massage, so hydrate and rest. You’ll likely feel incredibly relaxed, more flexible, and energized.
How to prepare for Thai massage
Preparing for a Thai massage is simple!
Eat a light meal and stay hydrated about an hour before your session.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, or heavy meals to prevent indigestion, as you’ll be moving around a lot.
Wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t restrict your movement, or ask your therapist if they provide them to ensure a comfortable experience.
Pro tip:Clear your mind and be open to guidance. While the stretches may feel awkward initially, allow yourself to let go. This can help you fully experience the massage’s benefits.
Thai massage vs. deep tissue massage
Your Thai massage experience won’t resemble a Western-style deep tissue massage. You won’t be naked under a sheet on a raised massage table, and the massage therapist won’t be using long, deep strokes to work your muscles.
The other significant difference is that, like some forms of yoga, Thai massage has a spiritual element based on Buddhism. As they use the weight of their bodies to work on your body, your therapist is also trained to send you kind, loving, healing vibes. The ultimate goal is to help you feel better by allowing your energy to flow throughout your body.
Takeaway
The ancient practice of Thai massage combines assisted yoga stretches, acupressure, and rhythmic rocking to unknot your body and get your inner energy flowing. Unlike Western massage techniques, you’ll be fully clothed on a floor mat, with the massage therapist using their entire body to release your tension.
Permit yourself to let go, and expect an active, sometimes intense, full-body experience that leaves you relaxed and energized.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/thai-massage-therapy
If you have acne, you probably know more about skincare than most people. You might even impress friends with terms like “adapalene” and “salicylic acid.”
But do you know what each treatment does for your skin and if one is better for acne? Let’s find out!
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Salicylic acid 101
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent commonly found in over-the-counter creams, face washes, masks, and gels. While it’s often used for acne, it can also help with dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, calluses, and warts.
Adapalene 101
Adapalene, often known by its brand name Differin, is a topical retinoid. It comes in various forms, such as gels, cleansers, and creams. And just like salicylic acid, it’s available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Adapalene vs. salicylic acid: What’s the difference?
On a chemical level, adapalene and salicylic acid work in different ways to clear acne.
Salicylic acid breaks down a protein called keratin in the outer layer of the skin. Studies show this helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells. It also reduces inflammation in the skin, calming the redness that often comes with breakouts.
Adapalene, on the other hand, is a retinoid. And what, you may ask, is a retinoid? It’s a derivative of vitamin A that attaches to receptors in the skin. Doing so prompts cell turnover to speed up, helping skin regenerate more quickly and lowering the likelihood of clogged pores.
Acne: Adapalene vs. salicylic acid
So… what do these differences mean for acne? Both adapalene and salicylic acid can treat skin prone to breakouts (though it’s not recommended to use them together since this can over-irritate your skin).
Which one is more potent may depend on your acne type. Research shows that adapalene was among the best treatments for comedonal acne (aka whiteheads and blackheads), whereas salicylic acid was less effective and more affordable.
Long story short: Your dermatologist can help determine which is the smarter choice for your type of acne.
Blackheads: Adapalene vs. salicylic acid
Studies haven’t directly compared adapalene and salicylic acid for blackheads, but both can help. Blackheads form from plugged hair follicles, and salicylic acid’s exfoliating action can clear clogged pores. Adapalene increases cell turnover, which can also help remove blackheads.
Wrinkles: Adapalene vs. salicylic acid
Adapalene is a retinoid. Retinoids are well-established anti-aging agents because they stimulate new cell growth and promote collagen production. Some studies have also shown anti-aging benefits from salicylic acid.
While salicylic acid, due to its exfoliating properties, can help reduce wrinkles, adapalene is generally more effective for addressing aging-related concerns like wrinkles.
FAQs
What works better than adapalene?
Adapalene is an over-the-counter acne treatment — so prescription-strength options may work better. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some of the most potent acne treatments include antibiotics and isotretinoin.
Is adapalene the best for acne?
Adapalene isn’t a magic wand for acne. It may be an ideal choice for some people, but depending on your skin type and sensitivity level, salicylic acid, other OTC products, or even a prescription treatment might be your best bet.
Is adapalene stronger than benzoyl peroxide?
Research shows that adapalene can be just as strong for zapping zits as benzoyl peroxide (another potentially powerful weapon in the battle against acne). A 2024 study, for example, found that 0.1% topical adapalene was as safe and effective as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution in people of color.
Is adapalene the strongest retinoid?
Though adapalene may be an effective acne treatment, it’s not the pinnacle of retinoid strength. Of the four “generations” of retinoids, adapalene is considered third-generation. Fourth-generation retinoids are typically stronger and have higher specificity to retinoic acid receptors in the skin. For this reason, they’re available only by prescription.
Takeaway
Feel free to experiment with adapalene and salicylic acid to see which works best for you — after all, it’s your face! You might find one more effective for your skin. For expert advice, be sure to consult your dermatologist.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/adapalene-vs-salicylic-acid
Nipples come in all shapes, including inverted ones. If yours are more like innies than outies, you’re not alone! Inverted nipples, also known as retracted or invaginated, are common and usually harmless.
Nipples can range from popping out when stimulated to constantly staying retracted. While usually harmless, knowing the causes and potential treatments is wise, especially if there’s discomfort. Keep reading to learn more!
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What are inverted nipples?
Inverted nipples mean your chest cherries retract inward instead of protruding outward. They can be a genetic gift or something that happens over time.
Often, they’re just doing their own thing, but understanding the different grades can help you know if action is warranted.
Grades of nipple inversion
Nipple inversion comes in three grades, according to the level of drama. Let’s break it down so you know what’s going on with those inward-facing nips.
Grade 1
Grade 1 inverted nipples are like the shy party guests who need a little encouragement to join the fun. They can pop out with stimulation, like a chilly breeze or a gentle touch.
These are the least inverted and usually don’t cause any trouble.
Grade 2
Grade 2 inverted nipples are a bit more stubborn. They can be coaxed out with some effort, but they’re quick to retreat. They might need a bit more attention, mainly if they cause discomfort or issues with breastfeeding.
Grade 3
Grade 3 inverted nipples are the ultimate homebodies. They’re fully retracted and rarely, if ever, make an appearance. These are the most inverted and might need surgical intervention if they’re causing any issues.
Causes of inverted nipples
So, why do some nipples decide to turn inward instead of standing out proudly? There are a few reasons this might happen:
Genetics
Sometimes, you’re born with inverted nipples. Doctors call this congenital inversion.
If your parents or siblings have inverted nipples, there’s a higher chance you might too. It’s like inheriting your mom’s eye color or your dad’s knack for bad jokes — genetics is a big player.
Chestfeeding
For some new parents, the process of chestfeeding can lead to changes in breast tissue that cause nipple inversion. Your boobs are trying to adjust to their new role, and sometimes, things get a little flipped around!
While this can be temporary, it may also stick around long term.
Other issues
There are a few other culprits that can cause nipples to go inward. These include:
Trauma: Any injury to the breast area can lead to changes in nipple position.
Infections: Certain infections can affect breast tissue and cause inversion.
Medical conditions: Some conditions, like breast cancer, can cause nipple inversion.
Remember, if your nipples decide to play hide-and-seek and it’s out of the blue, a quick chat with a healthcare professional is always wise to make sure everything’s A-OK. And if there’s pain, nipple discharge, itchy nipples, or bleeding nipples, do so sooner rather than later.
Gentle manipulation and massage with your fingers can temporarily draw out the nipple.
While this method can help with mild cases (Grade 1), it often provides short-lasting results and needs to be repeated regularly.
Nipple shields
Useful for chestfeeding peeps! Nipple shields are soft, silicone covers that fit over the nipple and help coax the nipples outward, making nursing easier.
They provide gentle and continuous pressure that encourages the nipple to protrude.
Suction devices
These devices create a vacuum around the nipple, gently drawing it out gradually. They can be worn for several hours a day over weeks or months to achieve the desired result.
Surgery
For more severe cases (Grade 2 and 3), a minor surgical procedure can permanently correct nipple inversion.
It involves making small incisions at the nipple’s base to release the tight tissue pulling inward. It’s usually done under local anesthesia and has a quick recovery time.
FAQs
Do inverted nipples need to be fixed?
If they aren’t causing problems, there’s no medical reason to fix them. It’s a personal choice based on comfort and aesthetics.
Do inverted nipples come out when touched?
Grade 1 and sometimes Grade 2 nipples can pop out with stimulation. Grade 3 nipples typically don’t. They’re super shy!
Are inverted nipples inherited?
Yes, inverted nipples can be inherited. If family members have them, you might have them, too.
Takeaway
Inverted nipples are a common and typically harmless condition. They could run in the family, show up after breastfeeding, or result from an injury or infection.
Often, they need no treatment. But if they cause issues or occur suddenly, it’s wise to check with a healthcare professional.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/inverted-nipples
