Mushrooms and matcha are two popular functional foods studied for their effects on cognition, the immune system, and inflammation. Combined, they are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients. Adding medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, chaga, or lion’s mane to your cup of matcha might sound strange, but it’s an easy way to enjoy both at once. And we promise it can taste delicious, too!
What are the specific benefits of combining medicinal mushrooms and matcha, and why do we love this duo? Keep reading to find out.
Health benefits of mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have many traditional uses and are being studied for their effects on the immune system, cognition, and gut health. Some mushrooms are also considered adaptogens, which are thought to help the body handle stress and may help with stamina.
Mushrooms contain a type of carbohydrate called beta-glucans, which researchers are studying for how they interact with immune cells.
Mushrooms are also a source of antioxidants, compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Researchers are still learning what this means for long-term health.
Some of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms include:
Reishi: Reishi is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms. It has been researched for its effects on immune cells and on fatigue and mood, and many people take it in the evening because they find it relaxing.
Chaga: Known for its antioxidant content, chaga has been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia. Research on chaga in people is still limited.
Lion’s mane: Lion’s mane is best known for brain health. It contains hericenones and erinacines, compounds studied for their effect on nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the growth and upkeep of neurons. In one small pilot study, adults with early Alzheimer’s who took erinacine-enriched lion’s mane daily scored better on cognitive tests than the placebo group.
Turkey tail: Turkey tail is rich in antioxidants and contains prebiotic fibers, which help feed the good bacteria in your gut. It has also been studied for its effects on the immune system.
Cordyceps: Cordyceps are known as adaptogens, which are thought to help the body respond to stress and may help balance stress hormones such as cortisol. Cordyceps has also been studied for energy and fatigue, including how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise, which is why it’s popular with athletes.
Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms are among the few medicinal mushrooms that taste delicious. They contain numerous nutrients and have long been used in Chinese medicine for health and longevity.
While more studies are needed, mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and by indigenous cultures for centuries.
Health benefits of matcha
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants. To make matcha, tea leaves are shaded the final few weeks before harvest, which increases chlorophyll content. The whole tea leaf is also consumed, unlike traditional green tea.
Some key benefits include:
- Rich source of antioxidants: Similar to mushrooms, matcha is abundant in antioxidants, particularly the catechin EGCG, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Calm, focused energy: Matcha contains both caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine. The combination of these two promotes alertness and concentration without the jittery side effects often felt with coffee. L-theanine promotes relaxation and has been studied for its effect on stress.
- Metabolism: The catechins in matcha have been studied for their effect on thermogenesis and metabolism.
- Heart health: Green tea and matcha have been studied for their role in heart health, and research on regular green tea drinkers is encouraging.
- Calm and mood: L-theanine, which matcha is particularly high in, is known as the calming amino acid and has been studied for its effects on mood, stress, and relaxation.
How do mushrooms and matcha support each other?
Both mushrooms and matcha contain antioxidants and key nutrients, and they work in complementary ways. Matcha brings steady, focused energy from its natural mix of caffeine and L-theanine, without the spike and crash many people get from coffee. Mushrooms bring something different: reishi and cordyceps are valued as adaptogens for stress and stamina, and lion’s mane for brain health. Together they make a drink that feels alert but calm, energized but not overstimulated.
While mushrooms and matcha don’t need to be consumed in the same cup, a matcha and mushroom blend is an easy way to get both, along with a boost of sustained energy. Because matcha contains caffeine, it fits best in the morning or early afternoon, whether you need focus for work or extra stamina for a workout. If you want something calming in the evening, try reishi on its own.
How to combine matcha and mushrooms
There are several ways you can combine mushrooms and matcha—including in our organic matcha latte adaptogen blend.
- In a latte: Try mixing a mushroom matcha blend with your favorite frothed milk for a creamy, rich beverage.
- In baked goods: If drinking this combo sounds intimidating, try adding a mushroom powder with culinary-grade matcha the next time you bake. We recommend trying mushroom matcha pancakes or muffins! And be sure to check out our other matcha recipes!
- Separate but together: You can always enjoy a traditional cup of matcha alongside a mushroom supplement.
- Adaptogen blend: Our adaptogen blend is made with organic matcha powder, lion’s mane, reishi, and ashwagandha.
Bottom Line: Combining Matcha and Mushrooms
Matcha green tea powder and medicinal mushrooms each bring something different: steady, focused energy from matcha and the adaptogenic, time-tested traditions of mushrooms. While you can certainly enjoy them separately but together, an easy way to get the benefits of both in one tasty drink is with our adaptogen blend.
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
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