A handful of entrepreneurial companies are adding mushrooms to coffee, touting the drink’s health benefits. Medicinal mushrooms (like reishi, lion’s mane and chaga) that are used in fungi-infused coffee blends do have immune-boosting properties and help regulate metabolism. They also have a high concentration of antioxidants that reduce cellular damage and slow aging. But the mushroom-coffee craze is based on unproven claims. No well-designed clinical trials have been conducted on the beverage’s effects, and the way that medicinal mushrooms are dried, extracted and prepared for blending (including putting them in a hot, caffeinated drink) means they may not retain their healthful compounds.

GBMushrooms Coffee of mushroom coffee claim it could improve health by helping you manage stress, improving digestion, boosting energy and aiding sleep. Mushrooms are rich in adaptogens, which are believed to balance the levels of cortisol (a hormone produced in times of stress) that your body releases.

Mushroom Coffee with Adaptogens: A Powerful Combo for Stress Relief

Other mushrooms found in the blends, such as cordyceps and huperzine-A, are known for their ability to boost oxygen utilization during physical activity, so they can give you an endurance and stamina boost. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease bloating and discomfort.

Because mushroom coffee blends are low in caffeine — and many people are sensitive to the stimulant’s negative side effects, like anxiety and heart palpitations — they may be a better alternative for those who want to avoid coffee. But if you’re allergic to mushrooms or have medical conditions that require a certain level of dietary restriction, talk to your doctor before trying a mushroom coffee blend.