Why buy

Instant Arabica coffee with Hericium mushroom from the brand Mushrooms For Life (MFL), cardamom and vanilla combines the delicious taste of quality Arabica coffee with the unique benefits of a mushroom also known as lion's mane.

This combination provides you with a rich and full flavour experience that is complemented by subtle notes of cardamom and vanilla. Contains no other additives or added sugar.

Thanks Hericium pure grade extract, this coffee is unique for its ability to contribute to long-term mental focus and a sense of calm, which you'll appreciate during a busy workday.

It is the ideal choice for those who want to experience the full flavour of coffee but prefer a calmer and more sustainable energy without the sharp fluctuations. The instant mould also ensures quick and easy preparation, which will be appreciated by anyone who wants to combine taste perfection and convenience.

The coffee is enriched with cardamom a genuine vanilla from Sri Lankawhich bring subtle spicy and sweet notes, making this coffee an unforgettable experience not only for coffee lovers but also for those looking for an original flavour combination.

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Who is this coffee for:

• For individuals with caffeine sensitivity who want a steady and gentle boost without jitters or sudden drops in energy.
• For lovers of functional drinks who appreciate the combination of quality coffee and extracts from medicinal mushrooms.
• For those who need long-lasting energy and focus during the working day.
• For those who care about their health and well-being, and are looking for a natural boost of mental clarity without the side effects of conventional stimulants.

How to drink coffee properly?

The ideal time to drink coffee depends on your daily rhythms, especially your levels of cortisol, a hormone that helps your body stay alert and energized.

Cortisol levels are naturally highest in the morning, between 8 and 9am, so drinking coffee at this time may be less effective as the body is already naturally set for alertness.

Experts say it's better to drink coffee a little later in the day, for example between 9:30 and 11:30, when cortisol levels start to drop. At that time, coffee will better replenish energy and have a better effect.

Drinking coffee at 8am is therefore not ideal as it can over-stimulate the body, where coffee amplifies the natural alertness the body already has.

These recommendations may vary according to individual biorhythms and habits, so some people may tolerate coffee at 8am well, while others may find later consumption more effective.

This soluble coffee blend, enriched with organic Hericium mushroom, is a great alternative to regular coffee that won't give you the so-called coffee jitters and can be drunk throughout the morning and early afternoon - it is not recommended to drink it after 4 pm.

This mushroom coffee offers a therapeutic dose of 1000 mg of Hericium in each dose.

The difference in quality of Hericum mushrooms from MFL:

Hericum expertly sourced from leading growers at the very best quality and then produced by British vital mushroom experts, Mushrooms For Life is cultivated on a blend of organic rice and wood chips as a base to simulate natural growth on wood.

Generally, high quality Hericium is grown indoors on organic substrates as this method allows better control over factors such as temperature, humidity and contamination, which is essential for an effective and consistent product.

After harvesting, only the fruiting body of the mushroom is used, which is the most valuable part, which then undergoes dual extraction for maximum concentration of active ingredients such as beta-glucans and hericenones. This process is controlled to maintain the standard of quality and efficiency of each batch.

The extract undergoes a double extraction (up to a 14:1 ratio) to release and concentrate polysaccharides and key compounds such as hericenones. It contains 10,57 % beta-glucans and 2,19 % hericenones.

Hericenones, present mainly in amniotic fluid, are key terpenoid compounds thought to promote neurogenesis.

These substances are usually concentrated in dual extracts, with quality supplements containing at least 2-3% hericenones to ensure effectiveness. The coralline coral spawn generally has a higher content of these compounds than mycelium-based products.

Each batch is screened for contaminants, pesticides and heavy metals to ensure the highest quality standards.

All MFL products are third-party tested to ensure the purity of the mushroom strains and are certified organic by the Soil Association Organic, which guarantees that each product meets strict organic criteria and carries the organic quality label.

Cheaper coffee blends with mushrooms often contain fillers and additives that reduce the overall quality. These may include artificial sweeteners, preservatives or cheaper coffee blends that dilute the effects of the mushrooms.

In addition, some brands use lower quality mushrooms that contain fewer bioactive compounds compared to premium products.

Cheaper variants may also contain added chicory or other cheap flavorings to mimic the taste of real coffee, instead of providing the full benefits of premium mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga or Cordyceps.

Brands that prioritise price over quality may also offer less distinct flavour profiles and reduced potency due to lower concentrations of key ingredients such as adaptogens.

Coffees enriched with mushrooms such as cordyceps, hericium, reishi are a great alternative to regular coffee because they contain compounds such as hericenones, erinacins, polysaccharides, beta-glucans, antioxidants, sterols, adenosines and others.

Advantages of Focus coffee:

• 1000 mg of Hericium mushroom extract in each cup.
• A professional formula from the UK's mushroom experts.
• A perfect blend of Arabica coffee with warm notes of vanilla and cardamom.
• Made in the UK.
• Dairy, soy and gluten free.
• Hot water extraction for high active nutrient content - Pure Grade Extract.*
• Vegan - never uses insects as host and certified organic.**
• 100% sponge and organic natural ingredients - no fillers, binders or additives.
• Certificate of Purity and Quality (COA) for Hericum - in the Downloads tab.

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  *Pure Grade Mushroom Extract refers to a high quality mushroom extract that has undergone an extraction process aimed at releasing as many bioactive compounds as possible, especially polysaccharides such as beta-glucans. For mushroom supplements such as capsules and powders, extracts referred to as "drinks grade" are often used, which contain high amounts of maltodextrin. This filler facilitates encapsulation and gives the product a sweeter taste.

  Conversely, Pure Grade represents the mark of the highest quality mushroom supplements that do not contain fillers such as maltodextrin and provide a pure, concentrated extract with a higher active ingredient content. These extracts are produced using hot-water extraction and in some cases alcohol, releasing not only the water-soluble but also the alcohol-soluble components.

  However, there are products on the market that are of lesser quality, sometimes referred to as drinking-grade or 1:1 ratio extracts. These products are often just dried and ground mushrooms without actual extraction, which means they do not contain enough bioactive ingredients. Companies can thus cheat customers by selling products that have not undergone a rigorous extraction process but merely contain mushrooms in powder form, which reduces their effectiveness.

  For quality assurance, it is recommended to focus on products with a specified beta-glucan content that have undergone either hot-water extraction or dual extraction (combination of water and alcohol), depending on the type of mushroom. It is important to pay attention to production methods and mushroom sources, as products made from poor quality mushrooms or without proper extraction may be less effective and beneficial.

  **Organic certification from a reputable organisation such as Soil Association Organic is a good indicator of quality. This certification ensures that the mushrooms are grown without pesticides, fungicides and artificial fertilizers, which is important because mushrooms readily absorb substances from the environment. Products with this certification are 100% transparent, traceable and environmentally friendly, providing assurance that the product not only promotes health but also protects the environment.

Ingredients

Coffee powder*,Hericium erinaceus extract, vanilla powder, cardamom powder*.

*Certified organic ingredients

Dosage

Take one dose, 3 g (approximately 1.5 levelled teaspoons), in 200 ml of hot water or add to warmed milk.

Mix with cold milk and ice for a refreshing iced coffee option.

Interesting facts about the Hericum mushroom

The coral sponge(Hericium erinaceus) is known for its unique appearance, resembling the structure of neurons and the human brain. This visual similarity has inspired the traditional belief that the coral urchin may promote brain health.

This view is related to the concept of the doctrine of signatures*, which claims that plants and foods suggest their effects on specific parts of the body by their appearance. For example, the walnut, which resembles the brain, is associated with promoting memory and cognitive function.

Although science does not link the appearance of foods to their effects, in the case of walnuts, their high content has been shown to of omega-3 fatty acids a antioxidants actually contribute to better brain function and health.

Traditional superstitions are thus partially confirmed by modern research in this case. Similarly, coral urchin is being studied for its potential to support nervous system health, although more research is needed to draw conclusions.

Hericium is native to Asia, Europe and North America and grows high in trees in nature, where it prefers bright places. It is composed of soft, thin fibres that branch out from a solid base and change colour from white to yellowish to brown as it matures.

Nutritionally, coral is rich in vitamins, minerals (e.g zinc, iron, phosphorus) and contains eight essential amino acids, making it an attractive food for vegans and vegetarians.

The eight essential amino acids, which the body cannot make on its own and must obtain from food, include leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine and tryptophan. These amino acids are essential for protein synthesis, muscle repair, hormone production and supporting the body's defences.

Its mildly sweet taste and seafood-like texture make it popular in culinary applications, where it is used as a meat substitute or as part of various recipes such as soups and sauces.

Historically, the coral urchin was part of the diet of Buddhist monks, who valued it for its natural composition and its content of bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans.

*The doctrine of signatures is an old philosophical concept that claims that the appearance of plants or foods suggests their healing effects on different parts of the body. This idea appears in ancient and medieval healing approaches, where plants resembling a particular organ or body part were considered useful in treating ailments of those areas.

For example, the leaves of the lungwort resemble the mottled texture of diseased lungs and have therefore traditionally been used to treat lung diseases. The walnut, with its similarity to the human brain, has been considered beneficial for memory and cognitive function due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which actually contribute to brain health.

The doctrine was first formulated in Europe during the Middle Ages, and among its proponents was, for example, the Swiss physician Paracelsus, who believed that nature provided visual "signatures" indicating a plant's medicinal purpose.

This approach is considered in modern science to be more of a cultural curiosity and a mnemonic device than a scientifically based method, although in some cases certain substances in plants may actually promote the health of parts of the body with which they are traditionally associated.

Active substances in the mushroom:

• Erinacins: Compounds found in the mycelium of fungi that are being studied for their bioactive properties related to overall cell function and growth.

• Hericenons: Found primarily in amniotic fluid, they have been studied for their natural effects on various bodily functions. Hericenones are considered to be compounds with diverse bioactive properties.

• Beta-glucans: polysaccharides common in mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, which are part of the traditional diet and are often valued for their nutritional benefits.

Effect & Studies

Due to legislation, we cannot make specific statements about the effects of certain ingredients in dietary supplements. This is why there is little or no information on the effects of some products.

This made us all the more eager to seek out studies on the ingredients in our products to confirm their effectiveness and create transparency.

In addition, if no effect is given, you can do your own research and form your own opinion about the products.

We ask for your understanding in this regard.

Approved heresy claims

They are not available.

Studies relating to Hericium

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379084739_Unlocking_the_potential_of_Lion's_Mine_Mushroom_Hericium_erinaceus

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599740/

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763424000162
  

Why choose MFL mushrooms

The vital mushroom market is flooded with products that often fall short of high standards, so it is important to choose carefully and check that the supplement you choose meets your needs.

Beware of marketing gimmicks such as "Full Spectrum". In fact, the term often refers to the products of the mycelium, which is the underground network of fungal filaments that helps sustain the life of the fungus and everything around it.

Although full-spectrum products may contain all parts of the fungus, i.e. spores, mycelium and fruiting bodies, this does not always guarantee higher quality.

Manufacturers often use the term "full spectrum" for products based primarily on mycelium, which may not have the same active ingredient content as products made primarily from amniotic fluid, which is richer in bioactive compounds.

For best results, a high-quality mushroom dietary supplement should meet the following criteria:

• Made from mushroom extract, not powder: Extracts are more concentrated and have a higher active ingredient content than ordinary powders.

• Derived from fruiting bodies, not mycelial biomass: fruiting bodies contain higher concentrations of active substances such as beta-glucans, whereas mycelium often contains fillers.

• Hot water extraction: This process ensures high availability of key polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which support the body's natural functions.

• Dual extraction (with hot water and alcohol): this procedure is especially necessary for mushrooms such as Reishi and Chaga. Hot-water extraction yields polysaccharides, while alcohol extraction isolates triterpenoids, which have additional bioactive properties. Dual extraction ensures that the product contains both water-soluble and alcohol-extractable substances, providing a full spectrum of active ingredients.

• Sourced organically: organic certification ensures that the mushrooms are grown without the use of chemicals and in accordance with natural growing conditions (e.g. China, Siberia).

• Verifiable beta-glucan or hericenone content: transparency on the content of active ingredients is essential to verify the quality of the product.

• Tested for purity and heavy metals: Independent laboratory testing ensures that the supplement is free of contaminants and safe for long-term use.

We guarantee that the Mushrooms for Life brand meets all these conditions and there is no better brand on the European market.

Choosing the Mushrooms for Life brand over others offers several key advantages, especially for those looking for high-quality, organic mushroom supplements.

Here are a few reasons why this brand stands out:

• Certified Organic: Mushrooms for Life ensures that all their mushroom supplements are certified by the Soil Association. This means that their products do not contain pesticides, fungicides or other harmful chemicals, which is especially important for fungi, which are highly porous and absorb substances from their environment.

• Full transparency and traceability: this label ensures full transparency about where their mushrooms are grown. The mushrooms are grown in areas where they are traditionally grown, such as China and Siberia, which ensures the highest quality. This emphasis on source and cultivation practices is essential to maintaining the medicinal properties of mushrooms.

• Extracts in pure quality: Their "Pure Grade" line is considered a professional level of quality that is commonly used by practitioners, healers and professionals. This means you are getting a highly concentrated product that provides a full spectrum of bioactive compounds, especially polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, ensuring maximum efficacy and therapeutic potential.

• Sustainable and ethical approach to cultivation: the company works closely with its growers to ensure that mushrooms are grown in natural conditions that mimic their traditional environment. This sustainable approach not only supports the health of the planet, but also ensures that mushrooms retain their full nutritional and medicinal properties.

These aspects make Mushrooms for Life a reliable choice for those looking for potent, organic mushroom supplements that adhere to traditional growing methods and modern quality standards.

Experts behind the brand:

Martin Powell

Martin Powell is the founder of Mushrooms for Life, a brand that was established in 2011. He is a renowned Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and biochemist, with over 20 years of experience.

In addition to writing and lecturing about vital mushrooms, Powell is dedicated to developing clinically oriented mushroom-based dietary supplements for his patients and other practitioners.

He spent many years in China, where he honed his knowledge of mushrooms and worked with local growers. His expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine has led to the development of Mushrooms for Life as a brand providing high quality and certified organic supplements.

Powell is fluent in Mandarin and his work was crucial to the company's growth and development before he handed it over to his successors, G. Botfield and B. Shouler.

He has written two important books that are important resources for both professionals and those interested in the use of vital mushrooms:

• Medicinal Mushrooms: A Clinical Guide - This comprehensive guide focuses on the clinical use of more than 20 species of medicinal mushrooms. It is especially recognized in the field of Chinese medicine and serves primarily medical professionals who wish to incorporate mushrooms as supplements in their treatment.

• Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide - This book is more accessible to a wider audience and provides practical advice on how to use well-known medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake and cordyceps to promote overall health.

Both books reflect Powell's efforts to educate the public about the potential of mushrooms based on his more than 20 years of research and practice.

Graham Botfield

Graham Botfield is a nutritionist and microbiome expert and founder of Living Nutrition. This nutritional therapist and researcher specializes in traditional herbal medicine and fermentation.

Living Nutrition has developed a unique fermentation process using kefir and kombucha that increases the bioavailability of nutrients in herbal supplements.

Prior to his role at Mushrooms for Life, he worked with other respected brands such as New Chapter and his knowledge of gut health and digestion has greatly influenced his approach to formulating Living Nutrition, Botanicals for Life and Zen CBD products.

Ben Shouler

Ben Shouler is the co-founder of Mushrooms for Life and a naturopath with a focus on traditional herbal therapies. Together with Graham Botfield, he also founded Botanicals 4 Life, where they expanded the range of products based on herbal supplements and medicinal mushrooms.

Shouler's deep knowledge of natural medicine and nutrition has contributed to the development and growth of Mushrooms for Life, where he and Botfield maintain the highest standards of product quality and efficacy.

In addition to Mushrooms for Life, Ben is also the founder of Planet Paleo, a brand he started in 2016. This brand specializes in collagen supplements that combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional Paleo diet principles.

Planet Paleo focuses on supporting gut, skin, joint health and overall body regeneration. Thanks to Shouler's experience and expertise, the brand has become one of the leading suppliers of collagen supplements in Europe.

Ben's work in natural medicine, nutrition and supplements has made him a recognized expert who emphasizes quality, effectiveness and the use of traditional therapies in a modern context.

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^{Graham Botfield and Ben Shouler are also the co-founders of Living Planet Distribution (LPD), which they founded in 2016 and with which we have been working exclusively since 2018.}

^{LPD specializes in the distribution of high quality health and nutritional supplements, with the goal of bringing to market innovative products that will become leaders in their field.}

^{We are very proud to have these brands in our exclusive offer and the reason why you won't find any other brands here that are only similar to them in composition but not in efficacy (especially not Czech ones, where expertise is lacking and private label prevails with a focus on pure profit and not the functionality of the product for the consumer.}