Does Mushroom Coffee Raise Your Cholesterol Levels? The Surprising Truth

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, nearly 94 million US adults have high cholesterol, a condition that is influenced by many dietary choices. It's a common misconception that all coffee negatively impacts heart health, but research on the specific ingredients in this trendy beverage reveals a more complex answer to the question: can mushroom coffee raise your cholesterol levels?

Quick Summary

An analysis of the ingredients reveals that the mushrooms typically used may actually offer heart health benefits, while the coffee component can influence cholesterol, depending on preparation. The effect is determined by brewing method and type of mushroom.

Key Points

Mushroom Effect: The medicinal mushrooms in mushroom coffee, such as Reishi and Cordyceps, are more likely to have cholesterol-lowering properties rather than raising it.
Brewing Method Matters: The coffee's impact on cholesterol is determined by its preparation. Unfiltered coffee methods, like French press, can increase LDL cholesterol.
Filtered is Safer: Using a paper filter effectively removes the cholesterol-raising diterpenes from the coffee, mitigating this risk.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with existing health conditions or who take medication, especially for heart issues, should speak with a healthcare provider before consumption.
Ingredient Awareness: Pay attention to which mushrooms are in your blend and seek third-party tested products to ensure quality and potential benefits.
Potential Interactions: Be aware that certain medicinal mushrooms can interact with medications like blood thinners and immunosuppressants.

Does the Mushroom Component Affect Cholesterol?

In contrast to the notion that mushroom coffee could raise cholesterol, the medicinal mushrooms themselves are often associated with lipid-lowering properties. This effect is primarily due to bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans present in species such as reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane. These compounds work through several mechanisms to support a healthier lipid profile, which includes cholesterol and triglycerides.

Reishi Mushroom

Potential to lower LDL: Studies have shown that reishi extracts may have a positive effect on lipid metabolism, with some in-vitro research suggesting it can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol.
Impact on triglycerides: In some animal and human trials, reishi supplementation has been shown to decrease triglycerides.
Inconsistent human evidence: While lab and animal studies are promising, some early human research has yielded inconsistent results, with one study suggesting no change in cholesterol after 12 weeks of reishi extract use in people with high blood pressure.

Cordyceps Mushroom

Lipid-regulating compounds: Cordyceps is known to contain cordycepin and adenosine, which play a role in fat metabolism. Animal studies have linked cordyceps use to lowered levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Anti-atherosclerotic effects: Research has explored cordyceps' ability to lower cholesterol as part of its anti-atherosclerotic effects, which help prevent the buildup of plaque in arteries.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

Metabolic influence: Animal studies have found that lion's mane extract can improve fat metabolism and significantly lower triglyceride levels.
Protects against oxidation: Test-tube studies indicate that lion's mane extract may help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, a key process that leads to plaque formation in arteries.

The Role of Coffee and Brewing Methods

The impact of coffee on cholesterol is a nuanced topic that has been studied extensively. The primary factors are the natural oils found in coffee beans, called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), and the brewing method used.

Unfiltered Coffee and Diterpenes

Unfiltered brewing methods, such as French press, Turkish coffee, and boiling, allow the diterpenes to pass into the final beverage.
Research has consistently shown that consuming unfiltered coffee can increase LDL cholesterol levels, particularly with higher consumption.

Filtered Coffee and Diterpenes

Using a paper filter, such as with a drip coffee maker, effectively traps most of the diterpenes, preventing them from entering your cup.
Therefore, filtered mushroom coffee is unlikely to have the same cholesterol-raising effect as unfiltered coffee, and the potential benefits of the mushrooms remain intact.

Comparison Table: Mushroom Coffee vs. Regular Coffee


Feature	Mushroom Coffee (Filtered)	Regular Coffee (Filtered)	Regular Coffee (Unfiltered)
Cholesterol Impact	Often positive due to mushroom content; low risk of raising cholesterol.	Low risk of raising cholesterol due to filtering process.	Higher risk of raising LDL cholesterol due to diterpenes.
Heart Health	Potential benefits from antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties of mushrooms.	Associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in studies.	Protective effects may be outweighed by LDL increase with high consumption.
Caffeine Content	Typically lower than regular coffee.	Standard caffeine content.	Standard caffeine content.
Antioxidants	Rich source from both coffee and medicinal mushrooms.	Contains antioxidants from coffee beans.	Contains antioxidants from coffee beans and diterpenes.

How to Assess Your Mushroom Coffee

If you are concerned about cholesterol, it is important to choose your mushroom coffee product wisely. Consider these factors:

Brewing method: As with regular coffee, the method of preparation is key. Use a paper filter to minimize any potential diterpene-related cholesterol increase. If your product is an instant powder, consider the source and extraction method.
Mushroom species: Look for products that specify which mushrooms are used. Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane are often cited for their heart health properties, but research can be preliminary or animal-based. It's always best to be informed.
Third-party testing: Reputable brands will often provide evidence of third-party testing to confirm the content and purity of their mushroom extracts. This helps ensure you are getting the bioactive compounds you expect.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While mushroom coffee offers potential health benefits, it is not without considerations. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, or caffeine-related symptoms. Furthermore, certain mushrooms, like Chaga, are high in oxalates and could pose a risk for those prone to kidney stones. Medicinal mushrooms can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and immunosuppressants, so consulting a healthcare provider is essential if you have underlying health conditions or take prescription drugs. For further research on the pharmacological properties of Cordyceps, a relevant study can be found on ScienceDirect.

Conclusion

Can mushroom coffee raise your cholesterol levels? It's unlikely that the mushroom component will cause this effect, and it may even offer protective benefits. However, the brewing method of the coffee itself is a critical factor. The diterpenes in unfiltered coffee have been shown to increase LDL cholesterol, while filtered coffee does not carry this risk. Therefore, for those with cholesterol concerns, opting for a filtered brew is the safest approach. The overall impact depends on the specific blend, preparation, and an individual's unique health profile, making consultation with a healthcare professional a wise step before adding it to your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, research suggests Reishi mushrooms are more likely to have a neutral or even beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, potentially helping to lower LDL and triglycerides, though some human studies have been inconsistent.

For those with high cholesterol, filtered mushroom coffee is generally considered safe. However, unfiltered mushroom coffee, like any unfiltered coffee, can increase cholesterol levels, so brewing method is key. It is best to consult a doctor.

Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps are often cited for their potential cardiovascular benefits, including managing lipid levels and protecting against oxidative stress.

Some research suggests that 100% Arabica beans might have a lesser effect on cholesterol than blends containing Robusta beans, although the brewing method (filtered vs. unfiltered) is the most significant factor.

Look for products that are third-party tested for purity and accuracy of ingredients. Reputable brands are transparent about their sourcing and testing procedures.

Yes, medicinal mushrooms can potentially interact with certain medications, including blood thinners. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming mushroom coffee if you are on any medication.

The primary cause is the presence of natural oils, cafestol and kahweol, found in coffee beans, which are not removed by unfiltered brewing methods and can increase LDL cholesterol.