Matchai Mushroom Latte

February 23, 2024 | by EASTON GILOWSKI

The Matchai Mushroom Latte is an innovative concoction; it's a powerhouse blend that marries the traditional, antioxidant-rich matcha green tea with chai and a potent mix of six distinct mushrooms—Oyster, Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, Lion's mane, and Tremella. Each of these mushrooms brings unique benefits, ranging from immune system support to cognitive health enhancement. The result is a deeply nourishing, earthy beverage that promises not only to delight your taste buds but also to offer a multitude of health benefits. 

Oyster Mushroom Benefits

Oyster mushrooms stand out as a nutritional powerhouse, providing various health benefits. These fungi are recognized for their potential to enhance various health indicators, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure management, and safeguarding against cardiovascular diseases [1].

Rich in ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant found inside cells, oyster mushrooms are crucial in mitigating oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals [2]. Oxidative stress is known to cause cellular harm, accelerate aging, and contribute to various diseases [3]. The presence of ergothioneine in oyster mushrooms protects against such damage.

Antioxidant Powers of Chaga

The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score of Chaga mushroom extract positions it as an outstanding defender against free radicals, bolstering our body's antioxidant mechanisms against oxidative stress. This stress occurs when there's a disparity between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage and potentially triggering various illnesses. Moreover, it may activate the production of inflammatory agents, exacerbating inflammation in numerous health conditions [4].

Age-Defying Mushrooms: Radiant Skin with Tremella

Tremella mushrooms are renowned for their moisturizing and antioxidant qualities, historically acknowledged for enhancing skin health, bolstering immune response, and preventing diseases [5]. Recent studies underscore their potential to diminish inflammation, facilitate wound repair, fight oxidative stress, decelerate aging, and provide radiation protection [5]. The polysaccharides found in Tremella are highly valued in the skincare and cosmetics industry for their hydrating properties, which are beneficial for overall health and skin improvement.

Lion’s Mane for Brain Health

With aging, the capacity of our brains to create and sustain neural connections diminishes, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities and memory [4]. Lion's Mane mushroom is rich in hericenones and erinacines that encourage the growth of brain cells (neurogenesis) [4]. 

Studies conducted on mice have demonstrated that these substances can counteract the memory decline associated with aging by stimulating the development of neurons in critical regions—the cerebellum, which is responsible for movement, and the hippocampus, which is vital for memory formation [4]. 

Maitake and Shiitake Health Benefits 

Ergothioneine is essential for cellular health and is a powerful antioxidant, protecting against various health problems. As our bodies cannot synthesize ergothioneine, we must include ergothioneine-rich foods or supplements, such as extracts from Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms, to aid in rejuvenation and ward off age-related issues.

Everyday stressors can elevate levels of stress in the body, leading to oxidative stress, which is implicated in the development of heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases [6]. Recent studies have shed light on the extensive benefits of ergothioneine, showcasing its ability to fight the effects of aging, decrease inflammation, and shield the body from oxidative stress. Furthermore, ergothioneine is linked to enhanced cognitive functions, better exercise performance, and other health benefits.

 

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp Eversio 6 Mushroom Blend  

1/3 cup chai spice concentrate  

3 tsp matcha powder  

1/2 cup almond milk (or your choice of milk)  

Cinnamon to sprinkle  

 

DIRECTIONS

1. Warm your chai spice concentrate in a small saucepan (follow the instructions on your specific kind to mix with water etc)  

2. Add your Eversio Mushroom Blend to your mug and pour your chai spice concentrate over top. Mix together using a handheld fother or whisk   

3. Add your matcha to your almond milk and mix well, now place this is a frother or use a handheld one until it becomes thicker and creamier  

4. Pour your matcha mix over top of your Chai spice and top with Cinnamon  

Enjoy the Eversio Matchai Mushroom Latte <3

 

References

[1] Dicks L, Ellinger S. Effect of the Intake of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Cardiometabolic Parameters-A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 17;12(4):1134. doi: 10.3390/nu12041134. PMID: 32316680; PMCID: PMC7230384.

[2] Liang CH, Ho KJ, Huang LY, Tsai CH, Lin SY, Mau JL. Antioxidant properties of fruiting bodies, mycelia, and fermented products of the culinary-medicinal king oyster mushroom, Pleurotus eryngii (higher Basidiomycetes), with high ergothioneine content. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(3):267-75. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i3.40. PMID: 23662614.

[3] Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, Pallio G, Mannino F, Arcoraci V, Squadrito F, Altavilla D, Bitto A. Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi: 10.1155/2017/8416763. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28819546; PMCID: PMC5551541.

[4] Ratto D, Corana F, Mannucci B, Priori EC, Cobelli F, Roda E, Ferrari B, Occhinegro A, Di Iorio C, De Luca F, Cesaroni V, Girometta C, Bottone MG, Savino E, Kawagishi H, Rossi P. Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging.Nutrients. 2019 Mar 27;11(4):715. doi: 10.3390/nu11040715. PMID: 30934760; PMCID: PMC6521003.

[5] Ma X, Yang M, He Y, Zhai C, Li C. A review on the production, structure, bioactivities and applications of Tremella polysaccharides. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2021 Jan-Dec;35:20587384211000541. doi: 10.1177/20587384211000541. PMID: 33858263; PMCID: PMC8172338.

[6] Fu TT, Shen L. Ergothioneine as a Natural Antioxidant Against Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 18;13:850813. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.850813. PMID: 35370675; PMCID: PMC8971627.