Mushroom hot chocolate that will increase your productivity

Mushroom hot chocolate is a unique and delicious way to enjoy mushrooms combining the taste and benefits of traditional hot chocolate with the addition of various types of medicinal mushrooms. We have taken it one step further with our mushroom hot chocolate combining mushrooms, plants, vitamins and minerals to create the ultimate mushroom hot chocolate in I am Focused.

Mushroom hot chocolate has gained popularity for its potential health benefits and earthy flavour profile. Here's how it is typically prepared:

A traditional hot chocolate recipe

Cacao powder or whole raw cacao 15-20gms per person

Water, milk or a milk substitute (e.g., almond, coconut or oat milk) 150ml per person

Medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, lion's mane, maitake, tremella or cordyceps (usually in the form of mushroom powder or extracts)

Sweetener like coconut sugar or honey (optional)

Additional spices like vanilla extract or cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the milk or water: In a saucepan, heat the milk or milk substitute over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.

Whisk in cacao to the hot milk until it's well combined and there are no lumps.

Add mushroom powder and any spices: Incorporate the mushroom powder or extract into the mixture. The quantity can vary depending on personal preference and the specific type of mushroom being used, but usually, a teaspoon or two is sufficient. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Sweeten (if desired): If you like your mushroom hot chocolate on the sweeter side, you can add a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar to taste. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved.

Or just whisk a sachet of I am Focused Phyto Nectars into warm milk for the ultimate mushroom hot chocolate with the added benefits of vitamins, minerals and botanicals.

The synergetic and dynamic combination of medicinal mushrooms such as Lions Mane, Maitake and Cordyceps which have immune and cognitive enhancing properties in combination with cacao gives you a delicious health giving mushroom hot chocolate.

Good quality raw cacao like you’ll find in I am Focused is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals as well as contributing to a range of health benefits including:

Improved Heart Health: Regular consumption of cacao has been linked to improved heart health. It may help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Enhanced Mood: Cacao contains compounds like phenylethylamine and serotonin precursors that can promote the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. These chemicals can contribute to feelings of pleasure and improve mood.

Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that the flavonoids in cacao may have cognitive benefits. They may improve brain function, enhance memory, and provide protection against age-related cognitive decline.

Skin Health: Cacao is rich in flavonols, which may contribute to healthier skin. They can improve skin hydration, protect against UV damage, and promote a more youthful appearance.

Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of cacao may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.

Mineral Content: Cacao is a good source of essential minerals, including magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. Magnesium, in particular, plays a role in muscle and nerve function, bone health, and energy metabolism.

Weight Management: Contrary to popular belief, when consumed in moderation, dark chocolate or cacao can be part of a healthy weight management plan. It can help satisfy sweet cravings and prevent overindulgence in high-calorie, sugary treats.

Improved Blood Sugar Control: Some research suggests that the flavonoids in cacao may have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

Mushroom hot chocolate itself is not inherently bad for sleep, but there are certain factors to consider that could potentially impact your sleep if you do drink it before bed.

Caffeine Content: Cacao contains some caffeine. While the amount of caffeine in cacao is relatively low compared to coffee or tea, it can still affect sensitive individuals, especially if consumed in large quantities or close to bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Mushroom Type: While some medicinal mushrooms like reishi found in I am Rested are often associated with relaxation and potential sleep benefits, others like cordyceps found in I am Focused may have more energising effects. The specific type of mushroom used in your mushroom hot chocolate could have different effects on your body, so it's essential to know which mushroom you're consuming and how it might affect your sleep.

Cordycep

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003343806-21/cordyceps-militaris-applications-katarzyna-ka%C5%82a-karol-j%C4%99drejko-katarzyna-su%C5%82kowska-ziaja-bo%C5%BCena-muszy%C5%84ska

https://puiij.com/index.php/research/article/view/95

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/27697061.2023.2244031

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/7/5298

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-023-03714-9

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-19-9550-7_12

Lions Mane

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/biomedres/40/4/40_125/_article/-char/ja/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/27697061.2023.2244031

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003259763-6/111hericium-erinaceus-bull-hericium-coralloides-anu-shrivastava-swati-jain

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14786419.2023.2169687