MDLA Wellness Blog

Mold and Mycotoxins in Coffee: What the Research Actually Shows

In some cases, coffee can have trace mycotoxins, mostly ochratoxin A. There are food-safety controls in place to limit consumer exposure to them. Although roasting can reduce the amount of mycotoxins in coffee, it doesn’t eliminate all of them. In this MDLA article, you will also learn about mold in coffee, is coffee a toxin by itself and how to ensure you are having a safe cup.
Read more

Best Coffee for IBS: What to Drink and What to Avoid

If you’re reading this, you likely already know something about coffee and IBS and that the drink may sometimes trigger certain gut symptoms. However, the situation is slightly more nuanced and having a cup in the morning doesn’t guarantee stronger cramps, bloating, gas, or belly pain.

Caffeine, which coffee is rich in, may contribute to the aforementioned symptoms in some people. This usually happens because it stimulates gut motility.
Read more

Does Lion's Mane Increase Testosterone?

As of August 2026, no current evidence explicitly proves lion’s mane increases testosterone in humans. There haven’t been any published human clinical trials demonstrating a direct lion's mane-testosterone connection, and the relevant positive findings only come from animal studies that can’t be applied to people.
Read more

Coffee Beans vs Capsules: Which One Should You Choose?

Coffee is already part of many morning routines, and the format you choose can change how much time, control and effort that routine takes. At MDLA Wellness, we add another consideration with functional coffee that incorporates selected ingredients into an existing habit.
Read more

Why Take Vitamin B3? Benefits, Forms, and How to Choose the Right One

Vitamin B3 comes in two forms: niacin (a.k.a. nicotinic acid) and niacinamide (a.k.a. nicotinamide). Niacinamide is widely used in skin care, and both forms contribute to normal energy metabolism and nervous system function. High-dose nicotinic acid may also be used for lipid management, but only under medical supervision.

Read more

What Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?

The answer to “what are adaptogenic mushrooms?” is that these are fungi that contain healthy compounds and are often used to support focus and the body’s stress response. The most common examples include lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, turkey tail and cordyceps, which are studied for their effects on the HPA axis and cortisol levels. 

Read more

Does Coffee Have Heavy Metals?

Coffee, like many agricultural foods, may contain trace amounts of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg). Whether these levels present a concern depends on their concentration, the amount consumed and total dietary exposure. 

Read more