Given the advantages, oyster mushrooms may have a role in therapeutic food, medicine, and mineral qualities.
Oyster mushrooms are a fantastic addition to a gluten-free diet, help maintain a strong immune system, and provide a great addition to low-calorie, nutrient-dense diets.
Due to their positive health benefits, oyster mushrooms have remained a vital element of traditional food for ages as a rich source of folk medicine and nutrition. Many experts believe that mushrooms offer antiviral, wound healing, immunomodulating, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and anti-diabetic properties.
Eleven potential health benefits of oyster mushrooms include:
- Prevent osteoporosis and arthritis
- Boost vitamin D levels
- Help maintain blood pressure
- Lower bad cholesterol levels
- May prevent anemia
- Rich in antioxidants
- Provide protection against cancer
- Boost bone mineral density
- Regulate insulin levels in the body
- Low in calories and help lose weight
- Boost the immune system by detoxifying the body
13 impressive benefits of oyster mushrooms
Thirteen impressive benefits of oyster mushrooms include:
- Inhibit free radicals:
- Pleuran, a polysaccharide found in oysters, is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from free radical damage.
- Antioxidants found in oyster mushrooms aid in the fight against free radicals. Free radicals can cause heart disease and even cancer. As a result, it is extremely hazardous to the body.
- Furthermore, antioxidants have a significant function in immune system enhancement. They can aid to prevent the skin from premature aging.
- Good for heart health:
- Oyster mushrooms include beta-glucan which helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood while supporting heart health. Beta-glucan can alter cholesterol levels by absorbing cholesterol in the circulation.
- Oyster mushrooms include potassium, which helps keep the heart, neurons, and muscles working properly.
- Oyster mushrooms contain lovastatin, which helps manage cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Vitamin B3 in oyster mushrooms helps maintain triglyceride balance and healthy cholesterol levels. This lowers the risk of atherosclerosis. Vitamin B3 helps lower histamine production, which benefits heart health.
- Good source of vitamin B3:
- Oyster mushrooms are high in vitamin B3, which is extremely good for the body. It is crucial in assisting the growth and function of the organs in the body.
- Vitamin B3 can aid in the breakdown of lipids, carbs, and proteins in your diet. As a result, they may be used to generate energy.
- When vitamin B3 enters the body, it is transformed into chemicals found in antioxidants. Hence, it can aid in the maintenance of a healthy physique.
- Oyster mushrooms provide the most niacin of any farmed mushroom. Just 100 grams of oyster mushrooms provide more than half of your daily requirement of vitamin B3, which aids in the healthy functioning of your muscles and neurological system.
- May prevent diabetes:
- Oyster mushrooms help manage blood sugar levels. It, therefore, lowers the likelihood of developing type II diabetes.
- Oyster mushrooms include vitamin B, which helps the digestive system and red blood cells function better.
- <strong>Help prevent cancer:
- Oyster mushrooms inhibit the development of colon cancer and breast cancer cells.
- They act to keep cancer cells from spreading to other places of the body. The glycoprotein present in oyster mushrooms boosts the body's anti-cancer response naturally.
- Multiple studies have reported that polysaccharides found in abundance in oyster mushrooms aid in the prevention of tumor growth.
- The specific pleuran polysaccharide combats colon cancer. Oyster mushrooms help prevent cancer by reducing DNA damage.
- Good source of vitamin D:
- Vitamin D or cholecalciferol content is very high in oyster mushrooms because it contains about 25 µg in one serving of 86 grams, which fulfills about 166.67 percent of our daily requirement of Vitamin D.
- Vitamin D is required by the human body to maintain the balance of insulin in our bodies. Calcium is required for the efficient release of the insulin hormone.
- The vitamin D content of oyster mushrooms will aid to reduce inflammation in our bodies and improve the functionality of the insulin hormone. As a result, oyster mushrooms will lower your risk of acquiring both types I and II diabetes.
- Vitamin D is particularly effective in producing healthy cells and combating autoimmune disorders such as fever or the flu.
- Vitamin D aids in the reduction of chronic inflammation, lowering the likelihood of many diseases.
- Aids in the development of a strong and healthy immune system:
- Oyster mushrooms are high in minerals and vitamins B3, B5, B6, D, and A, which are known to be essential for leucocyte functioning.
- They are high in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, salt, iron, and zinc, all of which are necessary for the human body to develop robust immunity.
- Good for neurological health:
- Dopamine and serotonin are important for maintaining mental wellness, and the copper content of oyster mushrooms allows us to do so.
- The proper balance of these vital molecules influences our mood, capacity to focus, and productivity.
- Oyster mushrooms contain folic acid, a B group vitamin that promotes good sleep and memory retention and may even aid with mood regulation.
- Aid in the treatment of anemia:
- Oyster mushrooms include a variety of vitamins and minerals that help prevent anemia by stimulating the body's blood production mechanism.
- Vitamin B2 is one such vitamin that is required for the normal production of hormones. Vitamin B2 keeps oxygen moving throughout our bodies and allows iron to be mobilized.
- Good for teeth:
- Calcium is essential for oral health and strength. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are beneficial for maintaining bone density in general, particularly jawbone density, which is responsible for holding our dental structure together.
- Oyster mushrooms have high levels of these three nutrients, which improve dental health by strengthening tooth enamel.
- Vitamin D is required for our bodies and bones to absorb the appropriate quantity of calcium and develop teeth. It alleviates gum irritation by enhancing tooth health.
- Good for dieters:
- Oyster mushrooms are the ideal diet food because they are low in calories, fat-free, and high in fiber, which helps keep you satisfied for a long period.
- Anti-inflammatory properties:
- Oyster mushrooms have potent anti-inflammatory effects. According to research, they may diminish the release of a variety of inflammatory indicators in the body.
- This might have far-reaching implications because reducing inflammation may help bring treatment for a variety of inflammatory illnesses ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to inflammatory bowel disease.
- Ergothioneine, which acts as an antioxidant and reduces systemic inflammation, is exclusively found in oyster mushrooms and other species of fungus. Ergothioneine may help reduce plaque formation in the arteries, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- Holistic nutrition during pregnancy:
- When you are pregnant, your nutritional demands increase. In this case, oyster mushrooms may be a preferable choice.
- Riboflavin, potassium, vitamin B6, folic acid (folate), magnesium, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and amino acids are present in oyster mushrooms.
The nutritional content of oyster mushrooms
They offer many nutritional benefits and contain important vitamins and minerals. One (90 grams) serving contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Dietary fiber | 2 g |
| Vitamin D | 3% of DV |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Gluten, fat, and cholesterol | None |
One serving (six small oyster mushrooms) is a good source of the following:
| Vitamin & Mineral | Amount |
|---|---|
| Niacin | 28% |
| Copper | 25% |
| Riboflavin | 24% |
| Pantothenic acid | 23% |
| Folate | 9% |
| Potassium | 8% |
| Iron | 7% |
Oyster mushrooms contain significant levels of the following:
- Zinc
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Vitamin C
- Folic acid
- Niacin
- Vitamins B1 and B2
The protein profile is made up of all the essential amino acids and is of good biological value.
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2 possible side effects of oyster mushrooms
Two possible side effects of oyster mushrooms include:
- May cause allergy:
- In rare instances, people may be allergic to fungi. They may experience chills, fever, joint pain, and skin rashes after exposure to these mushrooms.
- Some people may have a mold allergy. Symptoms may include itchiness or swelling of the mouth, face, lip, tongue, and throat.
- In some cases, people who are exposed to these mushroom spores may develop occupational asthma and widespread lung inflammation.
- Not for sensitive stomach:
- Consuming oysters in large quantities may trigger stomach problems such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, or stomach rumbling.
- Chewing them particularly well before swallowing might help alleviate some symptoms.
Summary
Mushrooms are nutritious foods that are low in calories and fat; high in protein, chitin, and minerals, and low in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, C, and D2), and lipids.
Mushrooms may provide a high-protein diet with a low calorific value, making them ideal for people with heart problems. They include all of the amino acids that the human body requires.
Given the advantages, oyster mushrooms may have a role in therapeutic food, medicine, and mineral qualities, making them great assistance to human well-being. Whole mushrooms may be effective as dietary supplements.
New scientific research highlights the advantages of eating oyster mushrooms as a dietary supplement. Keep in mind that supplements have not been studied for safety, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has little control over them.
Always consult with your doctor before including oyster mushrooms and/or supplements into your healthcare routine. Oyster mushroom supplements should not be used as an alternative to address significant health concerns such as high cholesterol.
Medically Reviewed on 7/7/2022
References
Image Source: Getty image
What are the Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms? https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-health-benefits-oyster-mushrooms
Effect of the Intake of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) on Cardiometabolic Parameters—A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230384/
5 Benefits of oyster mushrooms and side effects: https://healthbenefitsof.org/5-health-benefits-of-oyster-mushrooms/
The Ultimate Guide to all Types of Oyster Mushrooms & their Benefits: https://healing-mushrooms.net/oyster-mushrooms
