Known by various names like Pleurotus, Oyster Shelf, Tree Oyster, Tamogitake and Straw Mushroom, and most commonly, oyster mushrooms for their peculiar and fascinating shape and pattern; these mushrooms will be found in any high-end Chinese restaurant. First cultivated in the time period of the first World War, these mushrooms are now grown economically all over South Asia, Africa, and Europe. They’re incredibly delicious, but did you know these mushrooms have tremendous health benefits as well? Known for their low-calorie content and a rich source of nutrients and probiotic elements, they would make a great addition to any vegetarian dish.
7 Amazing Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
Maintaining Correct Level of Blood Sugar
The human body needs Vitamin D to maintain the balance of insulin in our body. Insufficiency of insulin content in the body can be a cause of diabetes, which is a chronic condition with no cure. Calcium too is needed for the successful secretion of the insulin hormone. The Vitamin D content of oyster mushrooms will help in reducing inflammation in our body and raise the functionality of the insulin hormone. Hence oyster mushrooms will reduce the risk of you developing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D or (Cholecalciferol) content is very high in oyster mushroom, as it contains around 25 µg in one serving or 86g, which fulfills around 166.67% of our daily requirement of Vitamin D.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin B3, which is present in abundance in oyster mushrooms, maintains the balance of triglycerides and correct cholesterol levels. Increased cholesterol levels can affect our heart health adversely by clogging arteries and developing heart conditions. Vitamin B3 also reduces the amount of atherosclerosis, which is the condition that makes our arteries harden. Vitamin B3 also helps to reduce the production of histamine, which improves one’s heart health. One standard serving of oyster mushrooms contains around 4.262 mg of Vitamin B3, which is 26.64% of the daily value requirement of Vitamin B3 by the human body.
Develops Healthy Immune System
The oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients and vitamins like Vitamin B3, B5, B6, Vitamin D, Vitamin A. They also contain high amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc, all of which are important for the human body to build strong immunity. Vitamin D is especially efficient in producing healthy cells and fighting autoimmune conditions like fever or the flu. Inflammation, especially if it is prolonged, can cause multiple conditions like autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D helps in reducing prolonged inflammation and thereby reduces the chance of these conditions from developing.
Improve Neurological Health
Major scientific studies, such as a scientific study published in 2014 in the Journal Progress in Neurobiology show how copper impacts brain function by clearing the transmitting channels for the passage of important chemicals like galactose, dopamine among others. We know that dopamine and serotonin are key for stable mental health, and the copper content of the oyster mushrooms enables us to achieve that. The correct balance of these essential chemicals affects our mood, our ability to concentrate, and our productivity levels. Lower amounts of any of these and especially insufficient copper in our system will result in extreme fatigue, low productivity, depressive mental health, and lack of energy. Copper also acts as a catalyst for certain antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, Vitamin C, tyrosinase, and ascorbate oxidase. These prevent the damage that is caused by free radicals in our brain.
Gradually Cures Anemia
Anemia can be caused due to a low amount of iron in your body along with low oxygen content, reduced production of red blood cells, and blood loss. Oyster mushrooms contain multiple vitamins and minerals that reduce the chances of anemia by boosting the blood production system in the human body. Vitamin B2 is one such vitamin that is important for the proper synthesis of steroid hormones. Vitamin B2 ensures the steady transportation of oxygen in our body and also enables the mobilization of iron. If your Vitamin B2 content is low it can cause anemia, but oyster mushrooms and their good content of Vitamin B2 will prevent anemia.
Prevents Tooth Decay
We all know that calcium is important for your dental health and strength. Calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D are also great for maintaining all bone density including jaw bone density, which is responsible for holding our dental structure together. Good amounts of these three nutrients are present in oyster mushrooms, which enhance teeth health by strengthening the tooth enamel. Vitamin D is needed for our body and bones to absorb the right amount of calcium and forming teeth. It even treats gum inflammation by improving dental health.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Although a lot of the research on cancer is still inconclusive, it has been anticipated that polysaccharides that are present in high quantity within oyster mushrooms help in reducing the formation of tumors in multiple studies. The particular pleuran polysaccharide fights colon cancer. Oyster mushrooms also reduce DNA damage and prevent cancer.
Conclusion
Oyster mushrooms have been popular in recent times due to their ability to boost immunity, develop strength and metabolism. Due to its low-calorie content and high content of various useful nutrients, it is well-loved. However, in the rare instance that you might be allergic to fungi, it is best to consult a medical professional before consuming oyster mushrooms.
Sources:
- https://thewilddoc.com/7-amazing-health-benefits-oyster-mushrooms/
- https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/oyster-mushroom/
- https://grocycle.com/health-benefits-oyster-mushrooms/
