8 Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms

NUTRITION

Oyster mushrooms are great for general health and weight loss as they are low in calories and fat with absolutely no cholesterol.

One cup of oyster mushrooms contains just 28 calories with 1g of fat, 2g of dietary fibre, and 3g of protein.

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants:

• Niacin: Almost every cell in the human body requires niacin to function and metabolise other nutrients.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is not easy to find in food products (it typically comes from sunlight). However, mushrooms treated with UV light are one of the best food sources of vitamin D.
• Iron: Red blood cells require iron. One cup of oyster mushrooms gives you 12% of your recommended iron intake, making them a great meat substitute.

Oysters also provide important nutrients like: Riboflavin, Potassium, Vitamin B6, B Vitamins, Folic acid (folate), Magnesium, Vitamin C, Pantothenic acid, and Amino acids.

8 HEALTH BENEFITS OF OYSTER MUSHROOMS

1. Immune support

Beta-glucans within oyster mushrooms make them one of the best foods on our planet for protecting your immune system against both long and short-term illnesses.

Unlike other foods that repress or stimulate the immune system, mushrooms work to balance it.

Antioxidants help prevent free radical damage (linked to illness and ageing) and oxidative stress so your immune system can defend itself against ageing. 

The heart

1.  Regulating cholesterol levels

Since mushrooms like oysters have a savoury flavour and no cholesterol, they’re a great substitute for meat in many sautéed dishes.

One study also found that consuming oyster mushrooms reduced triglycerides and cholesterol levels in diabetic patients (as well as high blood sugar levels). (1)

2. Lowering high blood pressure

Vitamin D and other vitamins are needed to regulate blood pressure levels.

Did you know that most people who live in cold climates are deficient in vitamin D?

One study found that mushrooms like oysters reduced blood pressure in rats with unexplained high blood pressure. (2)

3. PROTECTING THE HEART AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Ergothioneine is also an excellent amino acid for protecting the heart because it prevents the buildup of plaque. Perhaps this is also why oyster mushrooms can lower cholesterol levels.

The body

4. Immune support

Beta-glucans within oyster mushrooms make them one of the best foods on our planet for protecting your immune system against both long and short-term illnesses.

Unlike other foods that repress or stimulate the immune system, mushrooms work to balance it.

Antioxidants help prevent free radical damage (linked to illness and ageing) and oxidative stress so your immune system can defend itself against ageing. 

5. Strong Bones

Oyster mushrooms contain important nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D.

Calcium is important however, magnesium and vitamin D are needed to process and store the calcium in our bones.

6. Anti Inflammatory 

Beta-glucans and antioxidants in oyster mushrooms make them a great food for lowering inflammation.

Research shows that some of the oyster’s anti-inflammatory properties beyond beta-glucans come from a unique and somewhat unknown amino acid called ergothioneine. 

According to the research, ergothioneine lowers “systemic” inflammation across the entire body which often contributes to diseases like dementia and diabetes.

 

7. Anti Cancer properties

The beta-glucans in mushrooms like oysters function as powerful antioxidants that may protect the body against cancer.

One study found that oyster mushrooms can potentially reduce the proliferation of certain types of cancer cells. (3)

The Brain

8. DEFEND AGAINST NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Finally, the amino acid ergothioneine is a cytoprotectant. It protects cells against oxidative stress and free radical damage.

That’s why mushrooms like oysters have the potential for defending against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia.