OVERVIEW
- Oyster mushrooms come in all different fascinating shapes, colours and sizes. Pink, Blue and Golden to name a few.
- Oyster mushrooms provide a distinct texture and delicious taste, making them a staple in various cuisines.
- Each type of oyster mushroom is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to keep your body healthy and defend against disease.
- Oyster mushrooms can decompose plastic while producing an edible mushroom.
- Oyster mushrooms can clean up oil spills as the mycelium can break down hydrocarbons, which are the main compounds in crude oil.
HISTORY
The history of medicinal mushrooms dates back centuries in Chinese medicine.
However, during World War I when this fan-shaped species was discovered growing on trees in war-torn Germany and other countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. Since then, these mushrooms have become a staple in various cuisines, environmental efforts, as well as natural remedies and are now grown and sold worldwide.
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 beyond beta-glucans, some of the oyster’s anti-inflammatory properties 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.
Oyster Mushrooms and the Environment!
Cleaning up oil spills
Oyster mushrooms have been effective in cleaning up oil spills. This is due to their ability to break down hydrocarbons which are the main components of crude oil.
The name of the process is bioremediation (the use of microorganisms to break down pollutants into less harmful substances). In the case of oyster mushrooms, they release an enzyme called lignin peroxidase which is particularly good at breaking down complex hydrocarbons into smaller molecules that can then be metabolised by the mycelium/hyphae.
Once the mushrooms absorb the nutrients, they grow and reproduce, further aiding in the cleanup process.
In one experiment researchers inoculated diesel-contaminated soil with oyster mushrooms and found that they reduced the concentration of toxic hydrocarbons from a dangerous 10,000 parts per million to just 200 parts per million over a 16-week period.
The bottom line
Oyster mushrooms don't just taste great. They have many amazing benefits for assisting health and the environment.
In addition, Oysters are one of the mushrooms that are available to grow on your own. Find our oyster mushroom grow kits in the shop section of this website.
