Oyster mushrooms, also known as Pleurotus ostratus is an edible mushroom that is loaded with a variety of health benefits. They are known as oyster mushrooms because their color and appearance are similar to an oyster. These mushrooms mostly grow in tropical regions and prosper by feeding on decaying organic matter like dead trees or fallen logs.
There are different types of oyster mushrooms and they are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which keep your body as well as immune system strong and healthy. Oyster mushrooms not only have health benefits but also adds flavor to several savory dishes.
7 incredible health benefits of oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are filled with several nutrients and vitamins which makes them a healthy addition to your diet. Additionally, oyster mushrooms are free from fat, cholesterol, gluten, sodium, and has fewer calories. Oyster mushrooms contain several substances that have a significant influence on our health. These substances include dietary fiber, beta-glucan, polysaccharides, etc.
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of several vitamins, including niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, and pantothenic acid. Some of the minerals in oyster mushrooms include phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and selenium.
Strengthens the immune system
Oyster mushrooms contain beta-glucans and antioxidants like selenium which helps in protecting your body cells from damage that might lead to infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and so on, thereby helping in strengthening the immune system. Additionally, oyster mushrooms prevent oxidative stress so that your immune system can defend itself against aging. Apart from this, oyster mushrooms help in the treatment of pellagra which is a health condition that occurs from the deficiency of niacin.
Monitors blood sugar level and provides energy
High blood sugar can lead to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Owing to the presence of high fiber, protein content, as well as low-fat content, oyster mushrooms are ideal for people who intend to fight diabetes naturally. Oyster mushrooms contain a compound named guanide which employs a powerful anti-hyperglycemic effect which in turn lowers blood sugar levels naturally.
Also, several studies have suggested that oyster mushrooms can decrease triglycerides and cholesterol levels in diabetics.
Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin b that converts the carbohydrate into glucose, which in turn is used as a fuel for generating energy. Vitamin b synthesizes our body and metabolizes proteins and fats. It also aids in rebuilding muscles, tissues, and organs.
Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Oyster mushrooms are a good source of fiber that not only improves heart health but also decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These mushrooms are packed with vitamin b3 that helps in reducing atherosclerosis that hardens the arteries and results in heart diseases. Vitamin b3 also decreases histamine production and inflammation that improves blood circulation.
Keeping oyster mushrooms in one’s diet plan also helps in decreasing the chances of reoccurring heart disease or cardiac arrest in those people who have already experienced it.
Boosts brain health
Oyster mushrooms are rich in vitamin b3 that reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment due to aging. Several studies have suggested that oyster mushrooms contain minerals like copper that has a significant impact on the brain pathways and helps in regulating the mood, reduces fatigue, and increases concentration. Copper also helps in utilizing antioxidants like ascorbate oxidase, vitamin c, and tyrosinase, which not only prevents the damage made by free radicals in the brain but also reduces neuro-degenerative diseases, cancer, and the process of aging.
Helps in curing cancer
Some studies have suggested that oyster mushrooms can repress the growth of breast cancer, colon cancer, and have therapeutic effects against colorectal tumor and leukemia cells. Oyster mushrooms contain antioxidants like beta-glucans that protects our body against cancer. Polysaccharides within the oyster mushrooms have anti-tumor properties that decrease the growth of cancer cells. Oyster mushrooms have other anti-cancer effects that reduce DNA damage via multiple mechanisms.
Resolves skin problems and tooth decay
Oyster mushrooms contain niacin (vitamin b3) which helps in clearing acne when it is applied topically on the skin. Niacin also helps in reducing skin inflammation, redness, and skin irritation. The consumption of oyster mushrooms also helps in treating skin diseases named granuloma annulare, bullous pemphigoid that not only causes blisters in the skin but also results in pain and infection.
Minerals like vitamin d, phosphorus, and calcium in the oyster mushrooms help in forming teeth as well as in maintaining dental health by aiding the jaw-bone mineral density and tooth enamel. Vitamin d also decreases the risk of gum inflammation that is associated with gum diseases.
Cures anemia and improves metabolic health
Anemia is a disease that lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood, reduces red blood cell production, and leads to blood loss. Oyster mushrooms contain vitamin b2 that helps in preventing diseases like anemia. Vitamin b2 produces red blood cells and assists in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Consumption of oyster mushrooms that contain vitamin b2, helps in decreasing the homocysteine levels in the blood, and also reduces arterial damage.
Oyster mushrooms also enhance metabolic health. Consuming a diet that includes fiber-rich vegetables like oyster mushrooms is recommended by doctors as a process to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Owing to the presence of vitamin b5 in the oyster mushrooms, it helps our body in maintaining the optimum level of metabolism. Studies have suggested that regular consumption of oyster mushrooms is effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome as well as obesity.
Conclusion
The above points suggest that oyster mushrooms have incredible health benefits. But it is recommended that you wash and dry the mushrooms before cooking them. Including oyster mushrooms in your diet plan defend your body against cancer, inflammation, anemia, and other infectious diseases.
References
https://learn.freshcap.com/tips/oyster-mushroom-health-benefits/
https://www.verywellfit.com/the-benefits-of-oyster-mushrooms-89610
https://thewilddoc.com/7-amazing-health-benefits-oyster-mushrooms/
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/oyster-mushroom/
