“Oyster mushrooms contain several ingredients that are believed to provide health benefits. For example, beta-glucan fiber to maintain heart health and boost immunity.”
Oyster mushrooms are one type of edible mushroom that is quite popular. It is called oyster mushroom because this type of mushroom has a shape and color similar to an oyster.
This fungus, which has the Latin name Pleurotus ostreatus, has a soft texture and delicious taste. No wonder oyster mushrooms are often used to add flavor to a variety of savory dishes.
Apart from being consumed as food, this type of mushroom is also used to help treat various health conditions. This is thanks to the many nutritional contents in it that are beneficial for the health of the body. Let’s find out the health benefits of oyster mushrooms here.
Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. They are also low in carbohydrates, making them a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
One cup of sliced oyster mushrooms (86 grams) provides 28 calories, 2.9 grams of protein, 5.2 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.3 grams of fat. In addition, this fungus, which is commonly found in China, also contains several substances that are believed to be beneficial for health.
These include dietary fiber, beta-glucan, and several polysaccharides, a class of carbohydrates that affect immune function. Here are the health benefits of oyster mushrooms:
1. Maintain Heart Health
Cholesterol and high blood pressure are well known as two factors that contribute greatly to heart disease. Consuming oyster mushrooms can help reduce the levels of these two factors, thus maintaining heart health.
Oyster mushrooms can lower cholesterol thanks to their beta-glucan content, which is a fiber that forms the cell walls of yeast and mushrooms. When fermented by bacteria in the gut, beta-glucan produces short-chain fatty acids that can reduce your body’s production of cholesterol.
A study of 89 participants with diabetes found that eating oyster mushrooms for 7 days not only lowered blood sugar, but also cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Oyster mushrooms are also rich in antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics. Antioxidants are important for fighting free radicals, which have been linked to diseases such as cancer.
Scientists have proven that oyster mushrooms contain higher amounts of antioxidants than other types of cultivated mushrooms. That’s why oyster mushrooms are often used in so many dietary supplements.
Edible mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms are also a good source of ergothioneine. Ergothioneine is a type of amino acid that has strong antioxidant activity.
3. Strengthens the Immune System
The benefits of oyster mushrooms to strengthen the immune system are also inseparable from the content of a type of beta-glucan fiber called pleuran. This type of beta-glucan has been shown to have immune modulating properties. According to various studies, this substance can improve the symptoms of viral infections, such as herpes simplex 1 virus infection and respiratory tract infections. In addition, oyster mushrooms also have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
4. Improves Cognitive Health
From a study of 663 participants aged 60 years and above, it was found that consuming mushrooms was beneficial for reducing the risk of mild cognitive impairment.
5. Lowers Cancer Risk
According to scientists, mushrooms are high in bioactive compounds. A review of several scientific studies also said, that eating about 18 grams of mushrooms (about two medium-sized mushrooms) a day, can help reduce the risk of cancer by 45 percent. This is thought to be thanks to special mushroom compounds such as ergothioneine.
6. Can Control Blood Sugar Levels
Another benefit of consuming oyster mushrooms regularly is lowering blood sugar levels. One study on hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes found that eating 150 grams of oyster mushrooms three times a day for 7 days, can reduce fasting blood sugar levels by about 22 percent. After 1 week without mushrooms, fasting blood sugar levels increased by about 13 percent.
Those are the benefits of oyster mushrooms for health. You can get quality oyster mushrooms at Ijoriyo.com.
