7 beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms for human health

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most common edible mushrooms in the world, which can be harvested independently or purchased in stores.

They contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances.

Such a rich composition determines the health benefits of oyster mushrooms. They are fighting the most common cardiovascular diseases, strengthen the immune system and improve brain health.

How they are useful – 7 facts

7 useful properties of oyster mushrooms are considered below (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Have a rich composition

Oyster mushrooms are low–calorie (about 43 calories per 100 grams), but very nutritious mushrooms. They contain :

This type of mushroom surpasses in the number of essential amino acids in the composition of all known vegetable crops (except legumes ). The amino acid content is close to meat .

2. Reduce cholesterol levels

Excess cholesterol in the blood causes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of arteries, which can lead to the formation of both chronically ongoing (coronary heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia) and acute (practically fatal) diseases (myocardial infarction, stroke).

Animal studies performed under the supervision of specialists from Korea, demonstrate that oyster mushrooms are able to reduce the level of total cholesterol, as well as its atherogenic fractions – TAG and LDL.

Feeding mice with 5% powder of these mushrooms led to a decrease in total cholesterol by 16-37%, TAG – by 14-45%, the ratio of "harmful" cholesterol to "useful" (LDL/HDL) – by 41-64%.

Oyster mushrooms are recommended to be included in the nutrition system of people with existing cardiovascular diseases or an increased risk of their development.

3. They inhibit chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a physiological but dangerous process in the body. According to information of British experts, it is associated with the early development of cardiovascular and oncological diseases, type II diabetes mellitus.

How claim American experts, oyster mushrooms inhibit the production of a number of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukins 6 and 12, prostaglandins), which leads to a decrease in the activity of chronic inflammation and even to the relief of autoimmune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis).

4. They have an antioxidant effect

Installed that oyster mushrooms contain a lot of antioxidant substances.

Antioxidants support the course of all processes in the body and, most importantly, block the effects of free radicals on cells.

It is with free radical mechanisms, according to the data American scientists, aging, early formation of chronic pathologies and the appearance of malignant processes are associated.

5. Reduce the risk of developing cancer

One of the main beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms is their pronounced antitumor activity.

Due to the abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory action, mushrooms are able not only to prevent the appearance of malignant cells, but also to cause their death.

Studies performed in the laboratory by specialists from the USA, show that oyster mushrooms are able to block the growth and division of malignantly degenerated cells of the large intestine, mammary glands in women, as well as prostate in men. Similar data lead Taiwanese scientists.

6. Improve the functioning of the central nervous system

Oyster mushrooms contain a lot of vitamins of group B.

These substances support the course of metabolic processes in brain tissues, improve cognitive sphere ( memory , attention, thinking) and provide reliable prevention of a number of degenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's disease). Similar information, based on their own scientific works, is provided by scientists from USA and Belgium .

The sufficient content of B vitamins in the diet of women during pregnancy and children in the first years of life affects the mental development of the child. Children remember information better and show an increased interest in learning due to the ease of perception of information.

Oyster mushrooms (like any other foods with B vitamins) must be included in the diet of the elderly in order to prevent cognitive disorders.

7. Strengthen the immune system

Research shows that oyster mushrooms are able to enhance the body's immune response in response to the introduction of foreign agents from the external environment (viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxic substances).

Mushrooms can be used for the prevention of various local and systemic infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Potential harm

Oyster mushrooms are considered safe mushrooms. However, they have contraindications and, in rare cases, can harm a person.

The most common side effects are:

1. Poisoning. Oyster mushrooms "absorb" any harmful substances from the soil and air. You should carefully choose the manufacturer and give preference to mushrooms grown in artificial conditions.
2. Irritation of intestinal mucous membranes. Oyster mushrooms contain a small amount of arabite, which can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, etc.).
3. Exacerbation of gout. Mushrooms are rich in purines, which are converted in the body into uric acid. It is deposited in the periarticular tissues, worsening the course of gout.
4. The development of urolithiasis. Uric acid also plays an important role in the formation of concretions in the lumen of the urinary system. If you already have urolithiasis, mushrooms may be contraindicated.
5. Allergic reactions. Are caused by an increased sensitivity of the body to fungal proteins. As a rule, the intestines suffer, less often allergopathologies manifest themselves in the form of urticaria.

Separately, it should be noted that the effects of mushrooms on the female body during pregnancy have never been studied.

Ways of using

Oyster mushrooms are universal mushrooms. They can be boiled, fried, stewed, baked in the oven, pickled and salted, as well as stewed. They are unsuitable for consumption in their raw form.

Let's look at several recipes for cooking oyster mushrooms, which allows you to reveal the taste and aroma of mushrooms, while preserving all the nutrients.

Boiled mushrooms

Will be required:

• 300 grams of oyster mushrooms;
• 800 ml of water;
• To taste – salt and spices.

Cooking scheme:

1. Rinse and peel the mushrooms thoroughly. Cut it in half.
2. Place in an enameled bowl, fill with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to stir the oyster mushrooms every 3-5 minutes.
4. Strain, put on a plate.
5. The dish is ready.

Boiled oyster mushrooms are suitable for adding to salads and go well with sour cream.

Mushroom soup

Necessary Ingredients:

• 200 grams of oyster mushrooms;
• 1 medium-sized onion;
• 2-3 potatoes;
• 1 small carrot;
• 1 garlic clove;
• 1.5-2 liters of water.
• 2-3 tbsp olive oil;
• To taste – salt, pepper, herbs.

How to cook:

1. Cut onions into half rings, potatoes into cubes, mushrooms in half, carrots grate on a coarse grater.
2. Put the garlic through a press or chop it very finely.
3. Preheat a frying pan, add oil and vegetables (except potatoes), fry over low heat for 5-10 minutes.
4. Place the potatoes in an enameled saucepan, pour water over them. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Mix all the ingredients and cook for about 10-15 more minutes.
6. Turn off the gas and let it brew for about 15 minutes.
7. The soup is ready. If desired, you can add salt, pepper, and herbs.

Conclusion

Thus, oyster mushrooms contain a lot of nutrients (including antioxidants) that will improve the health of all body systems.

They are able to reduce the risk of developing deadly cardiovascular diseases, improve the functioning of the brain and protect it from degenerative abnormalities, prevent the appearance of malignant neoplasms.