The beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms have been known since ancient times. So, even in ancient China and Japan, it was believed that eating these fruiting bodies has a beneficial effect on the body and even cures diseases.

Unfortunately, today oyster mushrooms have undeservedly gone into oblivion, and many are completely unaware of their beneficial properties. However, it is known that in medicine these mushrooms are very highly valued due to the rich chemical composition. And besides, one cannot fail to note their availability – all year round for a low fee you can buy a whole storehouse of vitamins and trace elements.

The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms are a factor that should definitely be given special attention. Often, getting to know these fruiting bodies in more detail, many people immediately classify them as “favorite”. And some admirers of mushroom dishes, having learned about the benefits and properties of oyster mushrooms, even begin to regret that they “did not make friends” with them earlier. “What is so valuable, it would seem, in inconspicuous, simple and affordable mushrooms?” – you ask.

To answer this question, you first need to familiarize yourself with how oyster mushrooms should look like for eating. First, the fruiting bodies should in no case be rotten or spoiled. “Rusty”, dark, white and other suspicious spots are unacceptable for this fungus. Therefore, do not regret throwing away such fruiting bodies. Otherwise, there can be no question of benefit.

Secondly, oyster mushrooms should be chosen young and small in size. Large, already old individuals will be tasteless and very tough, besides, their benefits are reduced significantly. I must say that these 2 features apply to all oyster mushrooms – collected in the forest, bought in a store or grown at home.

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Benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health

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It is known that of the 20 amino acids necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the body, oyster mushrooms have half of them and are responsible for the functioning of the immune system. These mushrooms are rich in mineral salts, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The latter make them similar in composition to meat products, so oyster mushrooms are successfully eaten by vegetarians. In addition, the calorie content of these fruiting bodies is small and amounts to: fresh – 38 kcal, stewed – 75 kcal.

Iodine, potassium, calcium, iron, thiamine and biotin contained in oyster mushrooms have a beneficial effect on both the general condition of the body and its individual organs. And thanks to lavostatin, cholesterol levels are significantly reduced. In addition, the enzymes that make up these fruiting bodies, even in small quantities, dull the feeling of hunger.

It is also known about the antiviral and bactericidal properties of oyster mushrooms. And the juice secreted from the fruiting bodies prevents the development of Escherichia coli.

Another significant benefit of oyster mushrooms for humans is the presence of polysaccharides, which have the strongest anti-cancer properties. These molecules are able to stop the development of benign and malignant tumors. In medicine, oyster mushrooms are often eaten during the rehabilitation period after chemotherapy. To date, scientists have developed many drugs designed to suppress and destroy cancer cells.

So, the benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health are very high. Regular consumption of these fruiting bodies in food helps with:

  • high and low blood pressure;
  • reduced immunity, especially after colds;
  • peptic ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • diabetes (lowers blood glucose levels);
  • disturbed metabolism;
  • the development of atherosclerosis;
  • helminthiasis (used in combination with other antiparasitic drugs);
  • blurred vision;
  • prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

I must say that oyster mushrooms are also widely used in home cosmetology. Many experienced women know that this product as part of masks has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin: it nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates. In addition, masks with the addition of oyster mushroom juice have a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect.

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Harm and contraindications to the use of oyster mushrooms

However, along with the benefits of oyster mushrooms for the body, there is also harm that you also need to know about. I must say that the harmful properties of these mushrooms are minimized. So, due to the content of chitin, fruiting bodies are quite difficult to digest in the body. Therefore, raw oyster mushrooms are strictly forbidden to eat. To do this, they must be subjected to heat treatment: frying, boiling or stewing. In this case, mushrooms lose a significant part of chitin, and digestibility increases by 70%.

If we talk about contraindications, then oyster mushrooms are not recommended for people during an exacerbation of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract. The rest of the time, the consumption of mushrooms for food is allowed, but in strictly limited quantities. In addition, this product is also contraindicated for children under 10 and pregnant women.

As you can see, the benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms are not equivalent. The nutrients, trace elements and vitamins contained in these mushrooms are unique. Even after prolonged heat treatment, oyster mushrooms practically do not lose their beneficial properties. For an adult and healthy person, the daily intake of their consumption is only 50 g, for a dried product this figure is reduced to 15 g. However, in order for the digestibility of the body to be more efficient, it is better to grind the fruiting bodies.

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