Oyster mushrooms: properties, benefits and harms

The beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms have been known since ancient times. So, even in ancient China and Japan, it was believed that the consumption of these fruit bodies in food beneficially affects the body and even cures diseases.

Unfortunately, today oyster mushrooms have undeservedly gone into oblivion, and many are completely unfamiliar with their useful properties. However, it is known that in medicine these fungi 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 minerals.

The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms are a factor that must be given special attention. Often, when they become more familiar with these fruiting bodies, many people immediately rank them as "beloved." 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 must first get acquainted with what oyster mushrooms should look like for eating. First, fruiting bodies should never 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, the benefits are out of the question.

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

The benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health

Of the 20 amino acids necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the body, it is known that 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, as well as proteins. The latter make them close in composition to meat products, so oyster mushrooms are successfully eaten by vegetarians. In addition, the caloric content of these fruiting bodies is small and amounts to: 38 kcal for fresh ones and 75 kcal for stewed ones.

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 dull hunger even in small amounts.

The antiviral and bactericidal properties of oyster mushrooms are also known. And the juice secreted from the fruiting bodies prevents the development of E. coli.

Another significant benefit of oyster mushrooms for humans is the presence of polysaccharides, which have a strong anti-cancer property. These molecules can 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 medications designed to suppress and destroy cancer cells.

So, the health benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health is very great. Regular consumption of these fruiting bodies helps with:

• high and low blood pressure;
• reduced immunity, especially after colds;
• gastrointestinal ulcer;
• diabetes (lowers blood glucose);
• impaired metabolism;
• the development of atherosclerosis;
• helminthiasis (used in combination with other antiparasitic drugs);
• visual impairment;
• 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 in masks has a beneficial effect on the skin condition: nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates. In addition, masks with the addition of oyster mushroom juice have a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect.

Harm and contraindications to the use of oyster mushroom

However, along with the benefits of oyster mushrooms for the body, there is harm, which also needs to be known. 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, cooking or stewing. In this case, mushrooms lose a significant part of chitin, and digestibility increases by 70%.

If we talk about contraindications, oyster mushrooms are not recommended for individuals during an exacerbation of diseases of the liver, gall bladder and gastrointestinal tract. The rest of the time, the consumption of mushrooms is allowed, however, in a strictly limited amount. In addition, this product is also contraindicated for children under 10 and pregnant women.

As you can see, the benefits and harm 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 a healthy person, the daily norm of their consumption is only 50 g, for a dried product this figure is reduced to 15 g. However, in order to assimilate the body more efficiently, it is better to grind fruit bodies.