Amazing Health Benefits of Delicious Oyster Mushrooms! (Oyster Mushrooms)

Mushrooms are something we all love to eat. When we think of the taste of a mushroom brought from the market, our mouths start to salivate, right? But in addition to the common types of mushrooms we eat, there is a type of mushroom that is very popular and high in quality all over the world. That is the Oyster mushroom. It is called Oyster mushroom because it has a shape like a clam shell. Today, let's talk about how good these delicious Oyster mushrooms are for our health.

What are Oyster Mushrooms?

First, let's understand this. A mushroom is neither a plant nor an animal. It is a species of organism that belongs to the group called Fungus . There are more than 10,000 species of mushrooms currently found in the world.

Oyster mushrooms are one of these types. They come in a variety of colors. These mushrooms come in colors like gray, gold, brown, and cream. The gills on the underside of these mushrooms are white. They have a very short stem.

These usually grow in forests, on decaying tree trunks. But now they are cultivated on a large scale all over the world, especially in China. In Sri Lanka, these oyster mushrooms can now be seen in supermarkets.

What are the nutritional values ​​of oyster mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms are a superfood that is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals . Just think, take a look at what 100 grams of these mushrooms contain.

What are the health benefits of oyster mushrooms?

Mushrooms have long been used as medicinal plants in traditional medicine in countries like China and India. However, scientific research into their properties has only recently begun. Let's take a look at what those studies have found.

1. Rich in antioxidants!

Simply put, antioxidants are compounds that reduce damage to our body's cells, control aging, and protect us from disease. These antioxidants fight harmful 'free radicals' that form in our bodies. These free radicals have been linked to diseases like cancer.

These mushrooms also contain a lot of an amino acid called `(Ergothioneine).` This is also a very powerful antioxidant.

2. Very good for heart health

Eating oyster mushrooms can be very good for your heart. The reason for this is that they contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucans . This fiber is fermented in our intestines and helps reduce the production of cholesterol in the body.

• In one study, adults were given a soup made with 30 grams of dried oyster mushrooms for 21 days. As a result, their levels of bad cholesterol ( LDL cholesterol ), triglycerides , and total cholesterol were significantly reduced.
• Another study conducted on diabetic patients showed that eating oyster mushrooms for 7 days not only reduced their blood sugar levels, but also their cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure .

3. Helps with brain function

It's normal for memory to decline a little as we age. But oyster mushrooms may help to reverse this condition. A study of 663 people over the age of 60 found that those who ate more than two servings of mushrooms a week had a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment .

4. May help reduce the risk of cancer

Several scientific studies have been reviewed and found that eating about 18 grams of mushrooms a day (about two medium-sized mushrooms) can reduce the risk of cancer by about 45% . Scientists believe this may be due to special compounds in mushrooms, such as ``Ergothioneine''.

5. Helps control blood sugar levels

A few limited studies have shown that eating oyster mushrooms regularly can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. In a study of patients with Type 2 Diabetes, eating 150 grams of oyster mushrooms three times a day for 7 days reduced their morning fasting blood sugar levels by about 22% .

But remember, if you are diabetic, you should definitely talk to your doctor before making any decisions about these foods . The doctor's treatment and advice is always the most important thing.

How do oyster mushrooms taste?

Oyster mushrooms have a very delicate, sweet flavor. Some varieties smell like fennel. These mushrooms have an amino acid called `(Glutamate), which gives them a very special flavor. This flavor is called `(Umami)` flavor. This is known as the fifth taste. The other four flavors are sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

This umami flavor can add a nice flavor to even low-salt dishes, so oyster mushrooms are a great alternative to meat.

How to choose and cook oyster mushrooms?

Selection and storage

• Choose mushrooms that are firm and uniform in color.
• When you get these home, put them in a paper bag and store them in the fridge. It's best to use them within a few days, but they can be kept for up to a week.
• Since mushrooms are 80-90% water, do not deep freeze them. If you do, they will become watery when thawed.

Cleaning and preparation

• You should wash the mushrooms just before cooking them. Don't wash them beforehand.
• Cut off the bottom of the mushroom stem and discard.
• Wash the mushrooms thoroughly with water to remove any insects or dirt that may be stuck between the wrinkles. Then gently squeeze out excess water with a clean cloth or tissue.

Gardening method

Oyster mushrooms can be cooked in many ways. Sautéed, stir-fried, made into soup... they're delicious either way. If you're adding them to a dish that takes a long time to cook, add them toward the end of the cooking time , as they cook quickly.

• These go well with any type of meat, such as chicken, fish, shrimp, and squid.
• Heat some butter and cream, then add to the chicken.
• If you like, you can also make fish with coconut milk our way.
• It's also very tasty to eat with a little onion, garlic, and ginger and oil.

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