Oyster Mushroom

Other Names:

Elephant ear or straw mushroom

Nutrition:

Oyster mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and great for overall health and weight loss. They contain vitamin D, niacin and iron, plus nutrients such as riboflavin, potassium, B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium and vitamin C.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine Oyster mushrooms are prescribed for muscle, joint and tendon relaxation, strengthen veins and increase kidney function.

Health Benefits:

Immune System support 

These mushrooms contain powerful compounds made up of beta-D-glucans which naturally boost the immune system by optimising its response to disease and infection. Beta glucans stimulate the activity of macrophages that ingest and destroy invading pathogens whilst also stimulating other immune cells to attack.

One study of people who consumed oyster mushroom extract for eight weeks has shown that the extract may have immune boosting effects, whilst another study showed mushrooms contain compounds that help to regulate the immune system.

Heart Health

Oyster mushrooms have a natural cholesterol reducing effect and have been studied for their effect on modulating blood cholesterol levels. Evidence suggests that these mushrooms have the ability to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Vitamin B3 found in oyster mushrooms also helps to reduce the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) which may lead to heart disease, it also assists in the reduction of histamine production and inflammation along with the improvement of circulation.

History:

Oyster mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes in China for centuries, however its antibiotic properties were more recently discovered during World War I when Germany grew them as a subsistence food.

Typical Uses:

Oyster mushrooms can be consumed as food when cooked or as a supplement. We suggest a dosage of 1 to 2 capsules daily with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411015001169?via%3Dihub

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2017/8402405/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17344789/