The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms for the human body
Oyster mushrooms are edible mushrooms that grow on tree trunks. The difference between oyster mushrooms and poisonous mushrooms is the color and density of the cap. It is light and smooth to the touch. Fruiting bodies appear in late August and early September. The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms depend on their age.
The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms for the human body
Description of the mushroom
Oyster mushrooms have a light color on their caps and legs. The hat is one-sided or round, without flaws. Under it are the plates of the hymenophore, which descend (descend) on the legs, and near it form bridges (anastomoses). The stem is lighter than the cap, usually white, but hard to the touch, making it unsuitable for cooking.
Oyster mushroom is one of the most massive mushrooms. Its adult diameter reaches 18-20 cm. It grows only as a family. Up to 30 individuals can grow in one place. The total weight is up to 3 kg.
Oyster mushrooms are represented by a number of species. Representatives of one species may differ in the color of the cap: a darker shade is characteristic of older specimens. They should not be eaten: they already lack the nutrients necessary for the human body. Oyster mushrooms with dark caps can be used for salting.
Fruit bodies can be grown on their own: a number of specialty stores offer several types of mycelium.
Oyster mushroom is one of the most massive mushrooms. Its diameter is 18-20 cm
Beneficial features
Oyster mushrooms have the ability to temporarily replenish the role of protein in the human body.
The list of useful substances contained in the fruit bodies:
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- potassium;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2, B7 (biotin);
- cellulose.
The benefit of the product is that it has a positive effect on the functioning of the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract. Fiber helps the intestines get rid of toxins and unnecessary masses, and vitamins maintain the level of nutrients in the human body.
The constant use of this mushroom does not have negative consequences for human health, if you adhere to the permissible dosage, because mushrooms should not be eaten more often 1-2 times a week.
Oyster mushrooms have a low calorie content (38 kcal), which allows them to be consumed while losing weight. However, stewed oyster mushrooms increase their calorie content to 75 kcal per 100 g.
Also, this product is prescribed for those who suffer from high blood cholesterol levels.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
Oyster mushrooms have also found their application in home cosmetology: in the composition of masks, this mushroom has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin of the face (nourishes, moisturizes, rejuvenates). In addition, oyster mushroom juice can be added to the masks - they will have an anti-inflammatory effect.
On a note. Fruit bodies of oyster mushrooms grown in ecologically clean conditions have the ability to remove heavy metals and radionuclides from the body. Therefore, they are considered especially valuable for people who live in regions with unfavorable environmental conditions.
Contraindications
Elderly people and children under 10 years old are allowed to use oyster mushrooms only after consultation with a specialist: due to the presence of chitin in their composition, they are able to inflict organisms on representatives of these age categories.
In case of problems with the liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract, the use of this mushroom is undesirable: chitin in the composition of the product is practically not absorbed, it only brings harm.
There are no specific contraindications. The product must be thoroughly heat treated.
A large amount of this mushroom is contraindicated for everyone, without exception. Also, be careful about the use of this product by pregnant and lactating women, because mushrooms are a strong allergen.
The product must be thoroughly heat treated
Application
Oyster mushrooms are used for cooking and medicine. They are compared to champignons. The composition allows you to use this product in the manufacture of drugs for better bowel function, as well as for the body's fight against viruses and infections.
In cooking
These mushrooms are used as an independent product in different forms:
- fried;
- boiled;
- pickled;
- salted.
They are added to salads, soups, or used as a side dish. During heat treatment, a significant part of chitin is lost, and the assimilation of fungi increases to 70%.
For any use, oyster mushrooms must be thermally processed, they are not consumed raw because of the large amount of chitin.
Oyster mushrooms are added to salads, soups, or used as a side dish
In medicine
Useful properties of oyster mushrooms are used to create various sorbents. Fiber helps the intestines to remove stagnant masses (they often settle on its walls, forming a kind of "stones") and toxins.
Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
In the fruiting bodies of oyster mushrooms, lovastatin is present - a compound that can disrupt the normal course of the early stages of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. 2 weeks after the start of treatment, the first effect is observed, and after 4-6 weeks the maximum effect of the drug action is observed. Polysaccharides, the presence of which is noted in the pulp of oyster mushrooms, have a powerful anticancer effect and are able to stop the development of tumors of various origins - good and malignant. In medical practice, oyster mushrooms are recommended for use during rehabilitation after chemotherapy.
They are also used in medications that lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Oyster mushroom is able to relieve a person of gastritis and stomach ulcers. Mushrooms of this group are grown on their own very often. To do this, you only need to create suitable conditions. The mineral and vitamin composition of oyster mushrooms is very valuable for humans, so this mushroom should be regularly eaten to maintain health.
