Oyster Mushrooms: Medicinal Benefits

Oyster-shaped, rich in taste, beloved across the globe - are common phrases that come to mind when we discuss oyster mushrooms. They are common additions to several popular dishes such as pasta. They naturally grow on wood rather than on the ground and are found across the globe in temperate and subtropical forests. They can be grown on straw and other substrates and have an uncanny ability to break down tough substances quickly.

An interesting fact about this mushroom is that it is one of the few mushrooms that can be carnivorous —  feeding on animal tissues. They can kill and eat nematodes to obtain nitrogen from their bodies[1]. There are almost 40 edible types of oyster mushrooms. Although they have been used for centuries, their current popularity is increasing because they can be an excellent meat substitute. They provide a lot of promising health benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss how they can impact your health.

[1] Pleurotus ostreatus wikipedia

Oyster Mushrooms Boost Heart Health

Heart diseases are at the center of increased disease load in healthcare settings around the globe. The disease burden is often attributed to elevated cholesterol levels and hypertension. The adverse effects of high cholesterol can be reduced by oyster mushrooms as they are a rich source of beta-glucans. These are a group of biologically active fibers that are a natural source of anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic, and immunomodulating activities[1]. Beta-glucans help in the reduction of cholesterol by producing short-chain fatty acids. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods has reported that the consumption of oyster mushrooms lowers concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and oxidized LDL that are otherwise hazardous for heart health[2].

Oyster Mushrooms Promote Blood Sugar Regulation

Oyster mushrooms have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels by promoting insulin secretion and by decreasing blood sugar increasing proteins. A study was undertaken to assess the antidiabetic effects of oyster mushrooms in diabetic patients. A total of thirty patients were given 150 grams of cooked oyster mushrooms daily for 7 days. The results indicated that fasting blood sugar was reduced by 22% and post-meal blood sugar by an average of 23% in the participants[3].

The study concluded that oyster mushrooms are an excellent candidate for a reduction in blood glucose levels and blood pressure without any deleterious effects on the liver and kidney. Another study involving a total of 27 hypertensive male volunteers suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus reported similar results[4]. The study found that 3 grams of powdered oyster mushroom powder per day for 3 months significantly reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker for long-term blood sugar control.

Oyster Mushrooms Gives Immune-Supportive Benefits

Oyster mushrooms can help your immune system in different ways. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that intake of oyster mushrooms is linked with enhancement in immune function[5]. The study continued for eight weeks involving 41 people that were given oyster mushroom extract supplements on daily basis. The results indicated that the participants had a heightened immune response system by activating interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a molecule that plays a critical role in protecting against infection. Also, oyster mushrooms are rich in pleuran, a beta-glucan fiber that has shown immunomodulatory properties.

Oyster Mushroom Is A Source Of Antioxidants

Oyster mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants. They are abundant in phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and naringenin that impart antioxidant effects[6]. A study has reported that supplementation of oyster mushroom extract in rodents improved antioxidant levels and reduced anti-inflammatory markers as well[7].

Reduce Risk of Cancer

Recent research has highlighted that oyster mushrooms can prevent cancer. Although there is a lack of human trials, sufficient lab and animal studies are available. A study published in 2019 has shown that oyster mushroom extract can destroy cancer cells. The study also emphasized its use in combination with thermotherapy to improve the results[8]. Another study has reported that oyster mushrooms can cause the destruction of breast cancer cells by altering genes in them[9].

Conclusion

Oyster mushrooms are a complete package that provides nutrition and a wide array of health benefits. They can be a great supplement to your daily diet. They boost heart health, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of cancer.

[1] Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of β-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future International Journal of Molecular Sciences

[2] Lipid lowering effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in humans Journal of Functional Foods

[3] Oyster mushroom reduced blood glucose and cholesterol in diabetic subjects pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[4] Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus on Blood Pressure and Glycemic Status of Hypertensive Diabetic Male Volunteers Journal of Medical Biochemistry

[5] Enhancement of the Th1-phenotype immune system by the intake of Oyster mushroom (Tamogitake) extract in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study sciencedirect.com

[6] Antioxidant Activities and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Effects of Different Extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus Fruiting Bodies ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[7] Protective effect of an extract of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, on antioxidants of major organs of aged rats pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[8] Comparison of anticancer effect of Pleurotus ostreatus extract with doxorubicin hydrochloride alone and plus thermotherapy on erythroleukemia cell line pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[9] Pleurotus highking Mushroom Induces Apoptosis by Altering the Balance of Proapoptotic and Antiapoptotic Genes in Breast Cancer Cells and Inhibits Tumor Sphere Formation ncbi.nlm.nih.gov