Nutrition
Facts about Oyster Mushrooms
Prized for their incredible flavor and health benefits, oyster mushrooms are versatile and nutritious. They get their name from their appearance, not their flavor, which is earthy and mild.
Oyster mushrooms and other closely related species naturally produce Lovastatin, a drug approved by the FDA in 1987 for treating excessive cholesterol in the blood.
Source: Stamets, Paul, Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms, 3rd ed., 2000.
Oyster mushrooms contain ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant exclusively produced by fungi, according to a 2010 study led by Penn State food scientist Joy Dubost. The study found that oyster mushrooms have significant antioxidant properties that protect cells in the body. A 3 oz. serving of oyster mushrooms contains 13 mg of ergothioneine, and cooking the mushrooms does not reduce this level.
Oyster mushrooms also have significant antibacterial activity, according to a 1997 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The study found that the active compound benzaldehyde reduces bacterial levels.
Source: Livestrong.com
People who may find oyster mushrooms especially beneficial:
- Those who are anemic: oyster mushrooms improve haemopoietic factors.
- Those who are trying to control hypertension, obesity and diabetes: oyster mushrooms are high potassium yet have a low sodium/potassium ratio, and are also low in starch, fat and caloric value.
- Those who suffer from hyperacidity and constipation: Oyster mushrooms have beneficial high fiber content and alkaline ash content.
- Those wishing to bolster their immune systems: Oyster mushrooms contain some antibiotic properties and immune boosting properties.
Oyster mushrooms are high in B complex vitamins and protein. Vitamin B3 in oyster mushrooms is 5-10 times higher as compared to any other vegetable. Oyster mushrooms contain the majority of the mineral salts that are required by the human body. Calcium, phosphorous and iron content in oyster mushrooms is approximately double the amount available in beef, pork and chicken meat, yet oyster mushrooms are fat and cholesterol free.
Source: Examiner.com
Nutritional Information
Source: Nutrition Data.
Serving size: 1 large (5 ounces)
Low in calories, no saturated fat or cholesterol.
Excellent source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and zinc.
Calories – 64
Dietary Fiber – 3 g
Protein – 5 g
Iron – 2 mg
Potassium – 622 mg
Folate – 40 mcg
Niacin – 7.3 mg
