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The beneficial properties of oyster mushrooms have been known for a long time. So, even in ancient China and Japan, it was believed that the consumption of these fruit bodies in food has a beneficial effect on the body and even heals diseases.

Unfortunately, today oyster mushrooms have undeservedly gone into oblivion, and many are completely unfamiliar with their beneficial properties. However, it is known that in medicine, these mushrooms are very highly valued due to their rich chemical composition. And besides, one cannot fail to note their availability - all year round for a low fee, you can buy a whole storehouse of vitamins and microelements.

The benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms are a factor that must be given special attention. Often, getting acquainted with these fruiting bodies in more detail, many people immediately rank them among the "favorites". And some admirers of mushroom dishes, having learned about the benefits and properties of oyster mushrooms, begin to regret that they “did not make friends” with them earlier. "What is so valuable, it would seem, in inconspicuous, simple and affordable mushrooms?" - you ask.

To answer this question, you must first familiarize yourself with how oyster mushrooms should look for eating. First, fruiting bodies should never be rotten or spoiled. Rusty, dark, white and other suspicious spots are unacceptable for this fungus. Therefore, do not regret throwing away such fruiting bodies. Otherwise, there can be no question of benefit.

Secondly, oyster mushrooms should be chosen young and small in size. Large, already old individuals will be tasteless and very tough, moreover, their benefits are reduced significantly. I must say that these 2 features apply to all oyster mushrooms - collected in the forest, bought in a store or grown at home.

The benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health

It is known that of the 20 amino acids necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the body, oyster mushrooms have half of them and are responsible for the functioning of the immune system. These mushrooms are rich in minerals, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The latter make them similar in composition to meat products, so oyster mushrooms are successfully eaten by vegetarians. In addition, the calorie content of these fruit bodies is small and amounts to: fresh - 38 kcal, stewed - 75 kcal.

Iodine, potassium, calcium, iron, thiamine and biotin contained in oyster mushrooms have a beneficial effect both on the general condition of the body and on its individual organs. And thanks to lavostatin, cholesterol levels are significantly reduced. In addition, the enzymes that make up these fruiting bodies, even in small quantities, dull the feeling of hunger.

It is also known about the antiviral and bactericidal properties of oyster mushrooms. And the juice secreted from the fruit bodies prevents the development of E. coli.

Another significant benefit of oyster mushrooms for humans is the presence of polysaccharides, which have the strongest anti-cancer properties. These molecules are capable of stopping the development of benign and malignant tumors. In medicine, oyster mushrooms are often eaten during the rehabilitation period after chemotherapy. To date, scientists have developed many medications designed to suppress and destroy cancer cells.

So, the benefits of oyster mushrooms for human health are very great. Regular consumption of these fruiting bodies helps with:

• high and low blood pressure;
• reduced immunity, especially after colds;
• gastrointestinal ulcer;
• diabetes (lowers blood glucose levels);
• impaired metabolism;
• the development of atherosclerosis;
• helminthiasis (used in combination with other antiparasitic drugs);
• deterioration of vision;
• prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

I must say that oyster mushrooms are also widely used in home cosmetology. Many experienced women know that this product in the composition of masks has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin: it nourishes, moisturizes and rejuvenates. In addition, masks with the addition of oyster mushroom juice have a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect.

Harm and contraindications to the use of oyster mushrooms

However, along with the benefits of oyster mushrooms for the body, there is also harm, which you also need to know about. I must say that the harmful properties of these mushrooms are minimized. So, due to the content of chitin, fruiting bodies are rather difficult to assimilate in the body. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to eat oyster mushrooms in their raw form. To do this, they must be subjected to heat treatment: roasting, boiling or stewing. In this case, the mushrooms lose a significant part of the chitin, and the digestibility increases by 70%.

If we talk about contraindications, it is not recommended to use oyster mushrooms for persons during an exacerbation of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract. The rest of the time, the consumption of mushrooms for food is allowed, but in a strictly limited amount. In addition, this product is also contraindicated for children under 10 and pregnant women.

As you can see, the benefits and harms of oyster mushrooms are not equal. The nutrients, trace elements and vitamins contained in these mushrooms are unique. Even after prolonged heat treatment, oyster mushrooms practically do not lose their beneficial properties. For an adult and a healthy person, the daily intake of them is only 50 g, for a dried product, this figure is reduced to 15 g. However, in order for the body to digest more efficiently, it is better to grind the fruit bodies.