Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are an excellent addition to a healthy diet as they do not accumulate toxic elements like cadmium or chromium from the substrate. Therefore, wild-grown oyster mushrooms are also safe for consumption.

Nutritional Value and Vitamins:

• Nearly 25% of its dry matter content is protein.

• Low in fats and carbohydrates, making it low in calories.

• Rich in potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

• Contains significant amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid). Folic acid deficiency can cause bone development disorders, hair loss, mouth mucosa inflammation, and a decrease in white blood cells.

Health Benefits:

• Antioxidant: Contains ergothioneine, a unique antioxidant that protects healthy cells from oxidative stress, particularly in the lens of the eye, liver, bone marrow, and sperm. It acts as a "cell protector" and mammals obtain it from their diet as they cannot synthesize it themselves.

• Antibacterial: The benzaldehyde in oyster mushrooms reduces bacteria in the body, helps prevent infections, and lowers stress.

• Cholesterol Reduction: Research has shown that it lowers blood cholesterol levels, plasma lipoprotein levels, and liver triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

• Immune System Booster: Long-term consumption activates the immune system.

Other Uses:

• In Chinese medicine, oyster mushroom powder is used to strengthen veins, treat lumbago, and relieve stiffness and cramps in limbs and tendons.

• Japanese research indicates that oyster mushroom extract can slow the growth rate of certain tumors.

• In the Czech Republic, extracts from the mushroom are a key component of diets aimed at preventing high cholesterol.

• Russian researchers have isolated a compound called Pleurotin from oyster mushrooms, which has been found to have antibiotic effects against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus, Mycobacterium, Clostridium).

Consuming oyster mushrooms is a healthy and versatile way to intake essential nutrients while contributing to disease prevention and treatment.