PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS (OYSTER MUSHROOMS).
Oyster
mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are a type of medicinal mushroom. Often
consumed as a food, it’s also available in dietary supplement form. In
certain systems of traditional medicine (such as traditional Chinese
medicine), oyster mushrooms are used to treat a variety of health
conditions.
Oyster mushrooms contain a number of substances
thought to influence health. These substances include beta-glucan and
several other polysaccharides (a class of carbohydrates found to affect
immune function).
Uses for Oyster Mushrooms.
In alternative medicine, oyster mushrooms are said to help treat the following health problems:
-Atherosclerosis,
-Diabetes,
- High cholesterol,
-Respiratory tract infections.
In addition, oyster mushrooms are purported to stimulate the immune system and protect against some forms of cancer.
Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms.
So far, few scientific studies have focused on oyster mushrooms. While
there’s currently a lack of clinical trials testing the effects of
oyster mushrooms, some preliminary research shows that the fungus may
offer certain benefits. Here’s a look at some of the available evidence
for oyster mushroom’s health effects:
1) High Cholesterol.
Several animal-based studies suggest that oyster mushrooms may help
lower your cholesterol and protect against hardening of the arteries.For
example, a preliminary study published in Clinical and Experimental
Pharmacology and Physiology in 2003 found that oyster mushrooms may
reduce total cholesterol levels.
In tests on rats, the study’s
authors also observed that treatment with oyster mushroom helped
increase the animals’ antioxidant status and decrease their levels of
triglycerides. High triglyceride levels have been associated with an
increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
2) Cancer.
Some
preliminary research indicates that oyster mushrooms may possess
cancer-fighting properties.This research includes a study published in
International Journal of Oncology in 2008, in which tests on human cells
demonstrated that an oyster mushroom extract may suppress the growth
and spread of breast cancer and colon cancer.
Additionally, a
mouse-based study published in the International Journal of Medicinal
Mushrooms in 2011 determined that an oyster mushroom extract may fight
tumor growth, in part by activating certain immune cells.
Alternatives to Oyster Mushrooms.
There are several types of medicinal mushrooms that may help strengthen
your immune system. These mushrooms include maitake, ganoderma, and
shiitake.Getting your fill of immune-boosting foods may also help
enhance your immune function.
For help in keeping your cholesterol
in check, make sure to get plenty of soluble fiber (found in a wide
range of foods, including grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables),
limit your intake of saturated fats, and load up on omega-3 fatty acids.
There’s also some evidence that drinking green tea on a regular basis
and consuming plant sterols may help combat high cholesterol.
Where to Find Them.
Oyster mushrooms are sold as a whole food in many SUPERMARKETS and food
stores. You can also buy oyster mushrooms from farms specializing in
natural products like
Mamaland Mushroom Farms.
Mamaland Mushroom Farm(2015).
E-Mail:-Mamalandmushroomproject@gmail.com,
Phone/Watsapp:+255621-080300.
Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin/Google+:Mamaland mushroom farm. Blog:Mamalandmushroomproject.blogspot.com
-Fight Back Against Malnutrition,Save Lives. Mushroom is Therapy. #Mushroom_Is_Therapy.
Fight Back Against Malnutrition,Save Lives.
Mushroom is Therapy.
#Mushroom_Is_Therapy.