OYSTER MUSHROOM (Pleurotus ostreatus).
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, as well as online stores.
Mamaland Mushroom Farm(2015).
E-Mail:-Mamalandmushroomproject@gmail.com,
Phone:+255682757566.
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.
