Edible Mushrooms, also known as the Gourmet or Pahadi Mushrooms. They are the fleshy fruit bodies of several species of macrofungi.
These mushrooms can either be harvested from the wild or cultivated.
You can find the common varieties of mushrooms in the markets which are easier to cultivate or gather from the wild.
But if you want rare types of mushrooms like truffles, matsutake, and morels which are harvested on a smaller scale, you have to reach out to farmers' markets or specialized stores.
That’s where Oyster Mushrooms also come.
There are about 40 different types of oyster mushrooms found around the world. Oyster mushrooms are found in the high mountains and are grown at heights over 11,000 feet.
Being one of the rare types of mushrooms, oysters are great for your overall health and skin.Before we explore its benefits, let’s start with the basics.
What Are Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms are a type of mushroom with gills on the underside. Even though mushrooms are not plants but fungi, they are a great food choice if you don't eat meat.
Oyster mushrooms are loved for their amazing flavor and soft texture. They are used a lot in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking. You can buy them fresh or dried.
Note: Dried ones last longer and have a stronger flavor.
Let’s go through the physical characteristics of raw oyster mushrooms.
- Cap Shape and Size: The cap is wide, shaped like an oyster or fan, and can be 2 to 30 cm. It comes in colors like white, gray, tan, and dark brown. Young ones have rolled-in edges, which smooth out as they grow, sometimes with wavy shapes.
- Flesh: The inside is white and firm, with the thickness varying depending on the stalk.
- Gills: The gills are white or cream and run down the stalk if it’s present, giving the mushroom its unique look.
- Stipe (Stalk): Not all oyster mushrooms have a stalk, but when they do, it’s short and thick, growing sideways from wood.
- Spore Print: The spore print is white to lilac-gray, which stands out against a dark surface.
- Aroma: Oyster mushrooms have a bittersweet smell, like bitter almonds.
- Carnivorous Nature: These mushrooms can paralyze and eat tiny worms (nematodes) using a special toxin.
Once you get hands on raw and authentic oyster mushrooms, you can cook them and avail the benefits they have to offer.
Oyster mushrooms have various benefits but today we’ll answer the question: are oyster mushrooms good for the skin?
Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms For Skin
Oyster mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrition and skin benefits. Here's a detailed look at benefits of oysters mushrooms for skin:
Oyster Mushrooms Antioxidant Properties Fights Skin Cell Damage
Oyster mushrooms are good for your skin because they have antioxidants, which are substances that protect your body’s cells from damage. T
These mushrooms have special compounds like gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and naringenin, which help fight damage in your body.
They also contain an amino acid called ergothioneine, which is a powerful antioxidant.
In studies with rats, oyster mushrooms improved antioxidant levels and lowered signs of inflammation, which are linked to aging and damage in the body. They even helped protect the liver from harmful chemicals.
One study found that oyster mushrooms can protect human artery cells from damage, and stop the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Oxidation can lead to problems like heart disease, but preventing it may also protect your skin by keeping your cells healthy and slowing down aging.
Oyster Mushrooms Regulates Blood Sugar
Oyster mushrooms may help with blood sugar regulation, which can also be good for your skin. In studies, people who ate oyster mushrooms or took mushroom powder had lower blood sugar levels after meals. It is important because keeping blood sugar stable can prevent skin issues like acne, which can be triggered by high blood sugar.
In one study, people with type 2 diabetes who ate 150 grams of cooked oyster mushrooms every day for a week saw their blood sugar drop by 22% before meals and 23% after meals. After they stopped eating the mushrooms, their blood sugar levels went back up. The treatment also improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which can affect skin health.
Another study showed that taking 3 grams of powdered oyster mushrooms daily for three months helped people with diabetes lower their long-term blood sugar levels.
This may be due to beta-glucans, a type of fiber in the mushrooms, which slows down how quickly your body digests and absorbs carbohydrates. It helps prevent blood sugar spikes, which can affect your skin.
Oyster Mushrooms Nutrients Keep Your Skin Healthy
Oyster mushrooms are packed with nutrients that can benefit your skin. They're a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all while being low in carbohydrates, which can help keep your skin healthy.
Here’s what you get in 1 cup (86 grams) of raw oyster mushrooms:
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): 27% of the Daily Value (DV) – Niacin helps improve skin texture and hydration.
- Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5): 22% of the DV – It is great for reducing skin redness and keeping skin soft.
- Folate: 8% of the DV – Folate supports skin cell growth and repair and keeps your skin looking fresh.
- Choline: 8% of the DV – Choline helps strengthen the skin barrier and keep it healthy and hydrated.
- Potassium: 8% of the DV – Potassium helps maintain skin hydration.
- Iron: 6% of the DV – Iron supports healthy blood flow, which can give your skin a natural glow.
- Phosphorus: 8% of the DV – Phosphorus is important for cell repair and helps to heal damaged skin.
- Zinc: 6% of the DV – Zinc helps with skin healing and acne prevention.
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: <1 gram
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Calories: 28
Oyster mushrooms also contain small amounts of vitamin D and selenium, both of which are important for skin protection and repair. Vitamin D helps with skin cell growth, while selenium protects your skin from sun damage and keeps it elastic.
Oyster Mushrooms May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Oyster mushrooms may help with inflammation, which is great news for your skin. They contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help calm irritation and redness. A 2020 study in rats showed that when they were given oyster mushroom extract, it significantly reduced swelling in their paws.
When it comes to skin, reducing inflammation is key to preventing conditions like acne, eczema, and redness. The anti-inflammatory properties of oyster mushrooms can help soothe irritated skin, reduce puffiness, and support overall skin health.
So, including these mushrooms in your diet could contribute to clearer, calmer, and healthier-looking skin.
Better Gut Better Skin
Oyster mushrooms may also support gut health, which can positively impact your skin. A 2021 study in rodents found that adding oyster mushrooms to their diet reduced harmful bacteria and boosted the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids in their guts.
Good gut health is closely linked to healthy skin. When your gut is balanced with good bacteria, it can reduce inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. This can lead to fewer breakouts, reduced redness, and overall clearer skin. By promoting a healthy gut, oyster mushrooms can indirectly contribute to healthier, glowing skin.
Did you get your answer to Are oyster mushrooms good for the skin?
But to ensure you get the benefits of oyster mushrooms for skin, you must know how to cook them and how much to consume.
How to Eat Oyster Mushrooms?
There are multiple ways to consume oyster mushrooms. Here's a simple guide on how to take oyster mushrooms:
- Cleaning Oyster Mushrooms: Gently wipe off any dirt with a dry paper towel. If they’re really dirty, use a damp towel instead. Don’t soak them in water because they soak up moisture fast.
- Preparing the Oyster Mushrooms: You can cook them whole, slice them, or tear them into pieces depending on your recipe or what you like.
- Cooking Methods: Oyster mushrooms are flexible and can be cooked in many ways, like sautéing, stir-frying, roasting, frying, grilling, or braising. Pick the method that fits your dish.
- Eating Raw Oyster Mushroom: You can eat oyster mushrooms raw, but they might taste a little metallic. It’s better to cook them to bring out their best flavor and texture.
- Using Dried Oyster Mushrooms: If you're using dried mushrooms, no need to soak them. Just add them directly to your dish, and they’ll rehydrate as they cook.
By following these steps, you can easily add oyster mushrooms to your meals and enjoy their delicious taste.
Also Read: Great Health Benefits of Gucchi Mushrooms
Where To Find Pure Oyster Mushrooms?
To get the benefits of oysters mushrooms for skin you need original oysters mushrooms that are unadulterated and raw.
At Pahadi Amrut, we take pride in offering you the best quality oyster mushrooms, sourced directly from the untouched mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.
Our mushrooms are hand-picked by local farmers from high altitudes, ensuring that they are grown and harvested in a clean, natural environment.
After harvesting, the mushrooms are carefully dried to preserve their rich flavor and nutrients, providing you with a product that is as fresh as it gets.
We are committed to delivering only the highest quality mushrooms, and each batch goes through strict quality checks at our hygienic packing facilities.
Our customers love the authentic taste of our oyster mushrooms, and we are confident that you will too.
Whether you're using them to enhance your favorite dishes or to benefit from their health properties, our mushrooms will be a great addition to your kitchen.
Try our oyster mushrooms today and elevate your culinary experience with a taste straight from the mountains.
