OYSTER MUSHROOM

Oyster mushroom is an edible mushroom which was originated from Germany during the World War I. Pleurotus ostreatus is commonly known as Oyster Shelf, Tree Oyster, Tamogitake and Straw Mushroom, is a mushroom very similar to Pleurotus pulmonarius with some differences. The cap of Oyster mushroom are broad and fan or oyster shape. Pleurotus ostreatus prefer temperate and sub-tropical climate. This fungi grows on dead hardwood trees.

History

It was firstly sophisticated in Germany during the World War I. It is grown economically in the world as a food. It is cultivated as similar to the king Oyster mushroom. These mushrooms are also used for industrial purposes. These fungi are cultivated worldwide generally in the India, South East Asia, Africa and Europe. In the 18th century, Joseph Freiherr von Jacquin assigned the Oyster mushrooms in the Agarius family due to the presence of gills underneath the cap. In 1871, Paul Kummar, a German mucologist assigned the mushroom in Pleurotus family. Germany grew Oyster mushroom during World War I as a necessity food which discovered the antibiotic qualities of this mushroom.

Plant

The cap of Oyster mushrooms are broad, fan or oyster shape, convex and semicircular; 1-12 inches as a width and 1/2-1 ½ inches thick. The cap is white-gray or tan-dark brown in color. The gills are white to cream color. The spore print is white-liliac gray. It has white, firm and thick flesh.

BENEFITS OF OYSTER MUSHROOM

  • Immunity system
    Vitamin D helps to replicate the healthy cells and protects the autoimmune conditions such as flu and common cold. It also prevents the excessive or prolonged inflammatory responses. Inflammation is the cause for autoimmune disorders and chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure and digestive problems.
  • Cardiovascular conditions
    Besides the balance of triglycerides and cholesterol levels, Vitamin B3 helps to reduce atherosclerosis that is hardening of arteries which may lead to the heart disease. It also assists to reduce the histamine production and inflammation along with the improvement in circulation. Vitamin B3 reduces the chances of reoccurring of heart disease or cardiac arrest in those who have already experienced. Additionally, Vitamin B3 helps to treat pellagra which is the health condition that occurs from the deficiency of niacin.
  • Skin problems
    Vitamin B3 which is in the form of niacinamide helps to clear acne when it is applied topically in the skin. Niacin assists in the reduction of flare ups, skin inflammation, redness and irritation. It also helps to treat granuloma annulare and bullous pemphigoid which is a skin disease that blisters the skin, cause pain and infection.
  • Brain health The studies show that copper has an impact on the brain pathways such as galactose and dopamine which helps to maintain the energy, mood, focus and outlook. The deficiency of copper results in fatigue, low metabolic activity, poor mood and problem in concentration. Copper also helps to utilize the antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, Vitamin C, tyrosinase and ascorbate oxidase. This helps to prevent the damage made by free radicals in the brain and also slows down the process of ageing, neuro-degenerative diseases and cancer.
  • Cures anemia
    An inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood, low red bloods cell production and the blood loss are the causes of Anemia. Vitamin B2 helps to prevent the anemia. Vitamin B2 is vital for production of red blood cells and steroid hormone synthesis. It assists in transporting the oxygen in the body and also mobilizes iron. The people with low Vitamin B2 have the high chances of sickle cell anemia and anemia. The research shows that Vitamin B2 helps to reduce the homocysteine levels in the blood.
  • Provides energy
    Vitamin B converts the carbohydrate into glucose which is used as a fuel to produce energy. Vitamin B synthesizes the body and metabolizes proteins and fats. Vitamin B5 assist to rebuild muscles, tissues and organs. Vitamin B5 helps to maintain the optimum level of metabolism.
Tomatoes Onions Oyster Mushrooms Cabbage