11 Amazing Health Benefits of Oysters

Oysters health benefits includes supporting weight loss, promoting a healthy heart, help in wound healing, supports stronger bones, provide increased energy level, improve overall immune function, may help cure acne, may boost sexual drive for men, promote better vision, promote reabsorption of antioxidants, and promote healthy sleep.

What is Oysters?

The demand for Oysters has risen considerably over the past two to three decades. These tasty invertebrates may not look like much on the outside, but when properly prepared, are wonderfully delicious.

Oysters are scientifically referred to as Ostreidea. The cultivation of Oysters first started in Japan and presently, are one of the most sustainable seafood options available.

Today, there are different types of Oyster species that are available. Preparation of Oysters provides health benefits that most persons tend to neglect, but which we can all benefit from.

Nutrition Info of Oysters (per medium 25g)

Calories- 41
Total Fat- 1.2g
Total Carbohydrates- 2.5g
Protein -4.7g
Potassium- 76mg 2% RDI
Vitamin A- 2.4% RDI
Vitamin C- 5.3% RDI
Cholesterol – 25mg 8% RDI
Calcium- 0.4% RDI
Iron- 13% RDI
Sodium- 53% RDI
Zinc- 6.5mg 45% RDI

11 Amazing Health Benefits of Oysters

1. Can Help In Weight Loss

The right seafood can work wonders for weight loss. Oysters are low in calories and fat but contain a high protein content. Persons trying to lose weight can take oysters to nourish the body with all the necessary nutrients without increasing fat consumption. In fact, Oysters have half the amount of calories contained in an equivalent serving of chicken, even though chicken is an already excellent low fat protein source. Proteins are known to have a high “thermic effect”, which is the amount of calories needing to be used to metabolize the macronutrient Thus, including them in diet will help boost metabolic activities and enhance weight loss without additional work.

2. Promote A Healthy Heart

A Buildup of cholesterol can cause blockage of arteries. Healthy diet and exercise can reduce your risk of heart diseases.

Omega-3-fatty acids are known to reduce the risk of cardiac diseases and enhance brain function. They increase the level of good cholesterol and decrease the level of bad cholesterol. Oysters are good sources of this form of fatty acid. The presence of magnesium and potassium also help to lower blood pressure and iron helps carry oxygen to blood cells

There is minimal risk of cardiovascular diseases when omega-3 fatty acids prevent ‘bad cholesterol’ from attaching to blood vessels and the arterial wall and shrinking the lumen space.

3. Can Help In Wound Healing

Oysters play a role in strengthening the function of the immune system. It contains zinc which reduces the risk of infection from microbes and aids the healing process. Intake of oysters also promotes adequate growth and development in children and adults. Researchers agree that lack of zinc may result in mental lethargy and poor hair growth. Zinc also provides mood stability, reducing anxiety, depression and anger. Synthesizing and boosting collagen levels to improve skin appearance and cell turnover are also properties that can be attributed to oyster consumption.

4. Provide Stronger Bones

As we advance in age, there is usually a corresponding decrease in bone density. Older ones are prone to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, which can be prevented by ensuring an adequate intake of foods that contain calcium and co-factors, such as Oysters. Brittle bones and a majority of tooth defects are due to a reduced amount of calcium intake. This element is responsible for healthy bones and maintaining bone mass. Oysters contain the adequate amount to cater for daily calcium needs of the body, especially when combined with dairy based calcium sources. With the intake of Oysters, prevention of arthritis and other bone-related diseases is possible.

5. Provide Increased Energy Levels

A Lack of proper nutrients required to keep the body functioning optimally is common with the diet we consume today. As a result, energy levels decrease and performance suffers.

Oysters can help eliminate fatigue, since they contain Vitamins and Minerals in an appropriate quantity suitable for improving the energy produced by the body. As a result, the turnover of worn out cells and formation of new cells are rapid and improved energy levels is achieved as a result.

6. Improve Overall Immune Function

Organs work together to protect the body from external invaders, with many mechanisms involved in protection of the body. However, the body needs assistance to fight invaders, which can be achieved by supplementing with oyster consumption. Oysters are an excellent source of anti-oxidants.

The immune system inhibits pathogens and unfamiliar cells from damaging the body. Major vitamins aid the body in doing so.

Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Zinc work to enhance the immune system’s ability to engulf foreign bodies and destroy them before they can replicate and adversely impact healthy cells.

7. Oysters May Cure Acne

The zinc in Oysters can also work to inhibit the microbes causing acne. Zinc also reduces inflammation and clears the pores, reducing keratinocytes that block the pores.

Many people opt for synthetic acne preparations in the hope of getting rid of their problem, when consumption of natural foods such as oysters could hold the key to the problem after all. Many people are deficient in zinc intake today, so by simply addressing this problem, acne could be one less thing you have to worry about.

8. May Boost Sexual Drive For Men

Every man wants an increased sexual drive. Some go to the extent of taking a supplement that claims to boost sexual performance. One natural way to enhance this is intake of Oysters

Increased synthesis and secretion of testosterone will result in an increased level of sexual performance, and in conjunction with the generous amounts of amino acids, oysters stimulate the production of the primary male sex hormone. Deficiency in zinc, as some studies show, leads to decreased sexual drive in men. Men who want to improve arousal and treat a host of sexual problems are encouraged to try oysters, since they are regarded as natural aphrodisiacs.

9. Promote Better Vision 

The eyes are regarded as our gateway to the world. As such, it is imperative that we take good care of these organs, since vision defects have a way of adversely affecting our way of life. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and of course, consumption of oysters can help to improve and preserve our vision for years to come.

Regular consumption of oysters can improve eye function in dim light, prevent cataract development, and slow down age related macular degeneration as well.

10. Promote Reabsorption Of Anti-oxidants 

Anti-oxidants fight oxidation. Although, oxidants are found naturally in the body, an excess may damage the cells and cause a wide spectrum of negative effects such as cancer and heart disease.

To inhibit this action, the nutrients found in oysters effectively donate an electron to stabilize these “free radicals” and stop their damaging effects dead in their tracks.

Zinc and selenium are minerals found in Oysters. They help the body to absorb anti-oxidants so that they can continue to function and inhibit free radicals.

Failure to reabsorb anti-oxidants exposes the body to free radicals and damage to the cells inevitably occur over time.

Adequate reabsorption is equivalent to rapid anti-oxidant release which facilitates removal of harmful agents in a timely manner.

11. Promote Healthy Sleep 

Sleep is necessary. There is absolutely no replacement for sleep when it comes to restoring and improving brain function, and enabling growth and recovery of cells.

Ensuring we get enough sleep also helps restore energy levels, allowing for optimal performance during the day. Sleep also helps to keep us looking youthful, minimizing the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

Thanks to the presence of the minerals zinc and magnesium, oysters can help us get to sleep and stay asleep, so that the deep restorative phase of sleep in achieved.

Conclusion

Oysters have been a major delicacy in times past. Take the time to try this out in your diet if you never have before, and experience the health benefits derived from the oyster. Oysters are natural remedies that are definitely worth the try.