Oysters are a rich source of vitamin D, copper, zinc, and manganese. These micronutrients, in combination with calcium, are thought to be key to slowing or even preventing bone loss in older women due to osteoporosis. Additionally, dietary sources of these minerals are thought to be more effective than supplements.
They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that consuming them can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and stroke. Oysters have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health and reducing inflammation in your body.
Eating oysters may help reduce body weight, manage blood sugar levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve sexual drive, and treat erectile dysfunction. However, consuming them in raw or uncooked form may cause side effects in some people.
Oysters are a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins while being low in carbohydrates. Oysters help regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation, which gives an overall good feeling. Oysters are often regarded as an aphrodisiac (stimulates sex drive).
Because oysters feed by filtering water, bacteria can concentrate in their tissues. When someone eats raw or undercooked oysters, viruses or bacteria that may be in the oyster can cause illness. You can get very sick from eating raw oysters. Most Vibrio infections from oysters result in only diarrhea and vomiting.
Foodie tradition dictates only eating wild oysters in months with the letter “r” – from September to April – to avoid watery shellfish, or worse, a nasty bout of food poisoning.
Chew, chew, chew
"An oyster is meant to be savored. Rather than swallowing whole, I recommend biting into the oyster so the full flavor profile can be experienced. Also, when consuming an oyster in the shell, remember the 'oyster liquor' is there to be enjoyed.
Heart Health
Like fish and other seafoods, oysters are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered a healthy fat or cholesterol. They have been proven to reduce the chance of plaque accumulation in the blood vessels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Despite their nutritional value, oysters are not good for you because of their risk of bacterial contamination. They are prone to vibrio bacteria, which can be toxic to humans and cause digestive problems, inflammation and blood infection.
People with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or liver disease can die from infection within two days. Anyone showing signs of these symptoms after eating raw oysters should seek medical attention immediately and inform the health care professional on duty that they've eaten raw oysters.
One especially serious concern is the risk of food poisoning from oysters. Since oysters are most frequently eaten raw, they are especially susceptible to passing on bacterial contamination. One type of bacteria found in oysters — Vibrio vulnificus — is linked to a serious illness - even fatalities.
Just remember that more isn't always better — we'd encourage you to limit your oyster consumption to a maximum of one dozen oysters, two times per week. This will help you avoid any vitamin and mineral toxification risks.
Big Skin Benefits
It's possible that oysters can help with problem skin. Zinc and collagen, both found in oysters, have been shown to boost the repair and regenerative qualities of skin. Collagen is also known to help make brittle nails and hair strong again.
The humble oyster is considered one of the top super-foods by nutritionists... The oyster is the world's top zinc-rich food...
How many raw oysters can you eat in a day? You should only consume 3-6 raw oysters in a day. Oysters are nutrient-dense and low in calories; however, they are also high in cholesterol, which can concern some people. Overeating raw oysters has a high risk of food poisoning from Vibrio bacteria.
Ramsey points out that oysters are high in vitamin B12, which has been shown in studies to potentially reduce brain shrinkage, and have plenty of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, which, when people are deficient, may be linked to depression or suicide.
If you have liver disease and happen to love raw oysters, you need to know about a life-threatening bacterium for those with liver disease. Thoroughly cooked oysters will not harm you, but if you eat them raw, you could become a statistic.
Raw oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus can be life threatening, even fatal when eaten by someone with liver disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system. However, there are myths that encourage people to eat raw oysters in spite of these dangers.
Steamed Oysters
Steaming is also one of the healthiest ways to cook oysters, as it doesn't require olive oil or other ingredients that could add calories and fat.
Look for the telltale milky sac that indicates an oyster is spawning. If it's just getting going, the sac is little more than a thin, cream-colored line less than half an inch long. If the oyster is in high gear, the sac will be large and cloudy, overtaking much of the oyster's body mass.
Slurp It. Oysters are primarily a finger food and should be eaten raw, fresh and right from the shell. No silverware, no plates, you just need to put your lips right up to the shell and slurp away. This tiny fork that may frequently accompany oysters is used just to loosen the oyster from the shell.
We can eat oysters all year round, with exceptions. Sydney rock oysters are generally at their peak from September to March. But nature can get in the way. High rainfall can wash undesirable nutrients into estuaries.
There are reasons oyster lovers prefer not to eat oysters in warm-weather months. Oysters spawn in warm water and can be thin and watery. If you like your oysters plump and firm, maybe months with an “R” really are best. Warmer water can also cause harmful bacteria to grow.
Think of an oyster like a grape: if you don't chew the grape, you won't get the full flavor.