The Reason You Should Start Eating More Oyster Mushrooms

We're willing to bet that eating mushrooms is most likely not at the top of your list when it comes to eating healthy, but hear us out and allow us to tell you why you should — especially when it comes to eating oyster mushrooms. Your forehead wrinkle might be popping out in a state of confusion as you ask, "Why oyster mushrooms?" But trust us, these bad boys not only pack a punch when it comes to flavor and texture, but most of all, they are loaded with health benefits!

Enjoyed throughout the globe, and a staple in Asian cuisine, oyster mushrooms are cholesterol-free, fat-free, low in calories, and low in sodium (via GroCycle), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Oyster mushrooms also offer lots of other nutrients, such as protein and fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins C & D, just to name a few of the key benefits. A single cup of raw oyster mushrooms has 28 calories, 3 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and zero grams of fat, according to .

Beloved for their texture and savory flavor, oyster mushrooms are typically thin, oyster- or fan-shaped, and usually white, gray, or tan. Pleurotus ostreatus, or oyster mushrooms as we've come to know them, are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms throughout the world. Naturally found on trees in subtropical forests around the world, these tasty fungi (via British Columbia Government) are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and essentially anyone looking to add some flavor to their meals, as they can easily be sauteed, stir-fried, roasted, or even grilled.

While these mushrooms are known for their natural growth, oyster mushrooms have become so popular that people have started growing them in the comfort of their own homes thanks to kits like GroCycle that offer gourmet mushrooms with little to no work!

So, next time you're looking to whip up something fast and tasty in the kitchen that's loaded with amazing health benefits, try reaching for oyster mushrooms and sprucing up your old pasta recipe. You'll be glad you did.