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The surprising benefits of oysters (and no, it’s not what you’re thinking)

Think of oysters, and what comes to mind? You’ll probably picture a plate of seafood with a generous squeeze of lemon, or you might think of oysters’ reputation as an aphrodisiac. But oysters have many talents beyond their famed gastronomic (and other) qualities. Oysters also help coastal ecosystems in many different ways, from cleaning the water to sheltering other animals. Oysters are multi-talented marine warriors with an impressive bag of tricks up their calcareous sleeves. Their filter-feeding improves water quality and nutrient cycling. They provide safe haven for young fish and small invertebrates, reduce coastal erosion, and even soak up carbon.

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Featured

 Increasingly Acidic Seas Threaten Oyster Farming

Now, the global race against ocean acidification is intensifying as carbon dioxide levels in the seas increase. A recent study found that the world’s oceans crossed a “planetary boundary” in 2020, and warned that things were worse than previously thought. Researchers said the deteriorating conditions could “result in significant declines in suitable habitats for important calcifying species,” including coral reefs and bivalves.

 Oysters belong in the sea, not on our plates

Without obvious legs or faces, oysters and other bivalves, such as scallops and clams, may appear less animal-like than other shellfish, but that doesn’t make them any less worthy of our consideration. Every day, we learn more about the other species with whom we share the planet – and we find that they are more intelligent, sensitive and empathetic than we had previously realised. With each new discovery, it can seem like there is more we don’t know about the inner lives of animals than we do. But we do know that we don’t have to eat them.

 Why eating oysters increases your happiness

There aren’t a lot of food products that stir up the conversation the way oysters do. Say oysters, and all sorts of associations come to mind. We like to joke about oysters, and wink playfully while alluding to the effect of oysters on our love life. It would be a cliché to assume it’s men who think that way; women play the ‘oh-la-la’ card just as well. Although the effect oysters have on our libido has never been scientifically proven, the rich amount of zinc influences our level of dopamine. Dopamine is a “happy hormone”; it brings about a feeling of well-being. Ah, there’s the relationship with oysters. We therefore like to call oysters “happy fast food.” After eating oysters, one feels rejuvenated and energized.

 Wild oysters are tastiest in months that end with ‘R’—here’s why

The first part of this myth is based on pretty simple science—oysters in the summer tend to be in their youth phase. They can be fatty, watery, soft, and lack flavor versus a more mature, tasty oyster in chilly months with the firm texture and brine many have come to love. Bacteria like Vibrio parahaemolyticus have caused illnesses in harvesting areas throughout the summer. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and the like when someone eats a raw oyster. But, humans have been eating oysters for thousands of years before we knew about bacteria.

 Your love for fresh oysters can help the planet

Farmed oysters are tasty, sustainable—and support the restoration of wild populations.

Articles of Interest

How to Eat Oysters Safely

An expert breaks down the potential food safety hazards to consider, especially when eating them raw. Oysters are considered a potentially hazardous food, which means that they’re vulnerable to carrying microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Bacteria like oysters due to their high protein content and moisture level.

As Climate Changes, Is Eating Raw Oysters Getting Riskier?

Oysters have long been a trademark of southern cuisine, but they also pose health risks for some. "There's always going to be a small amount of risk," says Dr. Fred Lopez, who studies infectious disease at Louisiana State University's Health Sciences Center. Lopez says the biggest danger comes from a pervasive bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is what reportedly killed Kelsch.

Could billions of oysters protect us from the next big storm?

Flash flooding in New York City. Sinking coasts in Louisiana. To guard against the effects of climate change, these communities are turning to bivalves.

For The Love Of Oysters: How A Kiss From The Sea Evokes Passion

If you're looking to make an impression on your valentine, flowers and chocolate can certainly go a long way, though maybe that's a little predictable. What about certain foods that are said to stir up passion? I'm thinking of oysters.

How decoding the genome of pearl oysters could save them

Viruses are hurting Japan's pearl oysters. Now scientists are working to figure out how to make the oysters more resilient.

Mollusks and Me: Learning the Art of Eating Oysters

But with oysters, I mostly just swallow, frightened by their “It’s alive!” texture. If an oyster suddenly raised its voice and started to plead for mercy, it wouldn’t totally surprise me. So my purpose in visiting Pier A—the structure was built in the late 1800s for the city’s Department of Docks and Ferries and the Harbor Police, and reopened as a restaurant in November—was both to face my fears and to educate my palate.

O is for Oysters and Ocean Threats

Oysters are loved the world over. From tiny to Giant, these mollusks are coveted, revered, even consider an aphrodisiac by some. Oysters have been around for thousands of years. They even look prehistoric! Technically, an oyster is a mollusk, with a lid and a cup. They sport hard, rough grayish-white shells which are covered in grooves and waves. The shell is made up of calcium carbonate and trace minerals. No two oysters are alike. Like a snowflake! The shell has a flat top side and a curved cup which holds the meat and the liquid.

Oyster Blood Might Be the Cure for the Next Global Health Crisis

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are causing more and more “superbugs”. but researchers think they’ve found a potential solution.

Oyster Myths & Facts

Oysters sparks curiosity. No matter how you feel about them, there’s a good chance they compel you to ask a question or two.

Oysters and Vibriosis

An oyster that contains Vibrio doesn’t look, smell, or even taste different from any other oyster. You can kill Vibrio in oysters and other shellfish by cooking them properly.

Oysters can’t sleep—and your lights might be the cause

If oyster populations do suffer, so would the ecology and economy of many regions worldwide, where oysters filter water, protect shorelines from storms, and, as a commercially grown species, provide food and jobs to communities.

Oysters Don’t Have Ears But Still Use Sound to Choose Their Homes

When they venture away from their oyster bed, young oysters float along in the ocean currents, only able to move up and down within the water column. Eventually, while still in the larval stage, they attach to a reef or sediment. But how do they know where to land?

Oysters Linked to Norovirus That Causes Stomach Flu, Study Finds

You might want to pass on the oysters at your next happy hour: the bivalves can bring on norovirus, otherwise known as the stomach flu, according to a new study.

Raw Oysters. Yick. And Possibly Dangerous

No accounting for taste. When at a seafood restaurant with friends, it's common to see others order and gulp down a half-dozen loogies raw oysters. Having never been known as the most adventurous eater (wife: "he's a fussy pain in the ass"), it is understandable why I'd rather starve than eat turkey gonads, sheep eyeballs, or raw oysters. But, at least for the last one, there is some science to back up my "fussy-pain-in-the-ass" designation. Raw oysters are a splendid environment for germs to thrive because they are filter feeders – creatures that dwell near the bottom of the food chain.

Sorry to Ruin Your Summer, but Raw Oysters Can Lead to Shit Attacks—And Worse

To understand why some oysters can make you sick, let’s peel back the layers of the shellfish’s anatomy first. Oysters filter water from their environment to feed, Dave Love, PhD, a senior scientist at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, tells SELF. One oyster, on average, filters 50 gallons of water daily. In doing so, the mollusks “trap harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, which can naturally occur in the water,” he say

Why Oysters Are The Secret Superfood You Need To Try

While the idea of oysters evokes a scene of seaside eateries and white wine pairings, these seafood superstars do much more for your health than elevating your summer vacation. Oysters, both raw and cooked, are seriously polarizing as far as their taste and texture. But as a superfood, there is no debating the impressive list of health and nutrition benefits they offer.

Why you may never eat raw oysters again

Can you tell if a raw oyster is bad? No, an oyster that contains harmful bacteria or viruses does not look, smell or even taste different from any other oyster. Besides norovirus, there are a number of other bacteria and viruses that we need to be concerned with in raw oysters. The most important bacteria are two in the genus Vibrio. One is called Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the other Vibrio vulnificus. The latter bacterium can cause more severe illness, but are more often a problem in the U.S. than in Canada.

Resources

10 Wonderful Benefits of Oysters

Oysters were once prized for their aphrodisiac properties. But we now know that their health benefits go far beyond it. Oysters may contain many essential vitamins and minerals which make them very beneficial for us. Health benefits might include the ability of oysters to aid in weight loss, increase bone strength, improve heart health, boost immunity, aid in wound healing, and promote healthy growth. They are known to be a powerful aphrodisiac, and may also increase bone strength to reduce osteoporosis.

7 Reasons To Eat Oysters

Oysters have been consumed around the globe for centuries. While some see them as a delicacy, others have enjoyed them as a casual snack fresh off of the coast after a long day of fishing. These days, oysters are readily available and enjoyed for their unique flavor and nutritive properties. Eating oysters is a unique social occasion that can add something special to any dinner, gathering, or celebration. Oysters have a lot more to offer than just their delicious taste. They pack a range of essential nutrients that can help enhance your health without excessive calories or carbohydrates.