# Oyster meat powder (Ostrea edulis)

Oysters contain numerous minerals - zinc, iron, selenium, and calcium. Oysters may support the immune system, mental health, heart health, and sexual health.

Oysters are saltwater invertebrates. Their exterior is a rough, hard shell that protects their soft body. Once the shell is cracked open, oysters can be eaten. Humans have eaten oysters raw and cooked for thousands of years.

### **You might need oysters if . . . **

- You have white spots/clouds on your nails
- You get sick often
- Feel fatigued
- Have low libido

### **Benefits of Oysters **

Oysters are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are full of vitamins and minerals like:

- Vitamin B12
- Zinc and copper support immune health
- Selenium supports thyroid health
- Iron supports energy and blood health
- Omega-3 content supports heart health

### **Common Ways to use Oysters **

Culinary uses included eating them:

**Raw**: Such an easy way to get the benefits of oysters-cracking their shells open and eating the soft insides. This is considered a delicacy in many cultures.

**Cooked**: Oysters are a common seafood ingredient added to many soups and stews.

**Powdered**: If you don’t like the taste of oysters, having it in a powdered form can make it easy to hide in food.

**Supplement**: Oysters can be dehydrated, powdered, and then put in a capsule for an easy way to get wholefood nutrition.

### **Safety Concerns **

There are two main safety concerns about oysters.

**The first is that they are an allergen**. If you have a seafood allergy, you will want to be sure that it doesn’t include oysters before trying them.

**The second concerns **[**heavy metals**](https://earthley.com/earthleys-blog/heavy-metals)**.** Farm or wild oysters, due to contaminated waters, run the risk of being high in heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury. If you plan on taking oysters as a daily supplement, you’ll want to check the company's COA for heavy metal test results (contact our customercare@earthley.com for ours).

**Drug Interaction:** If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet.

**Breastfeeding and Pregnancy:** There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

### **Select Studies About Oysters **

[Natural zinc-rich oyster peptides ameliorate DSS-induced colitis via antioxidation, anti-inflammation, intestinal barrier repair, microbiota modulation, and SCFA accumulation - ScienceDirect ](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429224012318)

This study shows that the bioavailable zinc found in oysters promotes a healthy gut lining and microbiome and can also help reduce gut inflammation.

[Characterization of vitamin B12 compounds from edible shellfish, clam, oyster, and mussel - PubMed ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11400475/)

This study demonstrates the availability of vitamin B12 in shellfish, including oysters.

[(PDF) Nutraceutical potential of Oyster ](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350740083_Nutraceutical_potential_of_Oyster)

This scientific article displays the nutritional value of Raw Eastern wild mollusk oysters.