Oysters - The Immune & Libido Boosters

By Vicky Chan of NourishU

Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food such as grains, legumes, meat, nuts, and seeds. The main function of zinc is to boost the body's immune system which can help to prevent colds and allergies. Zinc is also an antioxidant which can help combat inflammation and reduce disease risk. Oysters also have libido-boosting effect and are beneficial to sexual health in men. Severe cases of zinc deficiency can lead to impotence.

A cup of raw oysters contains 650 percent of the recommended daily value of zinc, 362 percent of the recommended daily intake of B-12, 13 percent of riboflavin and 11 percent of niacin. They are also a good source of vitamins including vitamins A, B, C, and D, and a good source of complete proteins which means they contain all of the essential amino acids.

Chinese medicine regards oysters as neutral in nature, sweet and salty in taste and beneficial to the liver and kidneys. Oysters have been used to promote yang, nourish blood, check excessive perspiration and premature ejaculation, cure tuberculosis of the lymph nodes and reduce stress. Oyster shells have also been used for anti-tumor and anti-infection treatment.

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Most people either love oysters or hate them. Oysters are a decent source of low fat protein. Six medium oysters contain about six grams of protein. This protein is high in quality and is easier to digest than chicken and beef. According to the Resources Defense Council, oysters are one of the least contaminated types of seafood. Unlike some fish-farming operations, oyster farms can actually improve the quality of oceans and bays. That's because the oysters in offshore farms will feed on particulate matter and nutrients that might otherwise pollute waterways. Despite the perception that oysters are high in cholesterol, they actually contain only around 50 mg. of cholesterol per serving which is well within the recommendation of less than 300 mg. per day. Six medium oysters has only one gram of saturated fat and 57 calories.

When oysters are eaten raw, they may contain Vibrio bacteria that can cause illness, particularly in those with a weakened immune system. The best way to reduce this risk is to cook oysters to well done. Here is a delicious and easy to make recipe which only takes about 10 minutes.

Oyster and Egg Pancake

Therapeutic Effects

Improves immune system, promotes yang, and improves overall health.

Ingredients

(4 servings)

Oysters – 16 oz. or 473 ml or about 10 large ones
Green onion – 2
Coriander – 2 to 3 branches
Eggs – 2
Sweet potato starch – 5 large table spoons
Fish sauce – 3 table spoons
White pepper – 1 tea spoon

Directions

Rinse oysters and put in a mixing bowl. Mix oysters with 2 table spoons of salt by hand for a couple of minutes so that the slime and dark materials are coming off. Rinse and repeat the process with 2 table spoons of corn starch to clean oysters the second time. Rinse and drain.
Remove and discard the coin shape hard muscle of each oyster and cut each oyster into 6 to 8 pieces. Put them in a mixing bowl.
Rinse and finely cut green onion and coriander and add to the bowl.
Add in potato starch, fish sauce, white pepper, one spoon of oil and ¾ cup of water. Mix content well.
Beat eggs in a separate container and keep aside.
Heat 3 spoons of oil in a non-stick pan and pour in half of the oyster mixture. Let it cook to slightly brown on the bottom (about 5 minutes) and use the spatula to cut pancake into 4 quarters. Add a little bit of oil right in the middle and then pour half of the egg mixture on top. The egg will flow through the cracks and around the edges of the pancake. When egg is slightly brown, turn each quarter piece upside down to brown the top side. When both sides are brown and oysters are cooked, transfer pancake to serving plate.
Repeat the cooking process for the other half of the ingredients to make the second pancake.
Sever hot with extra fish sauce mixing with a pinch of white pepper as dipping sauce if necessary.