What Are Oyster Sauce’s Nutritional Values And Health Benefits? Here Is What To Know 

Let’s find out ‘What Are Oyster Sauce’s Nutritional Values And Health Benefits?’ Oyster sauce is a salty sauce made from oysters that is frequently used in Asian cooking. It has few calories, no fat, and a good amount of calcium for strong bones.

People following a low-sodium diet should be aware that the soy sauce component of the dish is where the sodium content is found.

Oysters are first boiled in water to make oyster sauce, which is then thickened with cornstarch and caramel for color and flavor. When the oysters’ shells open, they are ready; any that don’t should be discarded. 2 For those who don’t cook, oyster sauce is available in bottles at supermarkets all over the world.

The most popular meat and vegetable dishes, stir-fries, as well as Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan Noodles, and lo mein, all use oyster sauce.

Oyster Sauce Nutrition Facts

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FoodData Central has this nutritional data available for one serving (15 grams) of oyster sauce. 3

Carbs

Soy sauce, flavor enhancers, and thickening agents are where oyster sauce gets its carbohydrates from. One percent of the daily recommended carbohydrate intake can be found in a serving.

Fats

There are no lipid fats, trans fats, or saturated fats in oyster sauce.

Protein

One gram of protein may be found in oyster sauce, which originates from the oysters. Some brands will have more protein since they utilize more shellfish. If you want a strong oyster flavor, check the ingredient list to see where the oysters are listed; if they are at the top, the seafood flavor will be more prominent.

Vitamins And Minerals

Iron is the main mineral present in oyster sauce; a serving contains 0.36 milligrams of iron, or 2% of your RDA. Vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium are additional vitamins and minerals.

Calories

Many people might not consume an entire serving of oyster sauce; others might consume several servings at once. Each serving contains 15 calories.

Health Benefits

Oyster sauce contains nutrients that have a number of positive health effects, but it’s crucial to remember that most individuals won’t drink enough of it to see significant gains in health. Eating entire oysters would be a more surefire method to experience those advantages.

However, the nutrients in oyster sauce have some notable advantages, such as:

Boosts Immune System

Oysters contain zinc, which may help to lessen the intensity and duration of cold symptoms. According to the National Institute of Health4, oysters have the highest zinc content of any food on earth. Because zinc is so effective at boosting the immune system, it is a common ingredient in lozenges and other popular cold medications around the globe.

Healthy Brain Function

Oyster sauce contains vitamin B12, which, according to Harvard Health, is essential for the health and development of brain tissue.5 Those who refrain from eating animal products are more vulnerable to developing neurological problems.
B12 can only be found in animal products, so there is a chance of developing a deficiency. Memory loss, fuzziness, and dementia can all be brought on by a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Increases Energy

Oyster sauce contains iron, which can help people feel more energetic since it helps carry oxygen. Nearly two-thirds of the body’s iron is found in hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, according to a review on iron and its significance for human health that was published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 6

Relieves Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The omega-3s in seafood can lessen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers discovered that those consuming fish oil had decreased morning stiffness, stiff joints, joint discomfort, and a need to use anti-inflammatory drugs. Their findings were reported in a scientific literature review that was published in The British Journal of Nutrition. The researchers claim that this shows proof that eating seafood and fish oil is only marginally helpful in easing the symptoms of this health problem. 7

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

It’s possible that oyster sauce’s manganese contributes to the balance of glucose. Researchers observed that the manganese levels in the diabetes group were considerably lower than those in the non-diabetic group in a study including approximately 4,000 individuals. 8

Manganese is a mineral that can be found in oysters, mussels, whole grains, and nuts, and the recommended daily intake is between 1.8 and 2.3 milligrams.

Allergies

Anyone with a shellfish allergy should stay away from oyster sauce. The most prevalent allergy in adults and one of the most prevalent in kids, a shellfish allergy often lasts a lifetime. Only 2% of people say they can’t eat shellfish because of allergies. 10

Itching, hives, pale or blue skin, swelling of the face and lips, difficulty breathing (wheezing), dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain are all signs of a shellfish allergy. Anaphylaxis could result from a severe reaction. 11

If you suspect that you may be allergic to shellfish, you should consult a doctor right away.

When It’s Best

Oyster sauce has a respectable shelf life, making it a wise addition to your kitchen’s condiment collection. An unopened jar of oyster sauce can be kept in the pantry or on a kitchen shelf for 18 to 24 months. After opening, the goods will remain fresh in the refrigerator for three to six months.

Oyster sauce should be thrown away if it is left out for more than eight hours at a temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, advises foodsafety.gov, an official website of the U.S. government. Otherwise, you run the risk of the food going bad.

How To Prepare

By combining oysters, water, caramel flavoring, cornstarch, and soy sauce, you may make the sauce at yourself, or you can buy pre-made oyster sauce from an Asian or grocery store.

The sauce doesn’t require any complicated cooking methods to be used. To add additional flavor, you can drizzle the liquid over steamed vegetables or pour it directly on top of the ingredients and stir it around.

Stir-fries are the dish in which oyster sauce is most frequently used. Asian flavor will be added to your dish by the soy sauce component.