5 Health Benefits of Oysters
Whether you love them or hate them (gasp!), there is no denying the health benefits of oysters. As oyster farmers ourselves, we’ve seen these benefits first-hand. But is it more than just the allure of the coveted half shell that elevates people’s moods and minds? According to the latest research by Food + Planet and Contributing Bivalve Farmers, there are several reasons why adding oysters to your diet is a smart move for both your body and your mind.
1. Oysters are an incredible source of zinc.
Zinc is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, while also supporting your metabolism and wound healing. According to Food + Planet, just one serving of Eastern oysters delivers 165% your daily value of this essential mineral. Fun fact: zinc must be consumed daily through food as the body cannot store or produce it.
2. Oysters are full of iron.
Popeye shouldn’t have been messing around with spinach so much. It turns out Eastern oysters actually provide 18% of your daily value of iron, which is more than a typical serving of the green stuff. The “Sailor Man” should have known better!
3. Like most bivalves, oysters are high in iodine.
Having enough Iodine in your diet is important, as it is a mineral your body requires to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, brain development and bone growth. And while all clams, mussels and oysters tested by Food + Planet provided an excellent source of iodine, a serving of Eastern oysters offers up 43% of your daily value.
4. Oysters are packed with B12.
Most people have heard that B12 is important for increasing your energy. We’ve all seen - and, maybe even in a moment of desperation, tried - those little B12 energy shots at the gas station or 7-11. We’re here to tell you that hitting up that buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour can actually be the better move, with Eastern oysters boasting between 600-2200% of a person’s average daily needs of the vitamin.
5. Oysters are nature’s protein bar.
It’s hard to ignore the seemingly endless calls to add protein to our diets lately, from Instagram influencers plugging meal plans to Starbucks offering protein cold foam. But there’s a tastier, healthier and less processed option available, and it’s in your bay. One dozen raw oysters will add about 10-20 grams of protein to your plate, while also being a low calorie option.
Not only are oysters packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, they’re also one of the most sustainable and climate-friendly food sources in the world, so you can feel good about eating them.
To order a dozen, chat more about oysters, learn how to shuck, see the farm, or book a raw bar for your next party, contact us at tnpoysters@gmail.com.
Read more about the nutritional benefits of oysters and other bivalves in Food + Planet’s latest handbook: What Consumers Need to Know: 2025 Nutrient and Food Safety Analysis of Clams, Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops.
