Oysters

Oysters

　　Pacific oysters, commonly known as "sea oysters" or 海蛎子, are one of the main varieties produced in Dalian, China. They are delicious, tender, and highly nutritious. Their dried meat contains 45–57% protein, 7–11% fat, 19–38% glycogen, along with abundant vitamins and iodine. Fresh oyster soup is often referred to as the "milk of the sea." Dalian currently produces 100,000 tons of oysters annually.

　　Oysters are a type of shellfish that are widely produced and can be extensively farmed along China’s coasts. There are many varieties of oysters, with common ones in China including the Pacific oyster, river oyster, Dalian Bay oyster, and dense-scaled oyster, among others. Although they vary in appearance, their medicinal effects are largely similar. Both the flesh and shells of oysters have medicinal value. Modern research shows that oyster meat contains ten essential amino acids for the human body, taurine, glycogen, various vitamins, and bioactive substances unique to marine organisms. In addition, oysters are rich in trace elements such as zinc, iron, copper, iodine, and selenium, all in well-balanced proportions. Oyster shells consist of 80–90% calcium carbonate, along with small amounts of calcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, magnesium, aluminum, and other inorganic substances, with organic matter accounting for only about 1.72%.

　　Modern medical research indicates that the calcium salts in oysters can compact capillaries, thereby reducing vascular permeability. After entering the stomach, oysters react with gastric acid to form soluble calcium salts, which are then absorbed into the body. This helps regulate the body's electrolyte balance and suppresses the excitability of nerves and muscles. Nowadays, oyster extracts have gained popularity in many regions across Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. Medications made from oysters are clinically used to treat chronic conditions such as immune deficiency disorders, liver diseases, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, kidney diseases, and tumors. Many pregnant women and new mothers also use oyster-based health supplements to promote healthy childbirth and child development.