How Many Oysters Can You Eat In A Day? Answered

Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Shari Mason

Did you ever think about the number of oysters you could consume in a single day?

As someone who loves seafood, I’ve pondered this question too.

Let’s explore the world of oysters together and find out how many of these tasty treats you can savor in a single day. Get ready to discover the possibilities and considerations of oyster feasting.

How Many Oysters Can You Eat In One Sitting?

Oysters are an irresistible dish on your table. Still, based on our research, only six oysters per person is the ideal human consumption for the main course, and if served as an appetizer, three to four oysters per person are enough to consume.

However, the answer to this question will also vary depending on who you’re asking. People in the coastal areas may eat a dozen or more, while others can only eat one at a time.

Knowing about oysters’ nutritional health benefits and disadvantages is essential to avoid overconsumption and health risks.

Is Eating Too Many Bad For Your Health?

Yes, we learned that eating too many oysters is terrible for your health as it may lead to food poisoning due to zinc toxicity.

Mollusks are composed of beneficial vitamins and minerals that our body needs, but excessive intake can cause negative health effects. [1]

“The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.”

Andrew Carnegie, Philanthropist

Overdosage of zinc competes and reduces the level of copper and iron in the body, leading to impaired immune functions and anemia. Eating too many raw oysters is also not advisable because they may carry harmful bacteria and viruses. 

Health organizations advised people to consume cooked oysters rather than raw or undercooked oysters. Find out how long can clams live out of water here.

Can You Eat Oysters Everyday?

You can, but I do not recommend it. Oyster consumption daily is not a good idea because it contains minerals that could be harmful when taken excessively. 

Buy oysters cautiously because they have a short shelf life and are often contaminated with a toxin called domoic acid before being sold. Symptoms include stomach pains and nausea.

We learned that you could also get liver disease by eating contaminated raw mollusks because of an infectious organism called vibrio bacteria found in an oyster soaked in warm water on the Gulf coast during summer. [2]

Benefits Of Eating Oysters

Eating oysters has many benefits. Based on our research, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent heart disease.

They have low-calorie content and antioxidant properties. Smoked oysters are healthy and are high in selenium, a mineral that protects the thyroid against cancer.

A 3.5oz serving of medium oysters has over 100% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin B12, Zinc, Copper, and Selenium. Moreover, an oyster has a high content of manganese and phosphorus.

Best Way To Eat Oysters

There are many ways to cook and enjoy oysters. I usually order fully-cooked oysters and pair them with hot or cocktail sauce whenever we eat at a seafood restaurant.

There are also canned oysters, which you can use to make oyster soup. Stewed or fresh smaller oysters are usually paired with lemon juice. Eating raw oysters in a half shell with a tiny fork is what other people enjoy.

Whichever way you want to cook oysters, always track how many oysters you’ve eaten because eating too many can be bad for your health. But what should you do if you eat raw shrimp accidentally?

Most Oysters Eaten In One Sitting World Record

According to our research, in 2005, French Sonya Thomas consumed 480 oysters in just over two hours, setting the record for the most oysters consumed.

A few years later, Frenchman Colin Shirlow beat the record by devouring 492 oysters in just 27 minutes.

Loic Jougla, the fourth-fastest oyster eater in the world, consumed 491 oysters in two hours and fifteen minutes in 2012.

What Happens if You Eat a Lot of Oysters?

Eating oysters can provide various health benefits due to their high nutritional content; however, consuming too many can lead to several side effects. 

We learned that consuming large quantities of oysters are challenging to digest, leading to bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort. 

Oysters are also high in cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Additionally, eating contaminated oysters may cause food poisoning or heavy metal toxicity. 

In moderation, oysters can be a healthy addition to your diet, but it is essential to consume them in moderation and ensure they are properly cooked and sourced.

Read: Should You Eat Mahi Mahi Raw?

FAQs

Summary

Oysters can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation, so it is best to consume not more than six per day.

While there is no exact limit to the number of oysters you can eat daily, overindulging in oysters can lead to various side effects, including food poisoning, heavy metal toxicity, and allergic reactions.

Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the number of oysters you consume in a day and to source them from reputable and trustworthy suppliers to minimize the risk of contamination.

Always be cautious when buying shellfish in the market. Some dead shellfish aren’t safe to eat anymore. 

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2407097/ 
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/health-educators/danger-eating-contaminated-raw-oysters